Introducing the brand new Cordsmith Mini! Say goodbye to tedious hand-knitting and say hello to fast, fun i-cord creation! This bespoke tool is made for makers. It's lightweight and designed for all, whether you're left or right-handed. The textured design on both sides ensures a secure and comfortable grip, perfect for those with small hands or people experiencing dexterity issues, such as arthritis. You'll find it easier to use when you're relaxed, which means you can work longer without fatigue!
How To
Let us show you how easy it is to use the Cordsmith Mini! With some patience and practice, you'll be on a roll in no time!
Round or Flat
Pictured above is a round i-cord in green and a "flat" or ribbon-like i-cord in pink.
With a simple switch of direction in wrapping, you can make either round or flat i-cords. For a round i-cord, you always wrap the yarn in the same direction around the hooks. For a flat i-cord, you simply alternate the direction you wrap, so wrap away from your body and then toward your body and repeat. The flat i-cord will naturally want to curl, but a quick press with an iron will flatten it out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you change colors?
Changing colors is even easier than you think! Click HERE to learn how.
How do you bind off?
Learn how HERE.
How do you pick up dropped stitches?
See the solution HERE.
How do you do an applied i-cord bind off?
If you didn't know, the Cordsmith can even be used to bind off knitting projects. Learn how HERE.
Yarns & Threads
The Cordsmith Mini works with a variety of lighter yarn weights (lace, fingering, sport, and even sock). Adarah and Prairie yarn are both great options! We also love using Eleganza Perle Cotton Thread in 3WT, 5WT, and 8WT with the Cordsmith Mini. It's best to start learning with a yarn that has some stretch to it, but once you get some practice, you can move on to cottons or linens.
Below you can see i-cords made with Eleganza Perle Cotton Thread in 3WT, 5WT, and 8WT (top to bottom).
Inspiration
The Cordsmith can be used to make i-cords with a wide variety of uses and applications. Check out this list of ideas from Autumn Eden-Goodman, the maker of the Cordsmith:
- Use it to create an i-cord to cast on a project; it works especially well for crochet in place of a traditional chain cast on!
- Use it to create an attached i-cord bind off
- Drawstrings for hoodies, pants, and bags
- Lanyards for keys and ID/work badges
- Use the i-cord to knit or crochet a super squishy blanket, rug, or chair cushion
- Add beads as you go to make sparkly bracelets or holiday garland
- Wrap around round foam balls to make holiday decorations
- Hanging loops for stockings
- Knotted clasps for cardigans
- Loops and ties for sewn dresses and tops
- Slide over wire shapes and words
- Bag straps
- Macramé art and plant hangers
- Weaving and decorative wall hangings
- Strings to attach mittens or hat ties
- Bows for hair and barrettes
For even more ideas, search #cordsmith or #cordsmithmini on social media to see the amazing things creators are making with these fantastic tools!
The Sue Spargo Way
Our favorite way to use i-cord is to incorporate it into creative stitching!
This cheerful little rainbow was created with flat i-cords in 5WT Eleganza, and the swirly cloud was created with round i-cords in 3WT Eleganza.
How adorable is the little snail in the rain?! We also love the pretty pink rose, which was made by simply tying a knot in the middle of an i-cord and then twisting the two ends together while wrapping them around the central knot.
I-cords also make beautiful stems, vines, and flowers! We love how using Dazzle thread gave the lavender a shimmer as if it were dewy from the morning mist. The lavender was created by simply looping and stitching down the i-cord. We also threw in a few French Knots at the top and bottom of the flower.
The Cordsmith Mini is an innovative little tool we know you'll love using! Snag yours today and get started!
Create
