Add a neat little picot edge

Meet the small bump

A picot is a little loop or point used on an edge. Patterns attach it in different ways. In this exercise it is made from three chains joined back into the first of those chains. Use a spare strip first: a decorative edge can change the feel of a scarf, sleeve or blanket more than you expect.

Try a twelve-stitch edge

1. Prepare a short swatch with a top row of 12 UK double crochet, called US single crochet.
2. Chain 1 and turn, without counting that chain as a stitch. Make one double crochet in each of the next three stitches.
3. Chain 3. Slip stitch into the first of those three new chains to close the small loop. This bump uses no additional base stitch.
4. Make three more double crochet and another picot; repeat once more. Finish with double crochet in the final three base stitches.

Check the base, not just the decoration

You should have used all 12 base stitches and made three bumps, after the third, sixth and ninth edge stitches. The joining slip stitch goes into the new chain loop, not into the next stitch of the old row. If the edge narrows suddenly, check that the bump has not accidentally consumed a base position.

Adjust the spacing deliberately

For a different piece you can space the bumps farther apart or use the exact picot definition from its pattern. Test a corner separately rather than cramming an extra bump into it. Keep loops and loose decorations away from uses where they could catch or be unsuitable for the intended recipient.

Words in this lesson

Notes & further reading

Original explanations and practice exercises by Crochet By Micky. UK stitch names are used; check the stitch key in any other pattern you follow.

• Crochet terminology reference

Reviewed 25 October 2026. Cover artwork is an original illustration, not a third-party pattern or event photograph.