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I don't mean to burst anybody's bubble, and I had to laugh when I read the description for the new "1/4" sweater trim" in Stampin' Up's holiday mini catalog. NOTHING about the design of this product is exclusive and in fact, is probably as ancient as knitting itself!
It is called an "I-cord" and can be created in 1/4" size by using regular worsted weight knitting yarn (like Red Heart), size 2 double-pointed needles, and 3 stitches! I-cords are commonly used for items such as knitted purses, closures, and straps for knitted backpacks.
I admit that two of the colors are exclusive to Stampin' Up and they have a right to call them "exclusive." With the tons and tons of yarn on the market, I'm pretty sure you can find Gumball Green and Walmart sells a yarn that is a perfect match to Cherry Cobbler. Nothing exclusive about white yarn, of course.
SO, if you knit, make your own! Even if you've never knitted anything complicated, I-cord is very easy to create! Here is a video link on how to make an "I-cord":
I will be using it for present wrapping or to attach tags. I preordered it as a group share so I am only getting a little bit of it to try. of course, I did that with the tulle and LOVE the tulle and will be getting all the colors on my next order!!!
I will be using it for present wrapping or to attach tags. I preordered it as a group share so I am only getting a little bit of it to try. of course, I did that with the tulle and LOVE the tulle and will be getting all the colors on my next order!!!
Does it unravel when you cut it? I would think one would have to use quick dry adhesive to keep the ends from really coming unstitched!
I would think you need to tie a knot at each cut end. I won't bother with it since I have plenty of regular old ribbon and fibers. I'm pretty sure this stuff will show up again in the Clearance Rack.
I haven't seen the catalogue, but it gave me a chuckle to read here that they're selling i-cord! It is indeed simple to make. Anyone who had a "corking" or "knitting nobby" set as a child has made it.
Since someone asked, it's used in a variety of ways in knitted projects: cording to tie a hat (under your chin) or for making loop closures, drawstring, piping, spaghetti strap, you name it. Basically it's cord in the same "fabric" as your knitted garment.
And to my knowledge, the name comes from the late great Elizabeth Zimmerman (master knitter and innovator) who dubbed it "idiot's delight cord" because it's so simple and repetitive to make. The name shortened to "i-cord" and stuck.
Looking forward to seeing what people do with it in paper crafting. I wouldn't have imagined crochet flowers crossing over into cards, and then once I saw them in use, I loved it! Dangerous, though... encouraging me to combine the many crafts I love and have ALL my stuff out at once. ;-)
THAT'S where I remember this from! No wonder I forgot, that was many decades ago. We used an old wooden thread spool for this.
Me too! I wanted to make some, but the thread companies don't use wooden spools anymore. :( I suppose if I really wanted to make some, I could dig out my old sewing kit or buy a few at the craft store.
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Originally Posted by KalaKitty
THAT'S where I remember this from! No wonder I forgot, that was many decades ago. We used an old wooden thread spool for this.
Is was so fun! We LOVED our little knitters! When my kids were little I bought them cute little pre-made knitters that were in the shape of a cute red mushroom...it had white spots and four really nice metal pieces in place of the nails we used. My kids NEVER used there's and I always wished we'd kept them.
I did have one for many years but I fear it is lost as I have moved. I should look for it again, as I'm a thrower but I tend to keep cool little things like this!
__________________ All I want is the chance to prove money won't make me happy!
I-Cord is actually easier to make without a spool-style knitter!
I remember having one of them as a kid and when I got in trouble, my mom would make me sit still and "knit!" I made round coasters, hot pads, you name it in those many hours of knitting. I must have had a tendency to get in trouble alot, apparently, because this is a very fond memory!
The link in my original post has great instructions for simple I-cord.
I knew that looked familiar but didn't think about that little spool thing we must have all had as children! My mother was a good knitter but it was one craft I could not learn.
Stampin' Up's 1/4" Sweater Trim
