If you’re looking for the most portable, stash-busting, easy project, then I-cords are for you. Knitting i-cords only uses two double-pointed needles (no knitting in the round though!), scraps of yarn (for most projects), and knit stitches, usually only a few per row. But what do you do with them after you knit them if you aren’t attaching them to a purse or booties? Here are several great ideas. Updated 11/14/23
To get the knitting patterns, scroll down the page to the individual pattern you want and click on the link to that pattern.
These patterns are not my designs but links to other designers who have generously shared their patterns. If you have questions about how to knit a specific pattern, please contact the designer directly.
All links on this site are for informational purposes, but please note that some links are to affiliate sellers that pay me a small commission on purchases.
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How to Knit I-Cord Tutorial
And if this is too slow for you, I have links to some innovative i-cord tools below that are still portable!
Free Patterns
Labyrinth
Braided i-cord tie designed as a tieback holder for drapery that I think could also be used as a hair accessory. Great stash buster for scrap DK yarn. Labirint designed by Natalia Egorova.
Heart of Yarn Earrings
Small i-cord hearts to wear as earrings, brooches or hairclips, or use as appliues or decorations. Great stash buster for scrap fingering yarn. Designed by Ambah O'Brien.
Loopy I-Cord Pompom
This fun loopy pom-pom made from an i-cord is a unique topper for any hat or for a gift. Instructions are for small 2.25” (5.75 cm) and large 3.25” (8.25 cm) size pom-poms. One standard (90 yard) mini skein of sock yarn makes 2-4 pom-poms. Designed by Xandy Peters
Eye Cord
Lisa J Gravel designed these fashionable, fast eyeglasses and reading glasses holders from i-cords. 3 sizes. Makes a great gift!
Friedrich I-Cord Shoelaces
Berroco Design Team created this design for i-cord shoelaces.
True Love Trivet
Yarnspirations’ trivet is made by weaving i-cords into a heart shape. Fun and functional!
Knotted I-Cord Dragonfly
Based on a traditional Chinese knot, Mathilde Nicolas’s easy dragonfly is made with a long length of i-cord and a few simple knots.
I-Cord Teddy Bear
Sarah Bradberry’s tiny toy bear is made from 3 i-cords and measures approximately 7½ cm (3 inches) in height.
Ocean Photo Frame
Kathryn Williams designed this DIY frame that’s a frame mat decorated with i-cord.
I-Cord Necklace
An ingenious necklace knit with beads inserted into an i-cord.
Wreath Gift Toppers and Ornaments
Designed by Lorna Misner for Red Heart, these ornaments are made from braided icord. They also make perfect gift decorations. And a great use for leftover yarn!
More Free Patters
Bobby Pin Sweater
Dress up your bobby pins and turn them into pretty hair barrettes with i-cord. Great use for scrap fingering yarn. Designed by pamela w allen. Pictured projects by CirceBellesB and emloubell
I-Cord Coasters
Salihan Laugesen offers a tutorial and templates for these cute quick coasters.
Daisy Chain Necklace
Crazy Dazy designed this necklace with i-cord flowers and “chain”.
I-Cord Earmuff Headband
Penolopy Bulnick’s headband is made of three cords – two are swirled into buns to make the earmuff parts and the third is used to connect those buns and make it a headband. She used a French Knitter to create the i-cords but you can knit them by hand.
I-cord Mug Cozy
Comma’s mug cozy is made by spiraling i-cord.
Ropes Cowl
Kristina Larson designed this neckwarmer made of i-cords attached to a knitted shoulder piece. Pictured project by Uberknitter
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Get the recommended yarn on Etsy
- See more Quick Cowl Knitting Patterns
Peppermint Coaster
This easy i-cord coaster from Yarnspirations adds a festive touch to holiday tables or everyday decor.
Rainbow Smile Necklace
This easy and fun necklace by Vicki Brown is constructed with a few i-cords that you can knit or crochet, plus a few jewelry supplies.
Free video and instructions on how to make i-cords
I-cord Sandals
Kimberly Golynskiy designed these sandals as part of a thesis project to upcycle plastic bags. Size shown is for 12-18 months but is easily customizable. They are designed for plarn but could probably be adapted for other yarn.
Three Strand I-Cord Headband
Rachel Braff designed this easy headband to be comfortable and soft. Pictured project by Rufarocrafty
11 Intelligent Ideas for I-Cord
Jessie Ksanznak created this photo tutorial with lots of useful suggestions for using i-cords such as shoelaces, curtain tiebacks, package ribbon, belts, and more.
I-Cord Arm Knit Cowl
No needles? No problem! Arm Knit your i-cord with three strands of multi-colored and contrasting yarn to get this cowl from Yarnspirations with an almost jewelry-like look.
Patterns for Purchase
I-Cord Knitting Machines
If knitting i-cord by hand is too slow for you, try these innovative machines for making i-cord quickly and easily. You can even create super and mega bulky yarn from i-cords that you can use for fast or gigantic knitting.
These tools known as Knitting Mills, French knitters, knitting dollies, or knitting nancies, easily create i-cord either by turning a handle or manually making the loops.
Cozy Cord Cowl
Statement piece that using knitted i-cords to creat a wearable piece of art. It is an awesome stash buster — mix and match whatever leftovers of Super Bulky and/or Bulky yarn you have on hand.
I-Cord Rug
One of the patterns in Knitting Rugs: 39 Traditional, Contemporary, Innovative Designs. Great for stash busting or multi-color yarn! See gallery below for some of the patterns in the book. Available in Kindle and Paperback (Prime available).
Wildflower Necklace Pattern
Knit a necklace of fabric yarn with braided i-cord in about an hour. Patterns included for braided and sailor knot necklaces. Choose from 4 fabric options for the kit (options available are different than pictured projects by designer.) Yarn available on pattern site,
- See more pics and get the pattern
- Get the recommended Knit Collage Wild Flower yarn
- See more Necklace Knitting Patterns
Boho I-Cord Bracelet
A charming little wrap bracelet with a rustic flair and just the right amount of femininity.
Fall Roving Cowl
I-cord strands replace traditional knitted fabric in this cowl / statement necklace and two buttons complete the look. This infinity cowl knits up quickly using soft bulky weight yarn.
Ryedale Bracelet
Instructions for making trendy, chunky paracord style bracelets from knit i-cord. Easy pattern in 5 sizes.
