How to knit the I Cord Bind Off - Step by step tutorial

A step by step tutorial on how to knit the I-Cord Bind Off and all it's variations for beginners.
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In this video, I take at the currently quite popular I-Cord Bind off. It's a very easy and elegant way to create a tubular edge for garments and shawls. It's quite the yarn eater, but otherwise perfectly suitable for beginners.
You only need to know how to do the knitted cast on to cast on 3 additional stitches at the start of the i-cord. Here's my tutorial nimble-needles...
Basically, it boils down to knitting 2 stitches, knitting 2 together through the back loop, and slipping the stitches all over again.
Once you cast off all stitches, you can k3tog the remaining 3 stitches or use a tapestry needle to thread it through the three stitches and pull tight.
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[@reganmartin4126]

As always.....you have the BEST instruction on a technique! No one else is showing how to end the icord bindoff.....or how it can look different with the number of stitches you use! This makes all the difference! I so appreciate all the effort you put into your videos! Your explanations are so clear, and you go the extra mile in making up samples of the different looks! YOU ARE AWESOME!!!!

[@NimbleNeedles]

yah..even though this video is quite old now and I learned so much in terms of videography, even back then I knitted a lot of swatches for my videos. It's actually what takes the longest time. But i personally feel it's so worth it. happy to hear you feel the same.

[@stinapalo8059]

Thank you, you wonderful person! I have been struggling so hard with my instrucktion for the I Cord Bind Off! And then I found your video an everything made sense! Now, finely. I`ll be able to finish my knitting!

[@andrearoosth564]

Hello! This is a FANTASTIC I-cord bind off tutorial! Best on the net!

[@NimbleNeedles]

Wow, thanks!

[@laurastevens5237]

Superb tutorials and thoroughly explained. I love the way you do lots of little swatches and give instructions ALL the way to the end. The added bonus for me is you use two straight needles instead of those mind boggling circular needles!! Your videos encourage me to try things I never thought I could do. Thank you so much x

[@lizh2752]

Thanks Norman you are amazing

[@graceydavis429]

thank you, so easy to follow

[@tinabonny5192]

Hugely helpful - best tutorial I have found, and explains really simply a concept I had never heard of. Vielen Dank, das war sehr hilfreich!

[@NimbleNeedles]

das freut mich, tina!

[@noradavid8275]

Excellent, as always. I truly appreciate your thorough training, options, and results.

[@NimbleNeedles]

Glad you like my videos, Nora!

[@dagbjortgumundsdottir5704]

🇮🇸 love this ! werry clear instruction and no music to disturb 👏🌹

[@p90pdack68]

Tysm! This pattern tells me to do a cord edge but I have never done one before 😆 your video is perfect!

[@rebecca-72]

Thank you, Norman! As always so well explained and helpful.

[@janetsmith7147]

Your instructions are so clear. Thank you!

[@NimbleNeedles]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tinas8460]

That's a great tutorial. I especially love how you explain the differences. Thank you for your time and effort 😘

[@NimbleNeedles]

Thank you. Happy to hear u like my little video ☺️☺️

[@mylifetherealthings]

Brilliant! Thank you

[@TheKnittedRaven]

Thank you for this!

[@gailaltschwager7377]

Thank you so much, Norman!

[@momochris6823]

Thanks a lot 💝

[@imalikconnor]

very helpful. Thanks!!!

[@NimbleNeedles]

You are very welcome 🥰🧶

[@mariavictoria4853]

This is the first i-cord bind off video that really made sense to me! Thank you so much. Your instructions are very clear and helpful. :)

[@cvkinnier]

Thanks!

[@NimbleNeedles]

No problem! thank you for supporting my work

[@KatyMacky]

Thank you so much ❤

[@-juckjuck]

whenever i encounter new techniques, i search on youtube and your video just makes me an expert within 10min! you are the best!!

