I first encountered the faux i-cord bind off when I tested the Simone Pullover by HelloGavriella. It creates a beautifully finished edge and after about three stitches it became my favorite. Gentle and unobtrusive, it will enhance a bind off without demanding attention. Learning how. to knit the faux i-cord bind off is quite simple but because we all learn differently I was sure to include a video tutorials and step-by-step written instructions in this post.
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Three Shawl Patterns featuring the faux i-cord bind off
How to Knit the Faux I-cord Bind Off: step-by-step instructions
Almost the same as Jenny's Stretchy Bind Off, the Faux i-cord Bind Off has only two differences, but they make all the difference to the finished look. 1: Faux i-cord Bind Off is done from the wrong side (or inside if you are binding off a sweater sleeve). 2: The yarn over is made backwards. Yes, I did write that correctly: its a backwards yarn over that will give us the smooth finished look in the end.
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How to Knit the Faux I-cord Bind Off: a quick reel tutorial
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How to Knit the Faux I-cord Bind Off: a video tutorial
Reasons NOT to use the Faux I-cord Bind Off
I can go on and on about how much I love this bind off, but is there ever a time we wouldn't want to use it? The answer is yes! The very thing about it that has me over the moon in love is also the source of trouble. The Faux I-cord Bind Off is so super duper uper stretchy. This could cause the bottom of a sweater to bell rather than hug the waste. It could cause the ends of fingerless mitts to open up and become floppy rather than sit snug round our fingers. If used at the end of a scarf, it may provide more space for stitches to relax and open up as opposed to the cast on edge and the scarf would appear unbalanced.
BUT!
It works quite well along the bottom edge of a top down shawl, or a loose cardigan! If you get going with it and realize that it's just gonna be too stretchy, never fear. Its also quite easy to take out.
I would love to hear from you! Have you knit a project that uses the faux i-cord bind off? What did you love about it? Any reason it didn't quite work out for you?Share in the comments!
Happy Making! ~Sönna
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