How I built the viral i-cord hook from scratch

This video is all about the super-fast i-cord hook that went viral on Instagram a couple of weeks ago.
► Support me on Patreon: / nimbleneedlez
Latch Hooks: amzn.to/3vBZDV3
Fimo soft clay single: amzn.to/41ZiFAy
But I actually bought the full set here: amzn.to/4b0zdMW
*Note: As an Amazon affiliate I earn a commission from qualifying purchases
Please be aware that those are not the exact same hooks I bought. This is because I live in Austria and different products are available here.
The original video was published by Manuh.croche on Instagram and it received well over 250.000 likes so far: reelCyjkXn...
She never seems to have shared further information about where she bought it or created it. That's why I thought I'd recreate it myself using cheap materials I bought online. And it works remarkably well. I am actually quite amazed how fast you can knit with it!
0:00 Introducing the viral i-cord hook
1:13 How I built the i-cord hook from scratch
4:57 The finished i-cord hook
5:36 Using my i-cord hook for the first time
12:57 Final thoughts
►Link to my second channel: / @nimbleneedlestwo
► Link to my Patreon account: / nimbleneedlez
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►Visit my blog for a free knitting school: nimble-needles.com/learn-to-k...
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[@NimbleNeedles]

Just because it led to a bit of confusion: I know that latch hooks/needles LIKE these are used for machine knitting. However, that set came without any type of description (brother, singer, pfaff - they all have different shapes). Plus the little retainers at the end all have a different size. So..I'm really not sure what this SPECIFIC set is for. Hence I was speculating that those who typically knot tapestries (smyrna hooks/needles is a different name) might use them for some purpose where you don't need any exact specifications. I should have been clearer. Thank you for all your suggestions!

[@SIC647]

Maybe specifically for rya?

[@maribethclark2798]

They can also be used in knitting to pick up a dropped stich

[@Ana-sy7kg]

Your idea is amazing. What i dont understand is why you blocked my friend whem she toldo you about the knitting machine.

[@dorothyrushforth888]

They’re very like latch hooks for rug making.

[@NimbleNeedles]

@@Ana-sy7kg I have no idea who your friend is but I did block two or three people who kept on posting _multiple_ links to third-party content as a reply to other people's comments. That will instantly get you flagged on youtube. Plus, I won't tolerate it if someone else uses my website or my youtube channel to advertise their business. I haven't done a single sponsored video or brand deal, and I want this channel to stay free of advertising.

[@dezimo]

A really useful tip for working with polymer clay is that you can actually bake the clay to set it, and then continue adding more clay to your model, and then bake it again. Essentially allowing you to build up your clay model gradually without worrying about squishing the parts that you've already made. For this particular project i think i'd build it in two stages. The first bake would be something very simple to get the hooks in the correct positions. And then afterwards i'd be able to work on the shape of the handle without worrying about the hooks moving out of position.

[@NimbleNeedles]

yeah, someone else mentioned this already. A great tip tho! As I said in the video, haven't used with clay in aaaaages ^^

[@adavazrios6604]

Thank you so much. I love working with clay I’ve been doing this while I was pregnant. and when the kids were born I started to teach them. so much fun and you’re so right you could just add more pieces and do whatever it is that you have to do. Thank you and please keep sending videos you’re never too old to learn Godspeed

[@laurachatwin7816]

That's exactly how I make my own crochet hooks. I squeeze the clay so that is the shape of my personal grip. It has helped with pain alot.

[@GrampiesCorner]

I do the same thing as I have severe arthritis and never find the ergonomical handles all that ergonomically.

[@kellyross4801]

The hooks you removed from their handles are called "Latch hooks" auf Englisch. They are used when making a rug on canvas with short wool yarn pieces. They are NOT regular crochet hooks. I don't want someone buys the wrong thing! 😁 Thank you for engineering this for us! Brilliant! Vielen Dank! ❤

[@NimbleNeedles]

Thx for adding that. The name escaped me in the first couple of minutes of the video and I might have been a bit too excited, haha! They were linked correctly in the description :)

[@s.maskell7134]

I think the set of 6 he purchased was for a knitting machine, not for rugs.

