My latest pattern is now available for purchase! This is a potato chip scarf, with an extra touch - eyelets along the edges where the scarf ruffles. SORRY PATTERN NO LONGER AVAILABLE
This is knit with one skein of Patons Lace yarn on US Size 7 needles. I used the color Bonfire, but this will look great in any of the other colors.
All you need to know for this scarf is knit, purl, yarn over, and short rows. (There is no wrapping with these short rows, although you could if you want to) If you need help with any of these, I have videos on my YouTube channel that you can watch.
Sample was knit with Lily Sugar n Cream on US Size 6 needles - 4 stitches
I have been thinking about spiral/curly I-Cord for some time now. None of the info I found (like HERE) was what I was looking for. The curl was produced after the length of the cord had been knit - when I bind off, I like that to be the end! I am not too fond of binding off and still having something left to do (seaming, anyone?). You can even do a mini version of my Amazing Curly Scarf to make spirals - I believe this is the method in Knitting Over the Edge. But I didn't want that look either. So, this morning I got out some yarn and needles, and played around until I came up with this method. I am not saying I am the first to do it like this, because I am sure someone else out there has done this before me, but I didn't find any instructions for spiral I-Cord during my search that was like this.
It is very simple to do and I willingly admit that I am darn proud of myself for having an idea that actually works! So, without further ado, here is what I did. I am assuming that you already know how to make the standard I-Cord by the way.
Cast on 4 stitches - you can use either DPNs or a circular needle
Slide stitches to the other end of the needle as normal and knit all stitches
Row 2 - Knit 2, Slip 1, Knit 1
Row 3 - Knit 2, Slip 1, Knit 1
Row 4 - Knit all stitches
Repeat Row 2 - 4 until cord is the desired length
What to do with the curly I-Cord? Maybe replace the standard fringe on a scarf with these nifty spirals, or top off a hat. You can even add beads - I have a tutorial on that too. You are only limited by your imagination.
This is by no means the only way to knit a spiral cord. I encourage you to play around with different yarns and needle sizes, and even a different number of stitches. Perhaps add another row or two where the stitch is slipped - heck, slip two stitches. You may come up with a better curling cord. If you do alter this "pattern", I would love to see what you come up with!
If you are new to knitting, you may be wondering how to knit a scarf. Scarves are good beginner projects, because you generally don't need to worry about gauge - something which often confuses newbies. Scarves can be knit as long as you want, as wide as you want, as skinny as you want. You can use any yarn you like, any needle size, and any stitch pattern. It can be simple, such as garter stitch, or something more complicated like lace.
Even though a scarf is a simple project, all of the options can be overwhelming. If you aren't ready to go it alone, there are more scarf patterns available on the web than you can shake a knitting needle at. If you would like to design your own, here are a few steps to get you started.
Find a stitch pattern you like. There are many web sites with stitch patterns if you don't own any stitch pattern books. The Weekly Stitch has a new stitch pattern posted each week, most with a video demonstration of the stitch.
Choose your yarn and needles. If you aren't sure of which needle to use for you yarn, check the ball band and start with the recommend size. While you don't have to swatch first, you certainly can if you like; you can decide from there if you like how the fabric looks, and if you'd like to make a denser fabric then try a needle size smaller than the one recommended. If you'd like something looser and airy, shoot for a larger needle size. Also, a swatch can tell you how wide your scarf will be. Myself, I just guesstimate and don't worry about it. Obviously, what type of yarn and needle size you use will affect the width. Finer yarn will require more stitches, and heavier weight yarn will require less.
Once you have your yarn, needles and stitch pattern you are ready to cast on.
Begin knitting your scarf; keep going until it is as long as you want it to be. Now you can cast off, or bind off. Use any bind off you like. The standard knit bind off will do fine, but of course there are many different bind offs. If you like to purl, you can try the standard purl bind off, or if you crochet perhaps the single crochet bind off will feel most comfortable for you.
If you have knit your scarf with wool or another animal fiber, you may want to block it before wearing it. Blocking is not required, but can open up your stitches and give the scarf a more finished look. You can always add fringe to your scarf if you like! Now you are ready to wear your new scarf!
Scarves are a good way to use up left over yarns; you can use several strands at once, or just knit with one until you run out and then begin with another. The scarf above was knit with four strands of yarn on large needles. I wanted to use up some scrap yarn, as well as get it done fast.
