Murat
Master Knitted I-Cord Edging and Level Up Your Knitting Game!
I designed the pattern I’m sharing today to help you practice and master the knitted I-cord edging. If you’ve been sticking to garter or seed stitch for your edges and want to try something new, then I know you will love simple yet amazing technique to add stability to edges of your knitted fabrics.
What is I-Cord Edging?
The knitted I-cord edge is a durable, tubular border that keeps your fabric in shape, even with frequent use. It’s perfect for shawls and anything else you want to keep looking great over time. I love this technique because it creates a beautiful clean looking edge that adds stability to stockinette stitch projects so that they can lay flat.
To add an I-Cord Edge, simply knit the first 3 stitches of every row, and then slip the last 3 stitches purlwise with the yarn in front. For example, if you were knitting a swatch in stockinette stitch, you’d repeat the following two rows to create an i-cord edge:
- Row 1: Knit to last 3 sts and then slip the the last three stitches purlwise with the yarn held at the front.
- Row 2: Knit the first 3 stitches, purl to last 3 stitches and then slip the the last three stitches purlwise with the yarn held at the front.
Try out the above two rows on a swatch of 15 stitches to practice and you’ll see how fun and easy adding an i-cord edge to your knitting can be! You’ll also get an idea of how sturdy and pretty i-cord edging feels on knitted fabric.
The I-Cord Tab:
The Samadhi Shawl begins with an I-cord tab. You’d want to use ani cord tab when you’re knitting a top down shawl that begins with just a few stitches and grows in size with every row. If you were to just cast on the required number of stitches, there would be an unfinished gap at the top of the shawl in between the edge stitches, which can be annoying to look at.
To create the I-cord tab, you first knit a small I-cord, usually three to five stitches wide. After achieving the desired length, you pick up stitches along the edge of the I-cord and then along the cast-on edge. This process results in a seamless, continuous edge that transitions smoothly into the I-cord edging used throughout the shawl. The result is a beautifully polished edge that sets the tone for the entire project.
I know that new techniques can seem daunting, so I made a video tutorial that covers how to create an i-cord tab to begin your shawl. Just click on the link below to view the video on the Leelee knits Youtube Channel. I’ve also shared the video on this page below with the Samadhi Shawl pattern!
How to Create an I-Cord Tab for Knitted I-Cord Edging
About the Samadhi Shawl
Why did I name this shawl “Samadhi”? Since I’m training to become a meditation teacher, I wanted this shawl to be more than just a pretty accessory. The word “Samadhi” comes from Sanskrit, and it describes a deep state of concentration and meditative absorption— which totally captures what I was going for with this project. Knitting, just like meditation, is all about mindfulness. It’s about being in the moment, focusing on each stitch, and letting the repetitive motions bring you a sense of peace and calm.
When I created the Samadhi Shawl, I wanted it to be more than just another knitting project. Knitting this shawl is designed to be just like meditation itself! Slow, intentional, and soothing. The gradual colour transitions in Knit Picks Chroma Worsted Weight Yarn really nail that calm, meditative vibe. I went with the “What’s Kraken” colourway for the super calm blue tones.
Pay it Forward!
I hope you enjoy this pattern! If so, please feel free to share the link to this page on your social media or Pinterest account.
I truly appreciate all of you who get the word out about this site and my patterns!
❤️
Alnaar
Why You’ll Love Knitting the Samadhi Shawl
Here’s why the Samadhi Shawl absolutely deserves a spot in your knitting lineup. First off, it’s super versatile—you can style it in so many different ways. Drape it over your shoulders for a meditation session, wrap it around your neck when it’s cold, or let it flow down your back for an effortlessly boho vibe. The shawl’s generous size makes it perfect for layering, and trust me, the Chroma yarn is so soft, it’s basically a wearable hug.
You’ll also love the knitting experience. The pattern is designed to be a total joy to work on. Yes, the I-cord edging and tab cast-on might be a bit of a challenge, but they’re also a great way to level up your knitting skills. Plus, you start with just 9 stitches and the shawl grows by 4 stitches every other row… so if you mess up while you’re getting the hang of it, no big deal to start over and try again!
But what I think really sets the Samadhi Shawl apart is its connection to mindfulness and meditation. In a world that’s always go, go, go, taking some time to slow down and focus on a project like this can be so grounding. Every row you knit is a chance to be present, to find a little peace in the process. By the time you finish, you’ll have more than just a shawl—you’ll have something that’s filled with intention and mindfulness.