[@vanessalumbra9409]

​@s.maskell7134 Yes, I have a knitting machine, and you can buy replacement latch hooks. That was the first thing I thought they were too.

[@CC-hx5fz]

​@@s.maskell7134 the needles looked standard gauge.(I've always called these "bearded needles". That might be another name to look for.) So, possibly standard guage needles can't be used for chunkier wool, but the bigger latch tools can? I've been using the Tulip I-cord knitting mill which is a lovely machine but I'm at the limits of how fine the threads can be. I'm definitely going to have a go at this. The setup of Nimble Needles' tools looks like it would be easier to control, especially for placing beads along the threads.

[@katjafarbenfroh8646]

I still have one - made a pillow decades ago

[@larkmacgregor3143]

Norman, you never cease to amaze me. It would never occurred to me to create my own tool from scratch - how creative are you! Thanks for the demo and the new idea.

[@NimbleNeedles]

well...me neither but since I couldn't find a place to purchase them...what else was I to do? ;-)

[@lesliebowles3649]

You are an actual wizard! So interesting to watch! ❤️

[@thatgaljill]

How about reaching out to the creator rather than ripping her idea off and then showing people. Incredibly disappointed

[@seanevans6306]

@@thatgaljill Norman has posted a lot before both on KZbin and Instagram about copyright and ripping off content from other creators. In this case, he clearly references the source material with links to the original post and account. He does so both in this video and on his instagram post. He is clearly not ripping off the original creator’s work, but he is stating that it is possible to recreate the tool that the creator uses, all while managing to support and encourage traffic to her post and account.

[@NimbleNeedles]

@@thatgaljill maybe take a look at the original Instagram reel, you might have noticed that a loooooot of people tried to reach out and there sadly was never a response. In fact, that very reel was her very last post on Instagram ever since October 23

[@user-kr9lh2sm1o]

Well done, Norman! When I was a boy I used to make the cord with an empty wooden thread spool and four nails tapped in one end. I used a yarn needle to pull the loops over the nails. Mom called it spool knitting.

[@MaggieGrubs]

This is exactly what I was about to write. My dad had made one exactly like this: a wooden spool and 4 nails . Italy 🇮🇹

[@marylambert990]

I had one of those German wooden knitting dollies when I was a kid and would make lots of cords. I still have that knitting dollie. It brings back fond memories.

[@feliciab1132]

That's what I first learned on a well! I remeber taking long road trips being entertained with my knitting dolly.

[@NimbleNeedles]

you definitely should keep it!

[@ClaudiaArnold]

I have one by Prym, which has four latch hooks that look to be standard gauge, and the thing is powered by a crank. I do a lot of i-cord with the thing and sew that onto fabric. One meter with sock wool takes around 90 seconds.

[@ninjablueflame6]

Norman, I always say you’re a genius. Now I can also say you’re a bonafide engineer.

[@NimbleNeedles]

haha...well..i think I might want to wait a bit until i change my profile description :P

[@tinahooper3470]

Congratulations on inventing a new tool for the world to use. Thanks.

[@NimbleNeedles]

well, to be quite precise: I didn't invent it! I just recreated it

[@PaulineEvanosky]

Brilliant! This reminds me of Kumohimo cords. You've got your string or yarn and the Kumohimo soft foam gizmo with slits to hold the cords you are not currently working with. The work becomes hypnotic. No hooks or latches, just a slit in the foam to hold the cord. You can also make a Kumohimo loom from cardboard. Also, there are tons of patterns.

[@NimbleNeedles]

yeah, I've seen this in a lot of japanese movies. It's really quite mesmerizing!

[@wovenflame6182]

The problem with Kumohimo is that it requires multiple strands of yarn all cut to the final length. It is not one strand of a continuous length like I-cord.

