How I built the viral i-cord hook from scratch

[@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.

[@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.

[@DexPlushy]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@GlasPthalocyanine]

​@@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

[@Kenneth-m6g]

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

[@rossandcharmidempsey4647]

I just took 3 knitting machine hooks, gently bent two in opposite directions and wedged them tightly into a piece of bamboo garden stake. Took me 10 minutes and no cost. More satisfying than buying one!😊

[@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.

[@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

[@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!!

[@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!🌹

[@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 :)

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@tinkerbellsdesignsuk2982]

I'm a seamstress, and we use long latch hooks to turn very slim straps inside out, or to pull strings through the lining in hoods and sweatpant bands :) I'll have to try this out, because I absolutely abhor making strings!

[@bleather100]

Love this! Found them to buy for $25 U.S. You can search for knitting machine replacement needles. They come in fine, standard, and bulky. You’d probably want bulky if you’re using worsted weight yarn, standard for DK or sport, and fine for sock and thinner yarn.

[@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 >.

[@adorabledeplorble8497]

I bought the latch hooks with no handle to help with crocheting the bullion stitch as well as then purchasing a much longer needle hook for pulling cords through a sewing project. Now I want to try your trick too! The smaller hooks can also assist with repairing sweaters. Just so much we an do with something like this!!!

[@curaturable]

That's great idea 👌👍💡🎉🎉🎉you created brand new tool to ease work for croshet lovers amazing!!! ❤❤❤ My expectation 1 million viewers!!!! 🤗

[@lemonadewithstrawberries]

I'm not even a knitter (I crochet) but your aura and vibes are so fantastic that I had to subscribe

[@NimbleNeedles]

Heh! Maybe this is your sign to start knitting 😅

[@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.

[@mariecouture7591]

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

[@NimbleNeedles]

heh! well, i dunno :P

[@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!

[@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.

[@annawerner1]

I am going to use some spare latch needles from a knitting machine. Outstanding idea! Thank you!

[@NimbleNeedles]

definitely give it a try (but don't use up all spares! :P)

[@annawerner1]

@@NimbleNeedles I am a knitting hoarder😆 always get double spare of anything😅.

[@krupaonkarmurthy5903]

I was thinking of buying a few and making my own but I have no idea of the sizing Could you please help me with that?

[@annawerner1]

@krupaonkarmurthy5903 I used needles from standard guage knitting machine.

[@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.🤗🤗🤗

[@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! 🥰

[@maniacalmoz]

Great idea Norman! I agree that you staggered the latch hooks too high. I also think you should increase the space between each latch hook if you decide to remake it. Maybe even add another hook. The i-cord you made was quite thin, also, just because you have 4 hooks, doesn't mean you have to always use them all, especially if you are using thicker yarn. I'm gonna try it! I might even cheap out and just do it with crochet hooks

[@NimbleNeedles]

I don't think it will work with just crochet hooks. The latch/lever is the only part that makes this viable. As for fanning things out...yeah I will experiment with it but since it actually does work quite seamlessly (now that I adjusted my technique) I'm a bit hestitant to recommend it. Orginally I thought I would include a second iterration but that was basically the reason why I didn't.

[@maniacalmoz]

@@NimbleNeedles I've just tried it with Crochet hooks and it works, but the technique is a little different. I've been holding the Crochet hooks with the hook facing down, I have the working yarn over my left index finger and hold the i-cord between my middle finger and thumb, closest to me. This way, I keep the working yarn tensioned and under the hooks and pull down on the i-cord (to stretch the stitches ever so slightly) whilst pulling them up and off the Crochet hooks. Not a bad result. Not slower than knitting and like you said, with practice will get faster

[@minatibaro2306]

@@maniacalmoz in this case, would self threading needles work better than crochet hooks? they're even cheaper than crochet hooks.

[@MargaretaStLouis-bo5hr]

Thank you for this!!! Every new invention creates many new techniques and spinoffs that enrich our creative lives,

[@kray3883]

You can get latch hooks for knitting machines in a package all the same size. For some reason they call them "knitting machine needles" even though they don't have any resemblance to a needle.

[@valeriebellecats8939]

I love the Addi Swing crochet hooks, they fit my hands and are much easier on me wrists. The holding and movement is less of a grip. Where I grew up we called the knitting doll a Knitting Nancy. Thanks for the video.

[@NimbleNeedles]

i dunno...the addi hooks feel like they make sense but they just don't work for my hand size..i dunno!

