Included in this post is a short tutorial for a simple and effective way to add a little something extra to your crochet projects. The Perfect Picot stitch!
Picot crochet is essentially creating peaks or nubs standing out from the crochet stitches. The appearance of these little peaks can add another dimension to the project as shown in the designs below.
I love Picots, they are perfect for edgings on everything from baby blankets to sturdy bags and purses to lacy accessories and garments. Picots can even be used within the pattern stitch as well as on borders and edgings.
What is a Picot? A picot is a small bump or loop that’s made by chaining a few stitches and then joining them back to the main fabric. It’s a decorative element that can add a lovely touch to your crochet work.
Read on and learn to make The Perfect Picot and to get inspiration and suggestions from patterns that feature the picot stitch.
The Perfect Picot Edging is created by working the number of chains called for in the pattern, usually three, then working a sl st into the two front loops at the base of the single crochet (sc) just made or the two front loops at the top of the double crochet (dc) or the triple crochet (tr) just made.
I prefer this method of placing the sl st in the front lps of the stitch just made as it keeps the perky little Picot standing up and in its proper place.
In essence, The Perfect Picot is a small bump or nub that is made by chaining a few stitches and then slip stitching (sl st) back into the front lps of the stitch just made.
Practice the Picot Stitch
The practice samples below are crocheted with “Anti-Pilling Everyday DK” (a lovely DK weight or size 3 yarn) from Premier Yarns using a U.S. size G crochet hook.
Single Crochet Sample
Special Stitches Used: Picot – Ch 3, sl st in the two front lps of the sc just made.
Instructions: Foundtion Row: Starting at bottom edge, chain 28, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across = 27 sts. Ch 1, turn.
Row 1: Sc in each st across = 27 sts. Ch 1, turn.
Rows 2-6: Repeat row 1.
Edging row: Sc in each of first 3 sts, (Picot, sc in each of next 3 sts) 6 times. Fasten off.
Granny Stitch Sample
Special Stitches Used: Picot – Ch 3, sl st in the two front lps at the top of the dc just made.
Instructions: Foundation Row: Starting at bottom edge, chain 34, dc in 6th ch from hook, dc in each of next 2 chs, ch 1, (sk next ch, dc in each of next 3 chs, ch 1) 6 times, sk next ch, dc in last ch = 8 ch-1 sps. Ch 3, turn.
Row 1: Sk first dc, 2 dc in next ch-1 sp, (3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1) 6 times, 3 dc under turning ch = 7 ch-1 sps. Ch 4, turn.
Row 2: Sk first 3 dc, (3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1) 7 times, sk last 2 dc, dc under turning ch = 8 ch-1 sps. Ch 3, turn.
Repeat rows 1 and 2 then repeat row 1. At end of last row, ch 1 and turn.
Edging Row: Sc in each of first 3 dc, Picot (see Special Stitches Used above), sk next ch-1 sp, (sc in each of next 3 dc, Picot, sk next ch-1 sp) 6 times, sc in each of next 2 dc, sc under turning ch = 7 Picots. Fasten off.
A Different Picot Stitch Edging
The Basic Picot stitch is usually made with a chain of three. If you want your Picots to be more noticeable, as in the edging on the snowflake below, simply chain more stitches and join them with a sl st in the same manner.
Snowflake
Materials and Tools: The snowflake below is crocheted with “Simply Soft” (a worsted weight or size 4 yarn) from Caron using a U.S. size H crochet hook.
Instructions: Starting at center of motif, chain 5, join with sl st to form a ring. Rnd 1: Ch 4 (counts as first dc and ch-1 sp), (dc in ring, ch 1) 11 times, join with sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch-4 = 12 ch-1 sps.
Rnd 2: (Sc in next ch-1 sp, ch 3, sc in next ch-1 sp, ch 5) 6 times, join with sl st in beg sc = 6 ch-3 lps and 6 ch-5 lps.
Rnd 3: Ch 1, sc in next ch-3 lp, ch 1, 4 dc in next ch-5 lp, ch 4, sl st in two front lps at top of dc just made, ch 5, sl st in same sp, ch 4, sl st in same sp, 4 dc in same ch-5 lp, * ch 1, sc in next ch-3 lp, ch 1, 4 dc in next ch-5 lp, sl st in two front lps of dc just made, ch 5, sl st in same sp, ch 4, sl st in same sp, 4 dc in same ch-5 lp. Repeat from * 4 times, ch 1, join with sl st in beg ch. Fasten off.
Use Picots for Joining Motifs
This boho-chic shoulder bag uses Picots in the joining of the traditional granny squares. The boho-chic style has become very popular in crochet with a disctinct personality of its own. Using Picots in the joining of the traditional granny squares in this Classic Boho Shoulder Bag makes the boho look really pop out.
Please go to my Pattern Collections pull-down on the Main Menu. There are pull-down menus for Patterns for Hats, Patterns for Bags and Purses, as well as patterns for crochet wearables and home decor. Since Picot stitches are one of my favorite decorative techniques, many of my designs include The Perfect Picot stitch. I hope I have inspired you to pick up yarn and hook and create Picots!
Please note: You can also view my pattern collections and purchase the patterns at my Stellar Dreams Pattern Store on Etsy or Nancy Brown Designs on Ravelry, just click on the link!
I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial on The Perfect Picot and have been inspired to give picots a try. Once you have mastered the stitch, you can use Picots on pretty much anything. They make an excellent border for a blanket and they are also good for edging almost anything from purses and bags in a sturdy yarn t0 adding a lacy look on garments.
Best crochet wishes,
Nancy