DIY Network

Spot On! Adornments Thesse projects really hit the spot! From "Knitty Gritty" episode DKNG-702

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Christina Batch sets up and uses a classically designed spool knitter and forms an I-cord out of variegated yarn. By sliding a few simple wooden beads over this thick yarn cord she effectively fashions a trendy rope-style belt. Then she demonstrates the proper way to use a mechanical spool knitter. The I-cords she produces from it are coiled into "dots" to create contemporary-looking pillow embellishments.

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I-Cord Belt

Spool knitters such as this one can be purchased at crafts stores, or you can make your own basic one from a spool and four small nails.

Materials:

jumbo spool knitter
variegated yarn
assorted large wooden beads with 3/4" holes
tapestry needle

1. Following manufacturer's instructions, use the jumbo spool knitter to make 5 yards of cord (or the length needed to wrap around your waist as many times as desired) and bind off.

2. Thread the tail of the yarn onto a tapestry needle.

3. Thread beads onto the I-cord, spacing them as desired.

4. Knot the ends of the cord to finish.

Polka-Dot Pillow

Polka-Dot Pillow

Materials:

spool knitter or Embellish-Knit tool
3 skeins Red Heart LusterSheen yarn (1 skein of each of 3 coordinating colors or as desired)
Knitted pillow to embellish
tapestry needle
pins
fabric glue

1. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to thread tool and make three 3-yard lengths of cord in each color of yarn chosen.

Tip: Try adding a small item to hang as a weight on the bottom of the cord to help guide it through the spool knitter as the cord lengthens out.

2. Roll the finished I-cord into a spiral and pin it to hold its shape.

3. Thread a tapestry needle with the same yarn used to make the cord.

4. Starting at the center, work your way around the spiral, using small whipstitches to sew the cord together to complete the dot.

5. Attach the dot to the pillow (or any desired surface) with fabric glue.

6. Repeat as desired.

Tip: For this project, fabric glue works better than sewing to secure the dots to the pillow while maintaining their shape.

Tip: Try variegated yarn for added color interest without the necessity of changing yarns.

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