Crochet I-Cord Ribbon Bow That Doesn't Curl
A round, firm cord made by wrapping a long tail over the hook on every stitch. It won't curl like a plain chain, so it ties into a neat bow for headphones or a bag.
3 min read
A plain crochet chain twists and curls, so a bow tied from one looks limp. This cord is different: on every stitch you catch a second strand of yarn, the long tail, so the cord comes out round and firm like a little rope. Tie it in a bow around your headphones or the handle of a bag and it keeps its shape.
Elise shows the technique in one of the shortest videos on her lilthings channel; it's an easy one to learn in an evening.
Video tutorial by Elise on her YouTube channel, lilthings: watch "crochet ribbon beginner tutorial 🎀☁️ crochet easy ribbon headphone, bag charm" on YouTube.
The steps below are written from the video.
Materials
- 5-ply milk cotton in a pastel colour
- 3.5 mm hook
- Scissors and a darning needle
Before you start: the long tail
Pull out a tail about 3 times as long as your finished cord, and make the slip knot there. For a headphone bow, that's roughly 1.2 to 1.5 m of tail. You now have two strands: the long tail, and the working yarn coming from the ball.
The stitch
Hold the working yarn in your left hand as usual, with the long tail hanging in front of the work.
- Bring the long tail over the hook from front to back. You now have 2 loops on the hook.
- Yarn over with the working yarn.
- Pull through both loops.
That's one stitch. Repeat until the cord is 35 to 45 cm long.
Every few centimetres, fold the cord into a bow to check the proportions: the loops and the ends should be about the same length.
Finishing
Pull the working yarn through the last loop to lock it. Thread each tail into the end of the cord with the darning needle so it disappears inside. Tie the cord in a bow around your headphones or a bag strap.
Getting it right
- Same tension on both strands. If the tail is loose, the cord is lumpy; if it's tight, the cord pulls into a spiral.
- Wrap the tail the same way every time. Front to back, always. Changing direction twists the cord.
- Run out of tail? Join a new length with a small knot hidden inside the cord, or just make a shorter bow.
Frequently asked questions
What is an I-cord?
A narrow, round tube of stitches. It's usually knitted, but this crochet version gives a similar result with just a hook.
Why not just use a chain?
A chain is flat and twists on itself. Catching the tail on every stitch gives the cord a second "side", which is what keeps it round and stops it from curling.
Can I use it for other things?
Yes. Make it longer for a drawstring, a bag strap or a necklace cord. It is much sturdier than a chain.
Questions & notes
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