[@darlenefarmer5921]

Hi Norman! Wonderful that you are working through this issue. Keep being inventive! That's how everything begins...with a need and an idea! ❤

[@alizaras]

This is a cool idea! For keeping them together while making the tool with the same space in between each hook I would try putting a folded up paper between the tips and a rubber band or hair elastic. Looks like you made a perfect prototype already though. Like you said once you got used to it it went more smoothly

[@NimbleNeedles]

yeah! that's a good hint. Like I said in the video..i haven't used polymer clay in aaaaaages ^^

[@alizaras]

The handle you made looked amazing though 🙌

[@Suekarns]

Genius!!

[@euniceh9851]

Norman! This is Brilliant! You're thinking is way out of the box!

[@vortex_shy]

This is brilliant! Recently I made a short i-cord for a kid's hat and I got so tired. Now I want to make this multi-hook thing. Anyway, what can be better than a little bit more crafting 😅 Norman, you should patent this design)

[@NimbleNeedles]

heh. Well, i leave that to others. I have enough burdens in my life already >.

[@dglady5168]

Awesome device! Thank you for being willing to share your "invention" with the world❤

[@annblachly8068]

I have the clay, I have three latch hooks and retrieved two of them from the donate box. Now to make my own speedy i-cord hook too. Never heard of such a thing until it popped up after your video on the magic loop demo. Thank you!🌹

[@eablas2243]

Wow! That's a game changer! Going to have to try it. Thank you for sharing such a useful idea.

[@Kriswilli]

Bravo! You are very creative and determined! I have a collection of latch hooks from my rug making days when I was younger. Had never thought of doing anything else with them. I actually enjoy knitting i-cord so haven't explored any other method for making it. Thanks for sharing your creation. I loved watching how it worked!

[@AmberSoleil1]

It took me DAYS to knit the i-cord drawstring for my son's funnel neck sweater in a fingering weight yarn Your invention here is spectacular! I can't wait to make this with my daughter. Thanks for sharing! 🥰

[@customMadebyACLD]

This is actually genius! Thank you so much for sharing this. I love the fact that you can actually customized it and make it wider by using more hooks or just keep it just like you did with just three. I love it❤ love it❤ love it❤ love it❤! thank you so much. It completely changes how I can make my crochet and knitted outfits so I'm absolutely love it. thank you so much!!

[@lailabaloch568]

A new gadget. Love it. Best of all, its not a costly to buy the hooks and clay to make one. Thanks for showing us that it works and how to make the i~cord hook. Have a wonderful day.

[@vadec5909]

Absolutely Brilliant Norman! I just used DPNs and made a 3 ft I Cord . It was fast. Thanks. I have used the latch hooks, for rug hooking

[@lisavieja]

Excellent prototyping! Thanks for sharing your process. I consider the tool a huge success.

[@lenaraullo5263]

You always surprise me with your ingenuity and creativeness.

[@ethanielhalling9426]

You are a treasure to our needle-work community 🗣🗣‼️‼️thank you 😭💖

[@Bethabara9]

I used those hooks to do Australian locker stitch rug weaving with roving.! Great video

[@niccichapman569]

Congratulations Norman! Well done .❤

[@MicheleEllis-wv9gs]

That was amazing Norman, when you do make your own crochet hooks, before baking them make it fit your hand just like when crocheting and it will really make your crocheting more fun, being more comfortable it let's you work on your project longer. I really enjoyed mine until I lost it while camping. Thank you so much for sharing that with us. 🧶

[@NimbleNeedles]

thx for these tips! yes, I'll definitely toy around with it a bit more!

[@aliekremyesilkanal8921]

Absolutely gernius! I am going to be making myself one next weekend! Thank you Norman!

[@marzyehayoubi487]

Oh wow ... Amazing 😮😊very smart tool you’ve created.👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@alessandradelavega8697]

This was so cool!! I think I may have to try this. Thank you!❤

[@Stitcher_in_MD]

You sure are a creative man, Norman! It’s dandy to be following you!

[@zuzana_elt]

Thank you, Norman, for this refreshing video! I love the way you created your own tool and it was fun to watch your genuine amazement on how it worked for you :) The polymere clay won’t fail on you, it is sturdy and does not crumble in time unlike some of the products of similar purpose that used to be sold in the past.

