Craft an Innovative I-Cord Needle Cozy

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Tina Hilton, contributor

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Convert an unused gauge swatch into a delightful needle case.

Tina Hilton

I used an entrelac gauge swatch, but you could use any swatch on hand or knit up a new piece to accommodate the needle size you choose.

Tina Hilton

To maintain an even tube structure, pull the yarn snugly from the other side.

Tina Hilton

Convert an unused gauge swatch into a delightful needle case.

Photo: Tina Hilton

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Design your own incredible needle case with leftovers from past projects. Are you the type of crafter who never throws anything away? You are in luck! Here is a great way to transform gauge swatches you’ve been saving and a few simple I-cords into a standout knitting needle case. I incorporated the entrelac swatch I created for my blog post on August 7 with I-cord made with extra yarn to craft a needle case that is totally unique. If you don’t have any swatches, you could whip one up for this project or cut up one of your felted thrift-store sweaters to use as the case. Either way, I bet your friends will want one, too.

Supplies
• Knitting gauge swatch (my entrelac swatch measures 6 inches wide x 4.5 inches tall)
• Scrap yarn for the I-cord
• Coffee stir straws (straws I used fit size 1 dpn needles) or straws to fit the needle size you desire (flexible vinyl tubing will also work)
• Knitting needles, either circular or dpn to make the I-cord (I used size 1 [2.25mm])
• Tapestry needle

I used an entrelac gauge swatch, but you could use any swatch on hand or knit up a new piece to accommodate the needle size you choose.

Step by Step

I-cord (make 5): Cast on 5 stitches and knit to the end. Slip stitches to the opposite side of the needle and pull yarn from the other side and knit the 5 stitches. 

To maintain an even tube structure, pull the yarn snugly from the other side.

I-cord is essentially knitting in the round on a tiny scale and you are creating an actual tube. Make the I-cords at least 7 inches long. I made my five I-cords in a variety of sizes and colors, but feel free to make yours all the same length and/or color if that look pleases you.

Felting: To soften the edges of the entrelac and the I-cords, I felted them a little bit, which imparted a softer, blended look. Actually I was hoping that the I-cord would felt into an impermeable tube, but when I inserted the needles, they poked through the sides.

I-cord liners: While I was sitting on an airplane drinking bad coffee, it dawned on me that the stir straw may be my answer. I slid it in the I-cord tube, and it fit in perfectly. 

Inserting a rigid core prevents the needles from poking out of the I-cord.

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Comments (2)

Jen1964 writes: SOooo Cute! Very intriguing pattern too. I've always sewn my knitting pouches in the past, but they're big and a little bulky for how much they hold. Sometimes you want something smaller. And I never figured out where to put the stitch markers like that. Looks like a fun weekend project (for my daughter & I).
Posted: 6:21 am on September 19th

cjms writes: What a great idea and Sew Stylish! I can't wait to pull out my scrapes to start knitting for gifts. Thanks, Tina.
Posted: 12:03 pm on September 10th

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