[@valeriebellecats8939]

@@NimbleNeedles they do take some getting used to and won't work for everyone. Perhaps you can form your own handle with clay on a straight hook? With the Addi I rest the lower curve over the middle joint of my fingers and place my thumb on the top colored part under the hook. The hook and thumb are then right side facing my body. I grip loosely. The hook does move in my hand and I'll hold it with my 3rd and 4th fingers against the top of my palm.

[@angelavinen2881]

The autocrank french knitter actually works well for me. I can do metres of Icord in 30 minutes, but this hook does look like fun to try

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@maud2rolland348]

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

[@rachaelwood3837]

This is so cool, and I am off to raid my old knitting machine needles (those things you were wondering about are needles for knitting machines lol) and make myself an i-cord knitter! I could do it on one of my machines, but hand tools are more portable!

[@Ladybug-uf7uh]

WoW! I don't have any idea what you do with an i-cord hook would be used for, but your video came up in my feed. I thought "What???" and have enjoyed watching you create a tool to use. Kudos to you for your creativity and abilities to make what you need. "Necessity is the mother of invention" could not be more true than in this video!

[@NimbleNeedles]

you can use it to pick up stitches from. It creates a super nice edge for shawls, etc!

[@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.

[@denubug]

Thank you....I am making one now. I use I cords for fringes on monks cloth ( swedish weaving % hucks embroidery)...so tdious as usually knit with short dpn.

[@Bethabara9]

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

[@dogvetusa]

I think the alterations you talked about will help with the tension shift that happens when removing the stitches.

[@euniceh9851]

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

[@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

[@jfhvmhify]

You may want to wrap from the longest latch hook. I love watching you. You help me understand why I am not. Getting results wanted. What I love more is wheen you show that I am getting something correct! This was such fun. Thank you

[@NimbleNeedles]

Tried that. Didn't really work for this setup. Maybe if they r all on the same level

[@stefaniedecoster2772]

@@NimbleNeedles or possibly if you make one that has the longest hook closest to the thumb of your right hand? But the examples I've seen all had the hooks at the same hight.

[@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. ❤😍

[@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!)

[@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!

[@Jacelyn5440]

Great idea, Norman! I was thinking how it would be great for you to get a patent and have them made for sale. It was a fun video. Thanks!

[@NimbleNeedles]

heh..i think I'll wait for that until i have an original idea myself :)

[@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! 👏👏

[@MaraschinoPenguin31415]

Those latches with the nubs look like replacement needles for a knitting machine. They come in different sizes for different yarn weights. The smaller ones are spaced closer together in the machine.

[@elebelle51]

Not exactly, but one could use knitting machine needles in the same way.

[@NimbleNeedles]

yeah, they look like it. However, the kits I bought didn't come with any description which machine they were supposed to be good for. On top of that the size/length is not uniform. So, I dunno..i think they are actually meant to toy around with.

[@VanessaOshiroEsa]

They are latch hooks, and you can use them to make rugs. I think they're also used for intricate braiding. And of course this! Very clever invention.

[@MaraschinoPenguin31415]

@@NimbleNeedles​​⁠​⁠ I think I could have been clearer about my size comment. On a knitting machine, they strangle the smaller ones closer together for thinner yarns. So you might want to try playing with the distance between the needles, with the smaller ones closer together and the bigger ones further apart. Also, to make it easier on your hands, you might want to try fixing the bottom of the cord to something, like a table, so you have something to pull against.

[@NimbleNeedles]

@@MaraschinoPenguin31415 yes, i know machine knitting. my grandma had one and was quite proficient and knitted sweaters for the whole family (I still have her machine in the basement) However, it's not a problem of tension. you literally have to actively pull. if you fixate it..i dunno..then the full force would be transferred to the right hand. but yeah, if I'd like to turn this into a product, I'd have to tinker around quite a bit. Someone also suggestion springs between the different needles/hooks so they'd contract as you pull.

[@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. 💝🥰

[@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)

[@eablas2243]

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

[@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!

[@tahlenri]

Oh my goodness! Only five minutes to make THAT mich icord!! I really want to make this tool too

[@NimbleNeedles]

Go for it!

[@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!

[@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!!

[@ruthyk7083]

It's basically a tiny knitting machine. Bravo!

[@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.

[@judywickens5511]

The latched hooks are used for crochet braids too so you can get them at hair supply stores.

[@annetteavery3349]

Yes, I am a machine knitter and have three gauges of machines and spare needles so I shall be making to use up some ends but yes your needles are for different makes of knitting machine. I can make I cord on the machine over three needles and it is faster than by hand, but this is excellent. Well done, enjoy and thank you for your videos, I enjoy them so much.

