Why did you make that choice? I-cords

Sometimes when you're readying a pattern you really just can't figure out why the designer decided to go one way or the other. One of my latest patterns, Discovery Cowl, uses a provisional cast on and then two i-cord bind offs. Why? Let me tell you. 

Picking up from an i-cord is difficult for the average knitter. Honestly, that pretty much is the whole reason. Picking up from the i-cord requires making sure the cord isn't twisted as you pick up. The stitches also aren't always easy to visualize picking up (one strand or two!) and can be very frustrating. 

I'm proud of creating patterns that are fun and easy for the average knitter and a next step for a beginner. While a provisional cast on isn't the easiest, it is easier that the i-cord pick up. If you are confident in your skills then you can most definitely do an i-cord cast on and pick up stitches but you don't have to. 

I hope you enjoyed this look into design choices!