Picking Up Stitches for Applied I-Cord Edge

Understanding the Basics of Picking Up Stitches

Have you ever finished a knitted piece and wished the edge looked cleaner? That’s where picking up stitches for applied I-cord edge comes in. An applied I-cord edge is a tiny knitted tube that you attach as you go, giving your project a smooth, finished look.

When you “pick up” stitches, you use your needle to pull new loops through the side of your work. These new loops become a base for the neat, round cord that frames your project. The cord hides uneven sides, adds strength, and keeps the fabric from curling. Because the cord is knit right onto the edge, you don’t have to sew anything on later.

Even if you’re new to knitting, you can master this technique with a little practice. All you need is your project, a pair of matching needles, and a small amount of yarn. By learning picking up stitches for applied I-cord edge, you’ll unlock a simple trick that makes scarves, blankets, and even sweaters look like they came from a fancy shop.

In the next section, we’ll show you how to start picking up stitches from a selvedge edge so your I-cord sits flat and even.

Step-by-Step Guide to Picking Up Stitches from a Selvedge Edge

Before you start picking up stitches for applied I-cord edge, gather your supplies:
• Your knitted piece
• The same yarn (or a fun contrast color)
• A needle one size smaller than the one you used for the project
• A crochet hook (optional) for tricky spots

First, find the selvedge edge—the neat side “column” that formed as you knit each row. It looks like a chain of V’s running up the side. When picking up stitches from a selvedge edge, aim your needle under one leg of each V, not through the middle. This keeps the edge strong and flat.

Steps to pick up stitches:

Insert the needle from front to back under the chosen leg of the first V.
Wrap the working yarn around the needle tip and pull a loop through.
Slide the new loop onto the left needle if you’re right-handed (reverse if left-handed).
Repeat for every V up the side, keeping the loops snug but not tight.
If the edge feels crowded, try skipping some stitches—pick up two, skip one—to keep the cord from puckering later.

Check your work every few inches. All the picked-up loops should sit in a straight line with even height. Care now will save you headaches when applying the I-cord for every row and helps prevent the worry that the i-cord will get bunched up later.

Applying the I-Cord for Every Row

Your edge stitches are ready, so let’s start applying the I-cord for every row. With the right side of your work facing you, cast on three extra stitches at the tip of your working needle. These three stitches form the I-cord.

Work the I-cord like this:

Knit the first two I-cord stitches.
Knit the third I-cord stitch together with the first picked-up edge stitch (k2tog tbl for right-handed knitters).
Without turning the work, slide all three I-cord stitches back to the left tip of the needle.
Gently tug the yarn to snug the cord. Repeat these steps until you reach the end of the picked-up row.

Keep an eye on your tension. If the edge starts to curl inward or looks crowded, pause and check your spacing. Sometimes the i-cord will get bunched up because too many stitches were picked up or your tension is uneven. If you need more space, try skipping some stitches along the edge—for example, “work two edge stitches, skip one.”

With steady practice, picking up stitches for applied I-cord edge and knitting the cord in place will feel natural.

Troubleshooting: When the I-Cord Gets Bunched Up

So you’ve finished a few inches, and suddenly the edge looks like a wavy snake. Don’t panic—this is common.

Lay your work flat. If the cord pulls tighter than the fabric, it’s too snug.
Check tension. If you pulled the yarn too hard while applying the I-cord for every row, knit a bit looser and tug the yarn only after sliding the stitches back.
Count your picked-up stitches. If you have more than one picked-up stitch for every two rows of knitting, the cord can’t stretch. Rip back just the I-cord, re-pick the stitches while skipping some stitches, and try again.
Needle size. A smaller needle for picking up stitches for applied I-cord edge keeps the base loops slimmer, giving the cord more room to lie flat.

After any fix, steam-block or mist the edge and smooth it with your fingers. Heat and moisture help the stitches settle into their new, even shape.

Creative Uses for Applied I-Cord Edges

Now that you’re comfortable picking up stitches for applied I-cord edge, let’s see where this trick can shine.

• Blankets: Frame a throw with a bold contrast cord to stop curling and add a store-bought look.
• Hats and cuffs: Pick up stitches around a beanie brim or sleeve edge to prevent flaring and create a comfy finish.
• Button loops: Shape tiny arches by skipping some stitches along the edge, then reconnecting the cord. Built-in loops match perfectly.
• Home décor: Outline pockets on a tote, trim a knitted pillow, or create flexible handles for a small pouch.

We’d love to see your creations! Share photos and tips with us in the comments below or tag @CraftingInspirations on social media so the whole community can cheer you on.

Wrapping Up

By learning picking up stitches for applied I-cord edge, you’ve added a powerful tool to your knitting toolkit. This simple tube tidy-ups edges, adds strength, and turns handmade items into polished pieces you’ll be proud to gift or wear. Grab your needles, try the technique on your next project, and let your creativity run free. Happy crafting!