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This is a quick guide on how to use an i-cord machine to embellish your projects. I-cord has many uses and with a machine is quick to make.
There are so many different crafts you can do with yarn! From traditional crafts like knitting, weaving, and crochet to the latest trends like Pom Pom making and i-cord.
Yarn crafts really have no limits when it comes to playing with yarn. I have been experimenting with different tools and techniques to see where my imagination takes me.
One of the tools I have tried recently is an i-cord machine. It is such a fun technique I would like to share with you!
I have purchased an I-cord machine from Amazon and have had so much fun using it! Check it out HERE.
Table of contents
Why you should get an i-cord machine
The Tulip i-cord Knitter is a user-friendly tool for creating i-cords quickly and easily. Ideally, you can use it for fingering and sport weight yarns, cotton crochet thread, metallic yarn, and embroidery thread.
You can see how I used it in a quick video HERE on Amazon.
The machine itself is of superb quality and is affordable. It comes with a guide, weight to pull the cord through and a 2.2 mm crochet hook.
It is a fun and easy way to turn a super-thin yarn into a bulky or super bulky weight yarn.
Yarn Suggestions:
How to use I-Cord Machine – Video Tutorial
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By the way, you can also crochet an I-cord. I have a tutorial for that here: Crocheting an I-cord in 6 different ways.
Using the Tulip I-Cord Knitting Machine
Firstly, you need to insert your yarn into the Tulip machine in order to start making an i-cord. Put your yarn through the loop on the side to hold it in place and then down through the middle of the machine.
Secondly, you need to attach the weight to the yarn tail end coming out of the middle of the machine. It is very important to keep this weight suspended in the air. The weight will pull the yarn and the i-cord through the machine preventing any tangles.
Then you need to thread the yarn through the hooks. If you place the yarn to the front of the hook, it will catch it and pull it through. If you need to miss a hook, you need to place the yarn to the back of the hook.
For the first round, you need to thread the yarn through hooks one and three. Miss hooks two and four. On the next round let all the hooks catch the yarn. This will start the process of creating the i-cord.
All you need to do after is turn the handle and watch the weight at the bottom pull the finished i-cord out of the machine. You have to remember to move the weight up so it is always suspended in the air. This is to prevent yarn tangles.
Once you have reached the desired length or used up the entire ball of yarn, you need to finish off the i-cord and secure all loops. Simply take the loops off the needles and slip stitch them together pulling the tail end through the last loop.
What can you use i-cord for?
You can make many items with your finished i-cord. You can add finishing touches to larger projects and use them as bag handles or string for drawstring bags. Another idea is to use it for amigurumi projects like tails on animals, limbs on rag dolls or scarves, and belts for doll clothing.
With the holiday season coming up you can use it as a decorative braid to wrap gifts and decorate them or use it as a garland to hang stuff on. How about making a quick gift for kids and twisting and tying it into a charming bangle or necklace?
How to crochet with I-cord
As I mentioned above, you can use your i-cord machine to turn a super-thin crochet thread or yarn into bulky or super bulky crochet yarn. After that, you can easily use it as you would use a very thick yarn.
You can crochet homeware items with it like potholders, coasters, placemats, rugs, or bath mats.
As the finished i-cord is super thick you will need to use a large hook, I would suggest 10 mm as a minimum. However, one thing you need to remember when crocheting or working with i-cord, in general, is that you must never cut it! If you cut it to length with scissors, it will simply fall apart.
I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and will be inspired to try the i-cord machine yourself. If you think your crafty friends would also enjoy this handy guide, why not share it with them. You can also help to spread the word and share this article on social media or pin it to your favorite Pinterest Board.
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