[@jacquiegrallelis7058]

Love this tutorial, so easy to follow and understand - thank you ❤ Working on a cap sleeved cardigan that is knitted in one piece from the top down and it says to do the icord bind off for the arm holes - so only part of the row, worked on the knit row. Do I still need to cast on 3 extra stitches to start and how do I do this as my working yarn is on the right needle 🤔 So confused 🙄

[@NimbleNeedles]

That is something to ask the designer. Typically yes but...

[@jacquiegrallelis7058]

@@NimbleNeedles thank you Norman, I'm trying to do that. At least now I know how to bind off at the end. Thanks again 😊

[@deifio]

Thank you for this comprehensible and full tutorial on all the different methods!

[@susanmarshall3709]

I know this is an older video but my designer is asking for a 6 stitch i cord bind-off and I am looking how to do that. After watching this, I will just do the 5 stitch method as you said the 6 stitches would be pretty sloppy. Thank you for this information.

[@NimbleNeedles]

heh. yeah, it is a bit older. But hey, the technique didn't change in the meantime. I mean, you can still try the 6sttich icord bind off on a swatch and see where it gets you. Sometimes, after blocking, it can still look neat.

[@kellicoffman8440]

I want to thank you for your videos I enjoy them very much. I was watching this one thinking how much I would like to use it . I checked the pattern of the sweater I am making and what do you know it calls for an I cord bind off for the hem I can’t wait to try it

[@NimbleNeedles]

just one note here. This bind-off curls a bit. So, I would double check what the pattern does to prevent that.

[@paularubina3778]

My daughter and I have been learning so much from your videos; lots of mother-daughter bonding through knitting. Thank you Norman ❣️

[@NimbleNeedles]

how wonderful! say high to your daugher and of course, happy knitting!

[@michellethompson5755]

Wunderbar! 😀 🧶 Great details on the videos and so clearly explained. Ich danke Ihnen!

[@catherinegiven5504]

Thanks for easy-going, straightforward instructions! I like your accent, and your use of the phrase "Just rinse and repeat from here!" Your video helped me a lot!

[@NimbleNeedles]

Very happy to hear that, catherine ❤

[@leannastoufer6333]

Thank you for this video! I've never tried the i-cord bind off before, and wanted a narrow version!

[@NimbleNeedles]

Happy to be of help, leanna 😊😊

[@majoweSlonce]

I don't know how You make everything so easy :) The best video tutorials for knitting on YT! Thank You!

[@NimbleNeedles]

well...i could say that I truly feel that everything is easy. But I guess also because I spent a lot of time planning my videos! either way, glad you find them so helpful.

[@lindsaydunseith8661]

Great tutorial. I used the 2 stitch icord bind off at the neck of a cardigan where I had to sew on a vertical band. This made it easier to pick up "bars" between stitches, and the line of stitches matches the band nicely. Thanks for a great tutorial.

[@agnesadyana7344]

Hai Norman, thank you for your tutorial. But how to cast on I cord and join in the round?

[@NimbleNeedles]

you have to start your icord with a provisional cast-on and then later graft stitches to close the gap. Doable but probably a bit too difficult to explain in a comment :)

[@agnesadyana7344]

@@NimbleNeedles ok thank you 😊

[@chelseyummali]

My tutorial says I need straits for the I cord. Can I just doing it with my circulars?

[@NimbleNeedles]

uh...i couldn't think of any technique that specifically requires straight needles. so i'd say yes ^^

[@vadec5909]

It is lovely! My pattern calls for 4 cast on stitches but basically the same thing I see. Very good instructions! I don’t think I will use the 4 my pattern calls for I will use the 3 stitches. It doesn’t appear as bulky to me. Thank you!!

[@christinevalentine3373]

I keep coming back to this demo! It’s really good! Thanks again Norman.

[@NimbleNeedles]

my pleasure, Christine :)

[@celinacyr9175]

Wow, love your tutorial. I have never done an i-cord bind off before, but I will have to try it. Thanks for sharing~ btw, what needles are you using? Thanks.