[@NimbleNeedles]

yeah, obviously if you have a machine, it definitely might be faster and possible neater! :)

[@rrome6178]

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

[@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! ❤

[@ethanielhalling9426]

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

[@hfwrose6797]

This is fantastic! I hate making icords. I’m a continental knitting and I knit fast. An icord process hurts my brain and heart. I’m going to make my own. Thanks

[@samanthanicholson9015]

There's a tool for braids that looks just like that. I saw it in a salon store. Good idea it makes cord go faster

[@wheeltrish]

You are so clever! I’m not crafty in that way but I did get one of the 3-D printed ones. I’m hoping to figure out how to use the tool to attach an iCord edge all around on a scrappy blanket with no live stitches. I think it can be done. I’m going to try a few single squares first, though… and maybe use them for mug rugs or something. I enjoyed watching this. Thank you!

[@NimbleNeedles]

hm...i am not really sure if that can work because you do have to factor in a decrease along the way. Not sure if that would really be faster.

[@wheeltrish]

@@NimbleNeedles I’m thinking I might actually have to do increases because my i-cord on the latch hook tool is tight. So I’m thinking I’ll have to watch what happens and add or subtract stitches as I go. I’m still going to experiment. If it works I’ll post it somewhere and come back and let you know.

[@LauraNelkin]

@@wheeltrish I've been having great luck doing an I-Cord bind off with my tool! I do pick up a strand in between every stitch or every other stitch to add more rows. I have a video on IG that shows how I figured that out!

[@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. ❤

[@wookieefaced1595]

Hi Norman, this comment has nothing to do with this video. I'm a newish knitter(3 months now), and I've been struggling with how many stitches to cast on for various projects, and stumbled upon your article "How many stitches to cast on for socks". It was so very helpful, I wanted to thank you for your expert advise!

[@NimbleNeedles]

My pleasure 🙏

[@lenaraullo5263]

You always surprise me with your ingenuity and creativeness.

[@christinaczarnecki625]

Briliant ! Maybe if you fix your hooks on the edge of the table it will be easier to handle it ? You could make a hole or two in the soft clay for the screews.

[@NimbleNeedles]

yeah, that's a great idea. Almost like a knitting machine. Definitely worth experimenting with!

[@tsoonklah]

You’re a genius! I use 3 stitch i-cords for all my shawls cause of how I make them & your invention would save even more time!

[@NimbleNeedles]

hopefully. now..if i could just come up with an i-cord BIND-OFF machine..that would be even neater :P

[@Stitcher_in_MD]

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

[@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.

[@valeriewoods6754]

I tried to put 4 hooks round a rubber ball to pull up the loops on my knitting dolly (all at the same time). It didn't work. This is a great design. Thank you.

[@ravenlunatic1177]

Norman, I always enjoy watching your videos. This one did not disappoint! Your creativity and ingenuity are boundless! I agree with you the needles were staggered a bit too much. A little closer should do the trick. The straight needles you had look a lot like replacement needles for knitting machines. The long flat bar type, not the addi round. Buried in my craft room/hoarding closet I have a couple knitting machines and accessory sets. I’m not 100% positive, but I seem to remember a tool that had 3 needles next to one another. It’s not the transfer tool as they don’t have latches, but it’s something similarly used. Apologies I can’t remember the tool name now. Perhaps that’s what was used in the viral video?🤷🏼‍♀️ Your tool looks like it was a lot a fun to use, with a few tweaks you might have the start of a new business🤷🏼‍♀️ I can visualize the handle being 3D printed. I can also see it being a useful tool to add to our toolkits and a fun offshoot for a beginner. Thank you for always presenting your videos so clearly, concise, engaging, informative, and relatable! Cheers from FL,USA😺

[@NimbleNeedles]

i'm only aware of the transfer tool and the one to pull out/push in hooks. But then again, I never really delved into machine knitting. so i dunno!

[@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!

[@lisavieja]

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

[@lindaayala6541]

Fascinating! I wonder if a slightly smaller hook size might have worked better for that yarn weight. You are quite the innovative fellow! ❤️🙏🏼❤️

[@NimbleNeedles]

possibly! These just came in one size lol. But I did notice that it's an important factor

[@lindaayala6541]

@@NimbleNeedles Have you tried using your homemade tool with a lighter weight yarn yet? I would love to know how it went if you did.

