How To Knit The Perfect Edge. Ribbing and Binding Off.
I published the i-cord edge tutorial a couple of years ago, but I still keep getting questions and emails about it. So, I decided to put together a whole post that I will devote to answering the most popular requests.
What stitch pattern can I use the i-cord edge with?
Basically, you can use it with ANY stitch pattern. But I would say that the i-cord looks the best next to the textured stitch patterns.When used next to the stockinette stitch, there are some things to keep in mind.
The icord won't stand out as much against the stockinette as it does against the textured stitches.
If knit too tight, it might start pulling the stockinette fabric. Make sure to swatch before you use it on a bigger project. If you see that the i-cord is puling the fabric, you will have to watch your tension more carefully and make i-cord stitches longer than the ones in the main fabric.
The edge will stop the rolling of the fabric, but you might have to adjust the number of stitches in the i-cord. Thinner yarns will require more stitches to keep the edge in place, with thicker yarns 3-st i-cord selvage might be enough. The only thing to know for sure what works best for you is to make a swatch.
The i-cord would look and behave perfectly with garter stitch, brioche stitch or any slip stitch textured pattern.
How many extra stitches to add to the stitch count?
Though I mentioned it in the main tutorial post, I still got some questions, so I decided to cover this question in a more detailed way. For 2-st I-cord selvage you will add 4 extra stitches to your stitch count. For 3-st I-cord selvage you will add 6 extra stitches to you stitch count.So, if you have the pattern, let's say, for the garter stitch scarf that tells you to cast on 60 sts and you want to add the 2-st i-cord selvage to it, you will cast on 64 sts and if you are adding 3-st i-cord selavage, you will cast on 66 sts.
How to add the i-cord selvage to the cardigan bands?
This question cannot be covered in one post. If you are an experienced knitter and can easily modify patterns, here are some tips that can help you:
You can use the i-cord selvage only when the bands are knit simultaneously with the body or if the bands are knit separately and then sewn on the body of the cardigan.
If the stitches for the pattern are being picked up and the band is knit perpendicular to the main body of the cardigan, then you should use the i-cord bind off technique.
If you are more confident with following the pattern, The Choice and Fog are the knits that use the i-cord selvage technique when the band is knit simultaneously with the body of the cardigan.
Do you slip stitches knitwise or purlwise?
The stitches are supposed to be slipped always purlwise.
How to use the i-cord edge when changing colors?
This question cannot be covered in a couple of sentences, I will make sure to create a separate tutorial for it!
How to use the i-cord edge with the ribbing?
The i-cord edge is perfect for using with ribbing patterns! As a matter of fact, I have used it in all my patterns with the split ribbing edge. You can find it in different variations in my sweater patterns.
UPDATE. May 2021. The video version of this tutorial is live on my YouTube channel.
Abbreviations
Sl – slip.
wyib – with yarn in back.
wyif – with yarn in front.
st/sts – stitch/stitches.
k – knit.
p – purl.
Double Selvage with 1x1 Ribbing
Double Selvage works great with 1x1 ribbing. The best way to use it is next to the purl stitch on the right side - this way the selvage will blend in with the main pattern and will look like a continuation of the ribbing.
Instructions:
Row 1 (RS): Sl 1 wyib, k1; p1, *k1, p1; rep from * to last 2 sts; sl 1 wyib, p1.
Row 2 (WS): Sl 1 wyib, p1; k1, *p1, k1; rep from * to last 2 sts; sl 1 wyif, p1.
Repeat Rows [1-2] for a double i-cord/selvage with 1x1 ribbing.
Triple Selvage with 2x2 Ribbing
Just like in case with the double selvage, it is recommended to place purl stitches of the ribbing next to the i-cord edge on the right side.
Instructions:
Row 1 (RS): Sl 1 wyib, sl 1 wyif, k1; p2, *k2, p2; rep from * to last 3 sts; k1, sl 1 wyif, p1.
Row 2 (WS): Sl 1 wyib, k1, sl 1 wyif; k2, *p2, k2; rep from * to last 3 sts; sl 1 wyif, k1, p1.
Repeat Rows [1-2] for a triple selvage/i-cord with 2x2 ribbing.
How to bind off the i-cord edge?
Binding off the i-cord is not much different as binding off in pattern any other stitch, but let me walk you through this visually, so you can have a better idea.
Knitting Tutorial - How To Bind Off a Double Selvage I-cord Edge
To see a bigger photo and read the full description to it, click on the image
Knitting Tutorial - How To Bind Off a Triple Selvage I-cord Edge
To see a bigger photo and read the full description to it, click on the image
Just one more little tip for the finishing. The i-cord edge is ideal for hiding the ends - just thread the yarn inside the "tube"!
I hope I answered most of your questions and you will successfully use this technique for your projects. I will also copy paste these answers and the link to the tutorials to the main post, where you will be able to find everything in one place.
Have a wonderful Sunday!