How to Crochet the Picot Edging Free Pattern & Video Tutorial

If you’re looking for a simple yet beautiful way to finish off your crochet project, the picot edging is a perfect choice. This tiny looped border adds a neat, decorative finish that looks lovely on blankets, shawls, doilies, and more. In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to crochet the classic picot edging and how you can adjust it for different looks.

The picot is one of those timeless crochet details that’s dainty, versatile, and surprisingly easy to master. Once you learn how to do it, you’ll find yourself adding it to everything.

Why I Love Picots

I’ve always loved adding borders to my crochet projects — it’s the final flourish that makes everything come together. The picot edging is one of my favourites borders because it’s quick to work and instantly elevates a simple edge into something a bit more special. Whether you’re finishing a baby blanket, a lacy shawl, or even a washcloth, those tiny picot bumps add that perfectly pretty touch to your project.

What Makes This Stitch Special

The magic of the picot lies in its simplicity. It’s made using just a few chains and a slip stitch, but the result is a lovely little loop that looks like tiny beads or points along the edge of your work. You can space them closely for a more textured look or keep them wider apart for something more delicate.

The classic picot uses chain 3, but you can experiment with chain 2 or chain 4 for different styles. A shorter chain makes tighter bumps, while a longer one gives a lacy, frilly feel.

Choosing Your Yarn and Hook

The picot edging works beautifully with almost any yarn weight. For delicate projects like doilies or lace trims, try fine cotton yarn. For blankets and garments, DK or Aran weight yarns work wonderfully.

If you’re adding a border to an existing project, just use the same hook and yarn you used for the main piece. That way, the tension and look will stay consistent.

Is It Beginner Friendly?

Absolutely! If you can chain and slip stitch, you can make a picot. It’s one of those techniques that looks fancy but is totally beginner-friendly. Once you’ve practised a few, you’ll get into a lovely rhythm, and before you know it, you’ll be edging everything in sight.

Shopping List!

You don't need anything fancy to practice, you probably already have everything in your yarn kit.  If you are just getting started, Amazon is a great place to shop for everything you need at reasonable prices.

• Yarn: Any yarn you like (I used an Aran weight yarn for the sample).

• Hook: The hook size recommended on the yarn ball band is a good place to start.

• Scissors

• Yarn needle

Picot Edging Video Tutorial

Watch the full tutorial here to see the picot edging step-by-step, including how to start your border neatly and keep your stitches evenly spaced.

Free Crochet Picot Edging Pattern

Abbreviations US Terms (UK Terms)

ch – chain

sc – single crochet (double crochet)

sl st – slip stitch

st(s) – stitch(es)

sp - space

Special Stitch: Picot

Sc in next st, ch3, sl st through front loop and left leg of sc (this forms a picot).

Basic Picot Edging

Work a round of single crochet around your project if you don’t already have a clean edge.

Starting in any corner [picot & sc in same sp], [picot in next st, sc in next st] repeat across or around your work.  At corners I like to add both a picot and a sc in the same space just for a little extra room to get around the corner.

Slip stitch to the first sc to join (if working in the round), fasten off, and weave in ends.

Variation Ideas

• For a more delicate look: ch 2 picots instead of ch 3

• For a more dramatic border: ch 4–5 picots and work them every 3–4 stitches

Finishing Touches

The picot edging looks especially pretty when used on the final round of a blanket border or around the edges of shawls and collars. You can even use it to edge granny squares before joining them for a decorative touch.

Once you’ve mastered the basic version, try playing with spacing and chain lengths — it’s amazing how much variation you can create with such a simple stitch.

Projects Using Picot Edging

• Baby blankets

• Shawls and wraps

• Table mats and doilies

• Decorative trims on garments

More Edging Patterns to Try...

I hope you enjoyed learning how to crochet the picot edging. It’s one of those classic crochet techniques that adds just the right finishing touch to any project. If you try it out, I’d love to see what you make — share your photos on Instagram and tag me @lullabylodge so I can admire your work.

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