[@sallystevens2947]

Hi Norman! Oh my gosh you are fabulous!!! I saw this on YT somewhere and I thought to myself, I have to try this! Thank you, thank you, so very much for sharing! Take good care!

[@kimeikoraevision5446]

Go Norman! I hope this really blesses you!!

[@3rdand105]

This is a great video, probably in the Top 10 of your videos. This is proof that knitting helps develop a creative mind. I've made only two I-cords in my life, so while I wouldn't be using one of these, I think it's a great thing for those who make them regularly. Just the fact that you made us aware of their existence is very thoughtful. Thank you for all that you do!

[@NimbleNeedles]

Wow, thank you!

[@maud2rolland348]

You are not only acprodigious knitter but also a good engineer ! Congratulations

[@cynthiahickey2394]

Ingenious. Thank you for sharing this.

[@Tuinfee]

I got one of those automatic i-cord makers when I was a kid, more than 40 years ago. I still have that one here in the cupboard. It is called "le tricotin" by the Passap brand. You can indeed make a long i-cord with it at lightning speed.

[@iesika7387]

I have the embellishknits branded icord maker, and the handle you use to turn it can pop off leaving a square hole that will fit a power drill with a flat-head screwdriver bit. If you need lots and lots of cord, this method will let you do it in actual miles/kilometers per hour.

[@NimbleNeedles]

Prym sells them as well! I have like 3 of them as well :)

[@cartoonman202]

Norman, that is SO clever! Well done, you!!!!

[@dianeclark4180]

I agree, this is brilliant Norman !!

[@gadgetgirl5399]

Norman, you are amazing, love this new hook!!!

[@Aromagirl70]

Wow!! How amazing is this!!

[@marymullings3823]

That is really cool. So fast! Well done as always.😊

[@rrome6178]

Awesome ingenuity! You created a great tool and I think making a customized ergonomic handle is the best part!

[@bamboolaceway]

I love your channel! I've been experimenting with I-cord for about the past six months, so I will definitely be trying your Power Corder..

[@teresamilner9179]

Very ingenious idea. Congratulations on making your own tool.

[@ritamclaughlin9681]

Normand, this put a smile on my face! What fun! Have a good day!

[@DreadGrrl]

This is spectacular. You are so clever.

[@ritaanders1718]

I'm impressed how well you MacGyvered it. I hadn't seen the original video which inspired you. It was a fun experiment to watch. Thank you.

[@trishhawkins4966]

Very clever Norman. That’s so amazing. 💙

[@mariacarrasco6124]

Thanks for sharing this technique

[@bernerandgoldenmom7143]

BRILLIANT! This is incredible, Norman! Thank you for the demo--I will be making my own! I make a lot of small dolls for my nieces and use iCord quite a bit for the arms and legs. This will make a WORLD of difference for me. I cannot thank you enough!

[@NimbleNeedles]

I hope it does! Then I'd definitely lean towards the smaller machine knitting hooks/needles so you can pick the right size for your yarn!

[@gabrielecarter5440]

You are brilliant, Norman!

[@judithwilson1814]

What a trip! Loved this video!

[@thecognitivedissonant3606]

Hey that was great! Love the idea! Lately I've been using the crochet method to make i-cords and it's super fast and easy and they look nice ❤

[@millieo.5325]

I did exactly that for some of my crochet hooks, and I agree with you 💯%! They work great! I even created a little heart on them and did some in multiple colors. Just don’t drop them because at certain angles, they will break. I must do more of my hooks as well as the two that broke. Awesome video; thanks Norman…💕

[@NimbleNeedles]

Did they hold up? Like long term? (Other than dropping)

[@lisas3268]

This is amazing! I am so impressed!

[@NimbleNeedles]

heh! me too. I mean, I seriously expected this to so not work at all!

[@tagladyify]

Super interesting video. Thank you Norman. Many uses for I-cords but I avoid them because they are so time consuming to make. I will have to try this out as I have a stash of little latch hooks I picked up second hand a while back that have been collecting dust, lol.

[@hokey-os3rx]

Now you gave the idea to maybe to do this to my crochet hooks in the future! Good job!

