How to Knit an I Cord Bind Off

I have just finished my Nightshift Shawl by Andrea Mowry, and after sharing with you how to knit i cord edges, I thought I would share how to knit an i cord bind off. This bind off is often used for shawls as it gives a nice rounded edge and has a bit of stretch to it, so your cast off edge can stretch with the rest of your shawl.

There are a couple different methods, they both look about the same, the trick is to be consistent and stick with one method throughout your bind off. I will also demonstrate how to do an i cord bind off in two colors.

Firstly... Do you need to Cast On Additional Stitches?

If your project has i cord edges you do not need to cast on any additional stitches, but if your project has standard edges you will need to cast on 3 additional stitches at the beginning of the row before you start your bind off. To do this you may use any method you like, usually your pattern will suggest a method.

The I Cord Bind Off Method

You can use either of these methods, whichever works best for you.

*Knit 2, Knit 2 Together Through the Back Loop, Slip those 3 Stitches from the Right Needle Back to your Left Hand Needle, Repeat from *

or

*Knit 2, Slip Slip Knit, Slip those 3 Stitches from the Right Needle Back to your Left Hand Needle, Repeat from *

Work either one of these methods until 3 stitches remain. Simply pass the first two stitches over the third stitch, break the yarn and thread the tail through the last live stitch to close it.

For a 2 Color Bind Off

Simply repeat the steps above alternating between your two colors of yarn.

*Color A: Knit 2, Knit 2 Together Through the Back Loop, Slip those 3 Stitches from the Right Needle Back to your Left Hand Needle
Color B: Knit 2, Knit 2 Together Through the Back Loop, Slip those 3 Stitches from the Right Needle Back to your Left Hand Needle,
Repeat from *

or

*Color A: Knit 2, Slip Slip Knit, Slip those 3 Stitches from the Right Needle Back to your Left Hand Needle,
Color B: Knit 2, Slip Slip Knit, Slip those 3 Stitches from the Right Needle Back to your Left Hand Needle,
Repeat from *

The i cord bind off takes a fair amount of yarn so be sure you have enough to get all the way around. Using a 2 color bind off is a great way to add a complimentary color pop and extend the coverage of your yarn if you don't quite have enough.

Check out the video below to see this information in action.

Happy Knitting!