[@NimbleNeedles]

You're welcome. Those are the Dreamz by Knitter's Pride.

[@celinacyr9175]

@@NimbleNeedles Thanks! I'm in the market for a good set. all i have are cheapies and they are horrible, except for my pryms. I just ordered a few zings to try them out, but I really like using the square ones I have from knitters pride in my interchangeable set.

[@rosemaryeveleigh3562]

This is the best icord bind off I have found Thank you 😊

[@nadyapashkova9330]

Thank you very much for the video! It was very helpful for me 👍👌✋🏻

[@cherylevans2752]

Hello my pattern says work 2 st I-cord , is this the same as in your video .

[@NimbleNeedles]

work an icord or an icor border? because an icor is something entirely different..well not entirely but something else anyway. I have a tutorial for that as well.

[@astridaseale1622]

Thank you so very much for your informative videos.

[@peaches7551]

Hi Norman I will be doing i-cord bind off for the 1st time on a sweater. I'm nervous about it. 1. Can I put in a life line in case things ..go wrong 2. Does an i-cord bind off undo easily 3. Can you do tutorial on frogging an i-cord bind off Thx so much for your help

[@NimbleNeedles]

It frogs very easily. Can't make a video, sorry

[@bioi0]

Wow this helped so much! Thank you!!

[@cyndidaves5313]

Hi, thank you for this video. I like that you taught so many different ways to complete the I Cord bind off. I appreciate you time and talents. Thanks again.

[@judithtaylor6916]

Hello Norman, thank you for the techniques. A question. To do icord in the round, at the body edge of a garment. Which technique wouldnt do the annoying rolling up?

[@NimbleNeedles]

None. It always rolls (except you literally sew it to the backside)

[@rosaaponte661]

Thank you. You always have magnificent and detailed instructions love it. My go to.

[@68cine]

thank you~~!! your tutorial is very useful!

[@pc8863]

Thank you Norman. Love your videos. And this, like your other tutorials is wonderful. This bind-off used to intimidate me, but with your tutorial is is much less so now.

[@pascalleballard2209]

Thank you!! You made it so easy to figure out, and I've learned a new technique

[@auntie_social]

Hi. Thank you for this! How can I knit an i-cord bind-off that will ‘pull back’ the roll created by stockinette stitch?

[@NimbleNeedles]

i am not sure I understand your question. An icord bind-off is a piece of horizontal stockinette stitch. So it will curl as well. I am not sure how you want to fight curling with curling ;-)

[@lolam.9291]

Thank you, Norman. That was very easy to follow. And, I am a leftie ❤

[@pc8863]

Another terrific video. Thank you, Norman. Today I needed to do an I-cord bind off on a throw. As always, you had a video that was so detailed and precise, things went beautifully - right down to the last bind-off stitches. The time and painstaking work you put into these videos help one develop the confidence to keep growing as a knitter and trying more advanced techniques and projects. You are the best!

[@chestercat13dotdotdot68]

Thank you for this very clear video! It is exactly what I was looking for.

[@GailBuys]

I would just like to say, thank you for your fantastic instructions. They were so helpful.

[@elwiewallin7657]

L❤VE it🌹Is there a nice way to do it on garter stitch and purls also ? 🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪

[@NimbleNeedles]

look up the icelandic bind-off: nimble-needles.com/stitches/how-to-knit-the-icelandic-bind-off/ Might be what you are looking for (but ofc, you could also do an icord purlwise)

[@ericadavan6952]

Awesome! Thank you 😊

[@pavlinazitkova]

Great video.❤

[@edenabigail]

Thank you for such detailed video!!!🙏🙏🙏

[@cindyg2321]

Thank you!

[@LarixCH]

Thank you for the great video! It shows very clearly the different variations of a beautiful finish. 😊 I am looking for a way to chain off a stockinette stitched piece using icord without it curling up. Is there a method for this?

