This is probably nothing new, but I stumbled across it the other night when I was working on the hat. I had picked up 6 stitches at the top of the crown to do a bit of I-cord for a top-knot. When I had what I thought was enough length, I bound off the cord and tied it in an overhand knot, sliding the knot down to the surface of the hat before I tightened it up. All that went well except that the remaining tail was way longer than I wanted it. Let’s face it, a top knot is a bit goofy - but it’s fun goofy - cute and whimsical (hopefully). This was just goofy goofy.
While I was fiddling with that end, wondering if I should just take the knot out and unravel the i-cord a bit, something happened - something really simple.
Hat button
All this is, is the long end wound around and tucked up into the bottom of the knot. But it looks cute out of all proportion to its simplicity. At least it looks cute to me :) And it occurred to me that if it were made separately, it could be used as a regular button. At six stitches, it would be a biggish button, but you can make the i-cord as big or little as you like.
I-cord
This is done over 6 stitches and worked to a length of about 4 inches before ending off. When you’re ready to end the cord, cut your yarn, leaving yourself 6 or 7 inches and thread that end through a tapestry needle.
Ending the I-cord
Move your stitches from the knitting needle to the tapestry needle and draw the yarn through all the stitches. Take the tapestry needle around and go through the stitches again. Now, pull tightly to gather them together.
Tying the knot
Take the I-cord and tie a regular knot in it, slipping the knot down as close to one end as you can before tightening it up. You don’t want the knot too tight - just tight enough to hold.
Knot button
Now take the long end of the i-cord and wrap it around to the back side of the knot. You want the part where the cord crosses over itself to be the top of the button. Now you can tack the ends of the cord together firmly on the back and there you have it.
Not a world-changing discovery - but fun and, hopefully useful :)
No trackbacks yet.
Awwww…that IS cute! I’ll definitely use that idea on something or other. 
I’ve been loving the gaming posts - although I’m in such awe of the technical reviews that I’ve obviously been speechless! Very well done, Myria.
Thanks Bron :) I passed on your compliments to Myria too and she was glad to hear that someone has been enjoying those posts!
VERY cute idea - and just what I need for a shawl “button” - soft yet will hold it closed when I want. Thanks much!
Hi Jan :) Hope you find it useful!