[@elizabethzmetana6229]

Woohoo! Might not need this but love that you figured it out. Yeah Norman!

[@sarag1158]

When I first got into crochet, I used to make femo clay handles because ergonomic handles did not yet exist. This brings back memories. I love the way you deconstructed this project so we can all save a couple bucks. I have all of these things that already at home.

[@NimbleNeedles]

why did you stop making them, if I may ask? didn't they hold up?

[@annblachly8068]

@@NimbleNeedles She probably covered all her hooks, like I did. I especially like steel hooks covered with polymer clay for hard crochet projects. Hard as in extremely tight stitched, so the project is firm like cardboard for hats, baskets, boxes, vases, etc. using inexpensive acrylic yarn. See the book Hard Crochet by Mark Dittrick.

[@clairejsmith]

Norman, you’re a flippin’ genius!! It made me giggle throughout, but only at your constant amazement that it really worked. Brilliant - I love it!😍

[@NimbleNeedles]

Wow, thanks!

[@tara4815]

I always learn so much from your videos. I feel like my knowledge of knitting and my ability to knit is growing by leaps and bounds thanks to your wonderful teaching skills.

[@NimbleNeedles]

You are so welcome!

[@tl4214]

Way to go, Nornan!!! Bravo!!!

[@SBVancouver]

That was a very impressive exploration. Great work

[@pattigolden1]

Ok, that's pretty cool!!! I have a crank i-cord maker, works well until it's too long for the weight. It's amazing what you can do with latch-hook hooks.

[@lizlarson2452]

How cool!!! I might have to try it after seeing your success!

[@NimbleNeedles]

please do! :)

[@shelleyblondeau2205]

Norman this is BRILLIANT!!

[@dawsie]

Love this idea, I have one of those where you turn the handle for it to catch the yarn, what joke that turned out to be, I should get it out and see if it’s the yarn that’s issue of it not working. But this Triple hook beats the cake hands down. I will have to make one that can hold between 2-4 depending on the type of cord I want to make. I use the clay to make my handles for my hooks as my hands cramp up really fast on standard hooks. Thanks for sharing this idea, I love adding new tools to my collect for making cords.🤗🤗🤗

[@maryannarobinsonn1199]

Thank you for showing this

[@sarahrudd4995]

This was a fab video! Such a lovely experiment

[@NimbleNeedles]

Glad you liked it!! it sure was fun! and I think i need to toy around with crochet hooks a bit more!

[@JanneGlass]

Very cool you did that and thank you! Now we know it’s worth the effort to construct one ourselves 😊❤

[@mikaelacr6337]

I love your videos! They are always so entertaining to watch!!!!

[@NimbleNeedles]

aww...thank you so much! happy to hear that

[@mariecouture7591]

I am so impress. Awesome! Let's put it on the market Norman.

[@NimbleNeedles]

heh! well, i dunno :P

[@LeighFTFA]

This video hqs made me very happy! I made my own today, using Sculpey clay and baked i5 for an hour. I'm learning to use it with this video!!

[@NimbleNeedles]

Awesome! 👏👏

[@susanroberts]

WOW!!! Yes once you get used to the hand movements you need to do this and you’ll be going to the races. If you made these I’d buy one from you. Such a great idea. Thank you. 💝🥰

[@elenalhagin]

Amazing creativity!

[@JustFluffyQuiltingYarnCrafts]

Very cool, Norman. You are quite the creative 15 year old. 😉🙂 Your i-cord tool was quite impressive and I thank you for sharing your technique with us. ❤😍

[@sejhammer]

I'm impressed that it worked so well!

[@NimbleNeedles]

same here. Quite the surprise, actually!

[@ericaschultz3583]

That is brilliant! I may need to make my own now. Thanks!

[@SylviaAG]

OMG you are a genius. ❤ Im going to give it a go.

[@nicolelafontaine1720]

I find your creativity very fascinating, thanks for this great tool building !!!

[@NimbleNeedles]

My pleasure!

[@azokalum]

Thanks for sharing this Norman.

[@sallyr.6891]

Bravo! Love it. Thank you. Great job.

