Tutorial – Picot Two Ways

A picot is a small loop of chain stitches, usually used as a decorative element for edgings and lace. There are a few different ways commonly used to close picots. In this tutorial, we’ll explore two of them.

For one example of using picots in an edging, see my Shell & Picot edging tutorial! 

Picot Two Ways Photo Tutorial:

(scroll down for video tutorial)

Start by making a chain. Usually this is a chain 3, but could be more or even fewer, depending on the pattern. The more chains you make, the larger your picot will be.

To close your picot, slip stitch into the last stitch you made. Where exactly that slip stitch is placed is what makes the difference in these two methods.

Method 1:

The most common way to close a picot is to place the slip stitch where you would any other stitch. Insert your hook under the top “V” of the stitch (from front to back), and slip stitch as normal.

This is a perfectly good way to make picots, but is not my favorite way. I don’t like how it deforms the top of the stitch and can sometimes leave a small gap.

Method 2 – dc:

This method works slightly differently, depending on what stitch you are working into. If you are working into a double crochet or taller stitch, insert your hook through the front loop (shown below in purple) and the left leg (red) of the top part of the stitch. Then finish your slip stitch as normal. 

Here are the two methods side by side. The difference is subtle, but you can see how the loop looks a little straighter and the top of the stitch is not pulled open in the same way. 

Method 2 – hdc:

If you’re working your picot into an hdc, work your slip stitch into the front loop and the diagonal bar that was created from the yarn over. 

Method 2 – sc:

Working a picot into an sc is just like for the taller stitches. Insert your hook through the front loop and the left leg of the stitch.

Here is how the picots look side by side. The difference in the two methods is subtle, and a matter of personal preference. As long as you’re consistent throughout your project, it doesn’t matter which method you choose.

Video Tutorial:

Want to try it out? Here are a few of my patterns that use picots:

• Gold Coast Lapghan
• Sargassum
• Seahorse Teether
• Textured Tree Skirt