Looking for a knitting technique that’s as clever as it is practical? Meet the I-cord belly button cast-on. Its playful name hides a powerful skill that ensures seamless starts and flexible finishes for your projects. Let’s break down what makes this method so useful and how you can add it to your knitting repertoire.
What is the I-Cord Belly Button?
The I-cord belly button cast-on creates a temporary starting point using an I-cord made from waste yarn. Once your project is underway, this placeholder can be removed, leaving you with live stitches or a clean edge — perfect for:
Provisional cast-ons: Need live stitches later? This method has you covered.
Circular knitting: Ideal for top-down sweaters, blankets, or intricate lace shawls.
Modular designs: Allows for flexibility when assembling sections of a larger project.
How to Work the I-Cord Belly Button
Here’s a step-by-step guide to mastering the I-cord belly button cast-on:
Materials Needed:
A set of knitting needles suitable for your project
Smooth waste yarn (preferably in a contrasting color)
Your project yarn
Instructions:
Create the I-Cord:
Using your waste yarn, cast on stitches (depending on your pattern’s requirements) and begin knitting an I-cord. To do this:
Knit all stitches across the row.
Do not turn your work like a regular project. Instead, slide the stitches to the other end of your needle.
Knit all stitches across the row.
Continue this process until the I-cord reaches a few inches long.
Attach Your Project Yarn:
With the I-cord complete, introduce your project yarn. Continue knitting, picking up stitches from the I-cord as directed by your pattern. This allows the waste yarn to act as a secure placeholder (see above video).
Begin Your Project: Work your pattern as usual. The I-cord will stay in place until you’re ready to remove it.
Remove the Belly Button: When your project is complete, gently unravel the I-cord waste yarn to reveal live stitches or a clean edge, depending on your needs. Use these stitches to bind off, graft, or continue knitting.
If you’re looking for alternative cast-on methods, there are a few other great techniques to consider. The disappearing loop cast-on creates a seamless, adjustable foundation, perfect for projects where you need flexibility in the number of stitches. Another popular method is Emily Ocker’s cast-on, which forms a neat, center-pull starting point, ideal for projects worked in the round. Each of these techniques offers unique benefits, so depending on your project, you can experiment and choose the one that best suits your needs.