I can’t wait to see your versions of the Samadhi Shawl and hear about your experiences knitting it. As always, feel free to reach out with any questions or share your progress on social media using the hashtag #SamadhiShawl.
Ad Free PDF File
The free pattern for this shawl is available right here on this page, as this site is sustained through ad support.
If you like things a little more streamlined, I’ve put together an ad-free, downloadable PDF version of the pattern. It’s perfect for easy printing and can be can be purchased through My Ravelry Store or by clicking the “Purchase PDF File” button to the right.
Thank you so much for your support! It means the world to me, and I’m beyond grateful to be able to share my passion with you all.
Please note that some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means that I will earn a commission if you purchase through these links. I use all of the products listed on this page and recommend them because they are companies that I have found helpful and trustworthy. Please let me know if you have any questions about anything I have recommended!
Free Knit I-Cord Edge Shawl Pattern
You will need the following materials to knit this shawl:
Abbreviations
- K: Knit.
- P: Purl.
- St: Stitch.
- WS: Wrong side of shawl.
- RS: Right side of shawl.
- M1l: Make a left leaning increase.
- M1r: Make a right leaning increase.
- Sl1 wyib: Slip the next stitch purlwise with the yarn held at the back of your work.
- Sl3 wyif: Slip the next 3 stitches purlwise with yarn held at the front of your work.
Gauge
15 stitches, 21 rows = 4″ in stockinette stitch after blocking.
Measurements
This rectangular shawl measures 63 inches wide X 29 inches long.
Pattern Notes:
The shawl is knit from the top down by creating a 9 stitch rectangular I-cord tab, and then increasing by 4 sts every other row. Increases are made around stitch markers indicated by the dotted lines in the above diagram. The pink arrows indicate the direction of growth.
Knit I-Cord Tab Cast On Video Tutorial
In this video, I’ll walk you through the process of creating an I-cord tab cast on, a fantastic technique to start your shawls or other knitting projects with a smooth and seamless edge. This easy-to-follow guide will help you master the I-cord tab and add a professional touch to your work.
What You’ll Learn:
- What an I-cord tab is and when/why it is used in knitting shawls
- Step-by-step instructions to cast on and create an I-cord tab
More Free Shawl Knitting Patterns from Leelee Knits!
Free Pattern – The Samadhi Shawl
Knit a 9 Stitch I-Cord Tab to Blend with I-Cord Edge
See above sections on this page for description and video tutorial of i-cord tab and i-cord edging. Once you have a 9 stitch i-cord tab, begin at Row 1 below.
Row 1(WS): K3, p3, Sl3 wyif (9 sts).
Row 2 (RS): K3, m1l, pm, sl1 wyib, pm, m1r, k1, m1l, pm, sl1 wyib, pm, m1r, Sl3 wyif (13 sts).
Row 3: K3, p to last 3 sts, Sl3 wyif (13 sts).
Row 4: (K to marker, m1l, sm, sl1 wyib, sm, m1r) twice, k to last 3 sts, Sl3 wyif (4 sts added).
Row 5: K3, p to last 3 sts, Sl3 wyif (No sts added).
Repeat rows 4 and 5 until there are a total of 305 sts and then continue to bottom border.
Bottom Border:
Repeat rows 1-4 three times (12 rows total) and then continue to Finishing.
Row 1: K3, (k1,p1) to marker, m1l, sm, sl1 wyib, sm, m1r, p1, (k1, p1) to marker, m1l, sm, sl1 wyib,
sm, m1r, (p1, k1) to last 3 sts, Sl3 wyif (4 sts added).
Row 2: K3, p to last 3 sts, Sl3 wyif (No sts added).
Row 3: K4, (p1,k1) to marker, m1l, sm, sl1 wyib, sm, m1r, k1, (p1, k1) to marker, m1l, sm, sl1 wyib,
sm, m1r, k1, (p1, k1) to last 3 sts, Sl3 wyif (4 sts added).
Row 4: K3, p to last 3 sts, Sl3 wyif (No sts added).
Finishing:
Cast off using a stretchy bind off and weave in all loose ends.
Wet or steam block to measurements and enjoy your new Samadhi Shawl a knit i-cord edge!
Pattern PDF File
I hope you enjoyed this free knitting pattern for the Samadhi Shawl to practice knitting an i-cord edge and i-cord tab.
If you’d like your own copy, the Ad-Free PDF file (which will be emailed to you automatically) can be purchased through Ravelry, or by clicking the “Purchase PDF File” button to the right.
Thank you so much for your support! It means the world to me, and I’m beyond grateful to be able to share my passion with you all.
