How to Work a Knit I-Cord Bind-Off

You have a lot of options when it comes to finishing the edge of a piece of knitted fabric. An I-cord bind-off is a great (and very easy!) option to finish the edges of a blanket, neckline of a garment, or ankle of a slipper. 

Note, the yarn used in this tutorial is Malabrigo Rios.

Step-by-Step Instructions for I-Cord Bind-Off

In the photos shown, the I-cord bind-off is worked with a contrasting yarn to clearly show what is happening on the needles. Most of the time, you’ll work with the same color yarn as the stitches being bound off.

1. With right side facing, cast on number of stitches needed for I-cord (as directed in pattern) onto left needle. (Photo 1) *Knit to last I-cord stitch. (Photo 2)

2. Knit the next two together through the back loops. (Photo 3)

3. Transfer all stitches from the right needle back to the left needle. (Photo 4)

4. Repeat from * until required number of stitches have been bound off.

Finishing The Bind-Off

When you’ve bound off the last stitch on your project, you will still have live stitches on your right needle. To bind off the remaining I-cord stitches, break the yarn and use a tapestry needle to pass the tail of yarn through the stitches. Then, pull the tail to cinch the cord closed.

If your project is worked in the round, you will want to graft the i-cord edges together.

I-Cord Edges on Different Stitch Patterns

This simple edging looks great on a variety of fabrics. Here you can see the I-cord running along the edges of both garter stitch and stockinette stitch.

If you have a very keen eye, you’ll notice on the blue stockinette swatch that the I-cord stitches are slightly larger than those in the swatch itself. To avoid this on your project, use a smaller size needle to work the bind-off. A spare double-pointed needle (DPN) one to two sizes smaller will work like a charm. The different gauges are not as obvious when adding to the edges of garter stitch.

Originally published 06/14/2013, updated 07/3/2022.

Expand your knitting know-how with Interweave!