Practice Knitted I-Cord Edging with the Samadhi Shawl

A Knitted I-Cord Edge Shawl Pattern

I designed the pattern I’m sharing today to help you practice and master 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 this simple yet amazing technique to add stability to the 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 sturdy, clean looking edge that adds stability to stockinette stitch projects so that they can lay flat.

To add an I-Cord Edge, you just have to 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 the 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 the 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 15-20 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 Shawl pattern that I’m sharing today begins with an i-cord tab. You want to use an i-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 initial required number of stitches, then there would be an unfinished gap at the top of the shawl in the centre of the top edge, which leaves it looking incomplete. The i-cord tab in essence bridges this gap so that the i-cord edge of the shawl is continuous and complete.

I know that new techniques can seem daunting, so I made a video tutorial! This tutorial briefly explains i-cord edging and covers how to create an i-cord tab to begin your shawl. Just click on the image below to watch 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 this Pattern

Since I’m training to become a meditation teacher, I wanted to write a pattern that’s more than just a method of creating 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.

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” colour-way for the calm, soothing blue tones – but I think it would look great with any of the other colour options.

Pay it Forward!

Why You’ll Love Knitting the Samadhi Shawl

Here’s why the Samadhi Shawl absolutely deserves a spot in your knitting lineup. First off, the smooth texture of stockinette stitch, combined with the natural wool/nylon combination of Chroma make it super cozy and luxuriously soft! Plus, the subtle colour transitions in the yarn create a beautiful visual effect that’s both soothing and stunning to look at.

You’ll also love the knitting experience and learn some new skills. 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 a garment 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.

Free Knit I-Cord Edge Shawl Pattern

You will need the following materials to knit this shawl:

• Approximately 820 yards (5 skeins) of Knit Picks Chroma worsted weight yarn in “What’s Kraken”.
• Size 10 (6 mm) circular knitting needles (32″ cord).
• Scissors.
• 4 stitch markers.
• Tapestry/yarn needle (for weaving in ends).

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.

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!