Blue Sky Fibers New Hope Necklace Accessory Knitting Pattern

Blue Sky Fibers New Hope Necklace: Knitted I-Cord Accessory

What Is Being Made

The New Hope Necklace is a long, elegant knitted cord necklace designed by J.H. Walter. This accessory features an impressive finished length of 348 inches, offering versatile styling options through loops, knots, and creative wrapping techniques. The extended length allows wearers to customize the necklace's appearance by adjusting how it drapes and ties around the neck.

Craft and Technique

This is a knitting project suitable for beginners, utilizing the fundamental I-cord technique. An I-cord, also known as an idiot cord or tubular cord, is a simple method for creating a narrow, rope-like knitted tube. The technique involves casting on a small number of stitches, knitting across, and then sliding the stitches back to the needle's left end without turning the work—a process that is repeated continuously to build length. This straightforward method requires minimal shaping or complex stitch manipulation, making it ideal for crafters new to knitting.

Stitches and Construction Methods

The necklace is constructed using a 4-stitch I-cord pattern. The process begins with casting on 4 stitches using double pointed needles. Each row consists of knitting all 4 stitches without turning the work, then slipping the stitches from the right-hand needle back to the left-hand needle to prepare for the next row. This repetitive action is continued until the cord reaches the desired length of 348 inches. After completion, the cast-on edge is sewn to the bind-off edge to create a continuous loop, and all yarn ends are woven in securely.

The pattern offers flexibility in construction methods. Crafters may work the I-cord using traditional double pointed needles (size 5 or 3.75mm) or alternatively use an Embellish Knit Automatic Spool Loom, which provides a mechanical approach to creating the same tubular cord structure.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The New Hope Necklace requires one hank of Metalico yarn by Blue Sky Fibers. This luxurious blend combines 50% baby alpaca with 50% silk, offering both softness and sheen. The yarn is supplied in a 50-gram hank with a yardage of 147 yards, providing ample length for the full 348-inch necklace.

For needle requirements, crafters should use size 5 (3.75mm) double pointed needles, or the size necessary to achieve the specified gauge. The pattern notes that exact gauge is not critical for this project, though variations will affect the finished size and the way the necklace drapes on the body.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 1 stitch measuring ¼ inch and 24 rounds equaling 4 inches. Since gauge flexibility is built into the design, minor variations in tension will not compromise the project's success, though they will influence the final dimensions and drape characteristics of the finished necklace.

Finishing and Care

After the I-cord is knitted to length, finishing involves blocking to remove any twists in the cord, sewing the cast-on edge to the bind-off edge to form a continuous loop, and weaving in all yarn ends. Once complete, the necklace can be styled creatively using loops and knots to achieve different looks.

The Metalico yarn blend requires gentle care. Hand washing is recommended using tepid water and mild soap, or the necklace may be dry cleaned. When washing, avoid twisting the cord. After cleaning, the necklace should be shaped and dried flat on a towel to maintain its structure and appearance.