[@meenha1976]

Gosh, you are so smart Norman ❤❤❤

[@KKnits]

Awesome! Very clever. Thanks for sharing!

[@colinyoung9186]

Wow, that's just brilliant! Keep working on that

[@jennstovall3645]

This looks great!

[@cabinfevercrochet]

Wow, SO ingenious!! Consider marketing these; before someone else does! Once the mechanism is perfected, and doesn't stress the hands/fingers, you'll sell millions around the world! 🌟

[@angko-pe]

There's already someone on instagram selling them. Size inclusive collective, is her name. I'm not affiliated. I tried to buy one from her but the shipping was ridiculously expensive.

[@cabinfevercrochet]

@@angko-pe Fantastic! Thanks SO much for letting me know. I checked her out on IG. Shipping within the U.S. is $5. I see she's working on a way to make international shipping more cost effective. As of now, it is very expensive. I like knitting an i-cord better than crocheting one; but even better how this tool goes so much faster. 💗

[@NimbleNeedles]

there are already two different people selling similar hooks. However, I don't see how they actually perfected the mechanism yet. So, there definitely is potential. But I personally don't want to claim someone else's idea all that much. I leave that to others. A hook like that should costs 10 USDs.

[@cabinfevercrochet]

​@@NimbleNeedles I saw there's one already available, after I commented. It's costly @ $25 + shipping. I don't think I'd care for the giant plastic handle; and I agree, the mechanism isn't perfected yet, either. Very respectful, you don't want to infringe on another's idea. However, I can see a big co. like Clover, running with it!

[@shirleyeggenschwiler9482]

thats crazy impressive!

[@pi2nuna219]

Waaay cool, awesome Norman😊

[@theastewart6721]

This is great Norman! How very creative of you! I’ve only ever made an I Cord on DPNS. This was a very fun video! Thanks for sharing with us!😊

[@NimbleNeedles]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@KnittedSister]

This project looks like so much fun! I have a few 3 mm crochet hooks that used to have a silicone handle, but the handles have worn out. I'm going to try and make new handles for them first i think. Time to break out the fimo clay! I'm surely going to try to make the icord tool too at some point. I have a mill from prym that actually works really well, and i think it is quite a bit faster than doing it manually. HOWEVER, the mill is sooo loud, and knitting time for me is usually couch + family + movie time, so it often too noisy to work on. Thanks for the great tips. ❤

[@stefaniedecoster2772]

Thanks for showing this DIY. I keep finding latch hooks in my local charity shop so now I want to try making one of these cord makers!

[@NimbleNeedles]

go for it! (and tell me how it went!)

[@lindalangeheine5787]

WOW! You are clever! I did my first i-cord bind-off on a shawl and it took me so many hours!

[@NimbleNeedles]

yeah..those take aaaages...especially since it's typically not just 20 stitches.

[@rociocruz2786]

Wonderful idea❤

[@LauraNelkin]

This is awesome... not hard to do at all! I've been playing with this tool for a few weeks and am totally inspired to build my own! I have supplies on order. I think I'll try to do some beading around mine after making the handle, which will make it FANCY! Thanks for sharing!

[@NimbleNeedles]

yeah...beads or some crystals could be lovely. Like a wizards wand!

[@wayaheritagehomestead1070]

Thanks!! I purchased hooks weeks ago but had gotten stuck on what to do for a handle... this is genius!🎉

[@NimbleNeedles]

heh. Well, i do follow quite a couple of polymer clay artists (just to look at the pictures). the idea proabbly came to my because of that.

[@keriezy]

I have very large hands and was having hand issues when I would crochet. I bought some air dry foam clay stuff. It came in a ton of colors and is very light weight. I used some to mold the hook in the shape of my hand. It worked! I even learned that thinner layers cured faster, and I could adjust the grip as I built it up, especially the thumb. I've been using my favorite hook with the foam handle for a few months, and it is holding up great!!!

[@NimbleNeedles]

oh..that's a very good idea! I really need toy around with it soon! it's been bothering me for ages and, quite frankly, I still don't know why there isn't a product on the market yet.