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How to Knit the Faux I-cord Bind Off
- Sönna Schuttner
- Oct 7, 2020
- 6 min read
Updated: Aug 19
Learn how to knit the faux i-cord bind off: gentle and unobtrusive, it gives projects a beautifully polished look that enhances the stitches without overwhelming them.
As soon as I found the faux i-cord bind off, it became one of my favorite ways to finish an edge. Gentle and unobtrusive, it gives knitting projects a beautifully polished look that enhances the stitches without overwhelming them. In this tutorial, I’ll show you exactly how to knit it with photo and video demonstrations and step-by-step instructions — along with tips on when it works well, when it doesn’t, and highlight three Wool & Wyrd shawl patterns that feature the bind off so that you can try it out.
🧶 This tutorial comes straight from my own knitting needles and design table. I write these posts myself — no AI ghostwriting, no ads — just clear, supportive guidance shaped by my experience as a knitting instructor and the lessons I’ve gained through real projects and real stitches.
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When (and why) to use the faux i-cord bind off
When NOT to use the faux i-cord bind off
✦ When (and why) to use the faux i-cord bind off ✦
One of the best reasons to reach for the faux i-cord bind off is its incredible stretchy factor. That elasticity comes from the way it’s constructed: in the process of working the bind off, we create a backwards yarn over that acts like a little storage pocket for extra width. When the edge is pulled wider — during blocking or wear — the fabric can borrow yarn from that yarn over to expand. When the tension relaxes, the yarn over gathers that yardage back in again, holding it until it’s needed. This built-in give makes the faux i-cord bind off a natural choice for finishing shawls, drapey cardigans, or even the cuff of toe-up socks.
This bind off is especially effective when paired with textured fabrics, where its rounded edge can flow directly out of the stitch pattern without interruption. That stretchy factor mentioned above also gives the finished piece room to expand during blocking, letting details like waves or ridges bloom fully into shape. That’s why it was the natural choice for the Beckley Creek Shawl, where it flowed seamlessly from garter ridges and allowed the base of the fabric to open beautifully.
The Freia Shawl (featured in this post) benefits in a different way. Its border is filled with rows of eyelet lace that, without the right edge, could feel as though they float away from the fabric. The faux i-cord bind off provides just enough visual weight to anchor that lace without overwhelming it. A true i-cord bind off adds three stitches for every one bound off, causing the bound off edge to be heavier. Sometimes this is quite useful! But other times, we want the visual appearance of weight without the literal increase in weight and yardage. With the faux version, we get the suggestion of that weight and rounded polish without quite so much yarn commitment (though it does use more yarn than a standard bind off — more on that in a moment).
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✦ When NOT to Use the Faux I-cord Bind Off ✦
As much as we love this technique, there are times it’s not the best choice. The very thing that makes it so great (that glorious stretch) can also cause trouble. On the hem of a sweater for instance it may bell out rather than hug the waist. At the end of a scarf or wrap that uses the long tail cast on, it is likely to stretch more than the cast on edge and leave things looking unbalanced. On the edge of fingerless gloves, it MIGHT be perfect and allow our fingers to extend wide, OR it might be terrible and flop open when we want our mitts to stay snug against our hand. Aside from function, another reason to avoid this cast on is yardage. If we suspect we might be playing yarn chicken or at all close on required yardage for according to the suggestions in the knitting pattern, the faux i-cord bind off is probably not our best bet. While it doesn't use as much extra yardage as a true i-cord bind off, there is a significant increase in yardage due to the yarn over we must create for every stitch bound off (shown below). Before modifying a pattern to change the bind off, ensure that there is sufficient yardage to complete the pattern.
✦ 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:
We work it from the wrong side (or inside, if we’re binding off a sleeve).
We make the yarn over backwards. (Yup — I said we make the yarn over backwards!)
The following images break down the process of working the faux i-cord bind off step-by-step. Written instructions for the step are found in the image caption. Click the image to expand.
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✦ How to Knit the Faux I-cord Bind Off: A Quick Reel Demonstration ✦
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✦ How to Knit the Faux I-cord Bind Off: A Video Tutorial ✦
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✦ The Final Thread ✦
The faux i-cord bind off is one of those small details that makes a huge difference. It is an easy-to-learn technique that creates edges both stretchy and polished. When used in the right places, it transforms a project into something that feels finished, intentional, and truly handmade.
Binding off is either a super exciting time or a little bittersweet. When used intentionally, the faux i-cord bind off allows the ending to carry the same care and beauty as the stitches that came before.
Happy Making! ~Sönna
🌻Living and creating in the valley of the mətxʷú 🌻
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The faux I-cord bind-off tutorial is such a clever technique for finishing knitting projects! If you’re planning to record or share your knitting tutorials, I recommend https://www.movavi.com/support/how-to/mac/how-to-record-screen-with-audio-on-mac.html . It’s a super easy tool for editing videos and photos, making it simple to highlight the details of your technique. I’ve used it for my own craft videos, and it really helps enhance the final result!