How to Get More Use from the Magicord Machine© or i-cord!

Magicord Machine make a 4 Stitch I-cord. So these directions are also great for I-cords made on any machine!

Use the Cord to Replace the Hanging of a Hem.

1. Knit the cord an extra two inches longer than needed for bottom of a garment piece.
2. Put the number of needles you need for cast-on into working position.
3. Starting one inch from the end, hang one-half of a stitch of the cord onto the needles. (One inch of cord should be left over.)

   Note: It looks better if you use the same stitch from each row of cord, forming a straight line.

4. Repeat for second, or remaining pieces.
5. Unravel excess cords at the seams and graft stitches neatly together.

Decorate Hems with Bows at Seams.

1. Follow directions above, however, Knit cords 12"-18" longer.
2. When the sweater is seamed, tie cords into bows.

Make the cord in oval shapes at shoulders, thus forming epaulettes.

1. Use the directions in Magicord manual for making ovals.
2. Cords and braided cords can be added under the epaulette for added decoration.
   • Start at the shoulder, drape down, wrap under the sleeve at the armhole, and up to the shoulder.
   • Secure ends to the shoulder seam.
   • Cover the ends and the seam with an oval epaulette.

Combine Braids and Cords for Matching Sashes and Belts.

(Like a kimono sash.)

1. Don’t forget, you can make a wide piece to fit your waist (with oval method)
2. Then make multiple thinner cords to attach to ends.
3. Wrap these from the back to the front for a layered looking sash.

Make Decorative “Frog” Closings for Cardigans.

(Purchase a book on Chinese knotting for outstanding effects.)

For Easy Button/hole Bands on Cardigans:

1. Knit cord an inch longer than bottom of a front hem, the length for the button band, and the back of the neck, and 3" more to make sure you have enough.
2. Hang cord as hem as outlined above.
3. With carriage at a seam side, knit two rows.
4. Bend cord to go up front, hang on end needle opposite the seam side.
5. Continue knitting two rows and hanging cord for a button band.

   Button band

6. Knit cord an inch longer than bottom of a front hem, the length for the button band, and the back of the neck, and 3" more to make sure you have enough.
7. Hang cord as hem as outlined above.
8. With carriage at a seam side, knit two rows.
9. Bend cord to go up front, hang on end needle opposite the seam side.
10. Continue knitting two rows and hanging cord as for a button band, BUT for buttonholes, simply do not hang the cord on the rows where you want the buttonhole.

Use for Surface Design-alternating “Bows.”

1. Make “long cords” long enough to go across front / back at 2" intervals.
2. Make “rings cords” long enough to form “bow-shapes.” (Approximately 4"-5")
3. Graft (or stitch) ends of “ring cords” together. (If you are careful, you can hide the ends when you stitch them down.)
4. Hang a “long cord” at the hem.
5. Then hang a “long cord” across the row every 2" until you reach the top of your piece.
6. Alternating placements between “long cords”, whip stitch a ring “bow”, forming a stripe of bows.