[@NimbleNeedles]

@@lindaayala6541 not yet. You'd have to change the hook size. This means, you'D need multiple tools!

[@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.

[@patriciacaldwell9221]

Brilliant! It's like a teeny tiny knitting machine!

[@NimbleNeedles]

yes, indeed!

[@lizlarson2452]

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

[@NimbleNeedles]

please do! :)

[@teresamilner9179]

Very ingenious idea. Congratulations on making your own tool.

[@islandgirl54-o3o]

Great idea! I have an icord maker but mine is fast and cord is smooth. But only use dk weight. I will try making yours...genius!

[@lisas3268]

This is amazing! I am so impressed!

[@NimbleNeedles]

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

[@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..

[@hokey-os3rx]

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

[@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.

[@annalester7779]

This was awesome !!! 3 ft takes me 3 hours on double points. I'm a perfectionist 😊. Thanks for all you do !!!

[@NimbleNeedles]

Yeah, me too 🙈🙈🙈

[@bethliebman8169]

Norman, great DIY! Du bist sehr klug.. Good old Fima. Once took Fimo class which was fun--made a lot of great beads and earrings, I wish you luck with your further experiments. I have a Knitting Nancy which doesn't work very well. I have great success with using DPs for I-cord. Really enjoyed this video.

[@rajalakshmiswaminathan213]

This is lovely. Hoping some knitting needle/crochet hook manufacturers watch your video and get inspired to make a real product that looks like this...

[@NimbleNeedles]

heh. maybe they will! tho it really depends a bit on the demand estimate!

[@mikkiwachtel2870]

Norman, maybe you should not have shown us what you created - what you should do is actually have this manufactured and bring this to market. You better get your patent on this quickly before somebody else beats you to it! I would never have thought to use rug latch hooks to create an I-cord. Brilliant! You never cease to amaze me

[@NimbleNeedles]

Heh. Nah, I stick to videos. I leave manufacturing to others and gladly so

[@valeriehowden471]

Norman, great invention! I was thinking the stitches would come off easier if the hooks were perpendicular rather than fanned out in addition to staggering less. Perhaps i have to give it a go. Have fun creating a personalized ergonomic crochet hook. I really enjoy my Clover Amour hooks however I wish they were a bit longer as my hands are on the larger size for a woman.

[@NimbleNeedles]

yeah, I mean if I wanted to turn this into a product, you'd definitely have to experiement around quite a bit!

[@kareninthevalley]

I love the friction and ease of the Clover Amours better than any lesser priced hooks, but I do find it easy to crochet with the Susan Bates "ergonomic" hooks despite the differences in the point, which is inline type, because the handle is longer. It protrudes from my palm when I rest the handle in a knife grip and the width of my hand is wider than average. The handles are nothing special on the SBs, but they really do work well for me. HTH

[@robertabiallas6923]

Very interesting, Norman. Personally, I use a lucet for making i-cord. But your tool is very inventive.

[@NimbleNeedles]

how fast can you go with lucets? i am aware of them but never really tried them.

[@ooohlaa13]

what is a Lucet used for? I will google but would love to hear your reply!

[@robertabiallas6923]

@@ooohlaa13 A lucet is sort of like a wooden ‘fork’ with two long tines and a hole in the middle of the handle. It was used, according to historians, all the way back in the times of the Vikings. There are many tutorials on KZbin. Sometimes it’s good for ‘no-brainer’ handwork while watching Tv. It produces a simple cord, though I’ve seen some fanciers cords where they even put in beads and such.

[@ooohlaa13]

thanx so much for your response and clarity!@@robertabiallas6923

[@tinaturnersage3826]

I have used thermoplastic beads to make ergonomic handles for jewelry tools, that work likely work well for this too

[@NimbleNeedles]

thx for sharing!

[@claireskey5439]

COMPLETELY ingenious! I know I've got some latch hooks somewhere 😂 Love it!😍🇭🇲💖💖💖

[@frannielocks]

I clicked on this video SO FAST! Seeing you engineer a NEW knitting tool??? Yes please! Then when you showed how much cord you had made a few minutes later I laughed so hard! I envisioned you sitting for hours, mesmerized and delighted by the ease of your new tool, surrounded by mountains of I-cord 😂

[@NimbleNeedles]

haha...well..like a medusa! :P

[@sarahlewis7669]

To make it more ergonomic you can use thermoplastic. Fimo won’t break as I decided to Upcycle some cutlery with it about 10 years ago and I still have them. Well done xxx