I-Cord Knit Trivet Pattern
This tutorial shows you how to knit an i-cord with double pointed needles and then how to coil the knit i-cord to make a lovely and useful trivet. This Free I-Cord Knit Trivet Pattern features step-by-step and illustrated instructions to ensure your i-cord success!
I love a good i-cord knit project! I use applied i-cords to finish washcloths or dishcloths and show you how to do that in this post. The same applied i-cord method adds a faux fur trim to this blanket! (major starry eye action here!)
This time, we will knit a stand-alone i-cord and then coil it upon itself for a super sturdy and attractive trivet. Sure, you’ll want to knit a couple of these trivets for your own kitchen, but let’s talk about making them as gifts! I don’t know anyone who couldn’t use a nice trivet or two for their kitchen.
Table of Contents
abbreviations used
- dpn: double-pointed needed
materials needed to make these i-cord knit trivets
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The instructions are provided below. But if you would like a printable, ad-free version, you can find that in the Subscriber Library (the password is included at the bottom of our News from the Nest newsletter every Monday) or click here to have it automagically appear in your email inbox.
US 15 (10mm) Double Pointed Knitting Needles
95 feet of 100% cotton 5mm Rope. The rope I used comes in a 295-foot spool, so you can get 3 trivets from a $12.00 spool of rope! If you consider another rope, make sure you use 100% cotton as polyester, acrylic, nylon, etc…could melt if heated.
2- 2.5″ (5-6 cm) Darning Needle
Thread in a color to blend with the rope you are using.
Thimble (optional)
Faux Leather Tabs (optional) I didn’t get my tabs engraved, but it would be a lovely idea! The next time I order, I will think of something darling to add to the tabs.
While these tags are technically washable, I found that the first time I washed them, the lining on the inside came off. That doesn’t bother me, as I don’t see it as necessary. If it is important to you, you could unscrew them before washing.
what is a knit i-cord?
Knitting i-cords is a very simple technique. A knit i-cord is a tube or cord made by always pulling the working yarn from behind. You will only work on front of your work, so you will never turn your work over. Most i-cords are made using between 3-6 stitches and can be made any desired length. Double-pointed needles are typically used when knitting an i-cord, though it is possible to use circular needles in a pinch.
We will be making a knit i-cord, though it is also possible to purl i-cords.
how to knit the i-cord
First, we will give instructions for knitting a long (54″) i-cord. Then, we will give instructions on how to coil the i-cord to make the trivets.
Cast 4 stitches onto a US 15 (10mm) dpn.
Move the four stitches to the tip of the needle so that the working yarn and the tail, cast-on end are to the left of your 4 cast-on stitches.
You will ALWAYS pull the working yarn from the left as you knit. By doing this, you will create a tube or cord.
Start knitting the 4 stitches.
When you have knit the 4 stitches, push them back to the right side of the dpn, ensuring that the working yarn is on the left side and in back.
Note that you will NEVER turn your work as you normally do while knitting.
Gently pull down on the tail, cast-on end of the yarn; this will help form the cord or tube. You will want to do this occasionally as you knit your i-cord.
Knit the 4 stitches again.
After you have knit them again, slide them back to the right side of the needle and repeat.
Continue until your cord measures 48″ (122 cm).
gradually bind off
Now, we will slowly bind off, tapering so that when we coil the i-cord, the end will blend in better.
When your work measures 48″ (122 cm), you will slowly cast off over several rows.
First, k2t and knit the next 2.
Work the i-cord over 3 stitches for 3 rows.
K2t and knit the next 1.
Work the i-cord over 2 stitches for 3 rows.
Knit the last 2 stitches together.
Snip the working yarn about 3-4″ from the last stitch and slip it through the loop on the needles, binding your i-cord off.
use the cord to make the i-cord knit trivet
tips:
- Keep even tension as you sew your coils. If you make the center tighter than the outer rings, it’ll pop up a bit and won’t lay as flat as you might like.
- You need 4 sides to make this work and be nicely finished on all 4 sides, so you can’t make a 3 stitch i-cord or a 5 stitch i-cord.
- Don’t twist your coils.
- Lay your cord out and notice that there are 4 sides.
- You want to ensure you don’t twist the i-cord as you coil. Keep the same side facing up the whole time.
Starting at the cast-on end (not the end where you worked down to 1 stitch), bend the end over about 1″ and secure with a needle going through all layers.
Then, continue to stitch the inside of 2 legs of the Vs to coil the i-cord. Where you stitch doesn’t matter as much as keeping the track of Vs from not twisting.
My eyes would go a little wonky at times and found it helpful to trace the Vs with my finger to ensure I wasn’t twisting.
Another way to double-check that you haven’t twisted your i-cord is to turn your work over…it should look as flat on the bottom as it does on the top.
When you’ve finished sewing the coil, you can add a leather tab to cover up the end of the project if you choose. However, how we slowly cast off makes the end of the coil not as obvious.
The faux leather tags I linked to come with the screws that attach the tags to your work.
washing your knit i-cord trivet
I have washed these trivets, but haven’t dried them in the dryer. As they are 100% cotton, I’m certain that they will shrink. They are dense, so I placed them over my air vent to speed up the drying process.
more useful handknit patterns for the kitchen
If you are looking for additional hand-knit projects that would be useful in the kitchen, you’ve come to the right place!
trivets
In addition to this Knit I-Cord Trivet, I have two other trivet patterns: a Chunky Garter Stich Knit Trivet and a Turk’s Head Knot Trivet.
other trivet patterns
potholders
I have published two potholder patterns, a Knit Linen Stitch Potholder and a Crochet Thermal Stitch Potholder.
potholder patterns
Bookmark this page or pin the following image to refer back to this Knit I-Cord Trivet Pattern in the future.
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Does this give a similar type cord to the old children’s french knitting dolls?
I’ve dug mine out to teach my twins over the summer holidays.
Hi Angie,
Yes it does! The French Knitting doll cords are thin, but you could make a thin one depending on the yarn and needles you choose.