[@NimbleNeedles]

that's a logical impossibility. like asking to have a curve without a curve ;-) If you knit stockinette stitch, it always curls. and an icord is just a small tube of stockinette stitch. So st st + icord = twice the curl ;-) you have to introduce some purl stitch into the mix.

[@LarixCH]

Hi Norman, thank you for the reply, I now understand the problem and appreciate this clarification very much! 👍

[@peaches7551]

Thank you Norman

[@lizastabler]

How wonderfully clear! Thank you.

[@NimbleNeedles]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mariafernandez4801]

Great tutorial ❤

[@rosaliecovello441]

Super video, love the simplicity.

[@NimbleNeedles]

Glad you liked it!

[@kidsgamegatt3171]

Thank you so much!!! Much appreciated

[@sherylcoxweber7419]

thank you, thank you!!! I watched a couple of other videos and it just didn't compute with my brain. lol. This was so simple and elegant! I have found your other videos helpful too.

[@NimbleNeedles]

Glad it helped!

[@mahjongobsessed3312]

Which Icord works best to sew a zipper into?

[@NimbleNeedles]

i am not entirely sure I understand the question!

[@Laura-up5zu]

Thanks for the clear video! My project has Icord edges going up the sides of a scarf. Each side has a 3-stitch Icord. Do I still need to do the 3 st knit cast on shown here, or do I just use the edge stitches I already have as those first three? Thanks!

[@NimbleNeedles]

Well, I don't see your work but I would say no.

[@kshamaagr]

Very good tutorial about i- cord bind off. You explained it very clearly. Thanks.

[@NimbleNeedles]

Glad it was helpful, Kshama!

[@user-dd9jc3xw8t]

3:41

[@sundaesx]

Does this also work in the round

[@NimbleNeedles]

Sure. Just have to graft across the gap

[@hannahsideris4353]

Danke für dieses tutorial. Ich habs sofort kapiert, angewandt und nun knapp 500 Maschen für ein riesiges Tuch abgemascht. Super, vielen Dank!

[@NimbleNeedles]

Abgemascht...das muss ich mir merken. Bei mir sagt man abketten 😁

[@Westcoastknitting_podcast]

Wonderful tutorial. 🙏🏾 ❤

[@lillib1385]

Watching your tutorials and listening makes my day

[@NimbleNeedles]

Wow..thank you 🥰🧶

[@agnesadyana7344]

This tutorial is clear and easy.. thank you for sharing.🙏😄

[@NimbleNeedles]

Glad it was helpful, Agnes!

[@Serenity-fu8xz]

Thank you

[@NimbleNeedles]

You're welcome!

[@gardenlove2782]

Your voice is so relaxing and this was a great tutorial as usual.

[@NimbleNeedles]

Glad you think so!

[@3Dhyana]

Thanks!

[@NimbleNeedles]

you are very welcome :)

[@bewegungundstille]

Vielen lieben Dank Norman! wie immer so gut erklärt! Durch dich habe ich das Stricken von seiner Anatomie aus angefangen zu verstehen: Ich wollte ein ICord-bind off von li nach re( rechte Seite betrachtend) stricken und habe keine Videos gefunden. Schlußendlich habe ich selber eine Technikkombination entwickelt und es sieht super aus! Wenn du magst teile ich sie dir gerne mit :) Viel Spaß beim Stricken und hab einen schönen Tag!

[@NimbleNeedles]

Das freut mich sehr! und von links nach rechts? Meinst du auf der Rückseite oder von der Vorderseite von links nach rechts. Letzteres würde mich in der tat sehr interessieren.

[@bewegungundstille]

@@NimbleNeedles ja also ich habe die letzten 2 Maschen vom ICord auf der Vorderseite gestrickt und die zwei Maschen li zusammen auf der Rückseite. Also beides :)

[@horsholm66]

A BIG thumbs up from me!

[@NimbleNeedles]

thank you, Laila!

[@mariacarmenmateomolina3285]

No entender nada

[@NimbleNeedles]

Well, this tutorial is in englisch 🤷