How to Crochet a Picot Border
Hey there, lovely crocheters! I’m thrilled to be back on the Juniper & Oakes blog, your go-to destination for all things crochet. Today, I have an enchanting tutorial in store for you – we’ll be diving into the world of picot borders! These dainty embellishments add a touch of whimsy and elegance to any crochet project, whether it’s a cozy blanket, a chic shawl, or a stylish scarf. So, grab your hooks and let’s get started.
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Understanding the Picot Border
Picot borders, are those darling little loops that adorn the edges of this blanket. These darling picots bring a certain charm and finesse, taking your projects from ordinary to extraordinary. Picture it: a baby blanket with delicate picots, a scarf with playful picots dancing along the edge – irresistible, right?
About this Blanket
This picot border was crocheted as the finishing touch for the Plants with Yarn Blanket CAL. If this is the first you’ve hear about this CAL and need more info about the this CAL, read this post.
I’ll fill you in really quick. In June 2023, I hosted a blanket CAL using C2C with 12 plant-themed squares where different crochet designers shared a new free blanket square chart on their blogs, or you can buy the ebook and get all the designs (WITH written AND color block instructions) all at once.
If you prefer a printable version and/or written instructions for the whole blanket, including charts and color block instructions, be sure you purchase the complete pattern for the CAL.
Below you will find the border instructions for this blanket to be forever free on my blog.
After working up your border, make sure you hop on over to the Juniper & Oakes Crochet Community Facebook group. You can ask questions, make friends, and post pictures of your projects.
If you don’t have Facebook, you can still participate in the CAL by creating your squares on your own. Definitely post pictures and share about the CAL on any social media you have. Be sure to tag me @juniperandoakes and use #PlantsWithYarnCAL and #juniperandoakes so we can see your progress!
Can’t work this border right now? Pin it for later!
Love Blanket CALs?
Here is a selection of some others I’ve designed for.
Looking for more border tutorials?
Take a look at these ones on my website:
- Bobble Border
- Envelope/Double Border (perfect for overlay mosaic projects)
Choosing the right yarn & hook
Before we jump into stitching, let’s talk about yarn and hooks. To achieve the perfect picot border, you’ll want to match the yarn weight and hook size to your project. If you’re aiming for a dainty and delicate border, go for a lightweight yarn and a smaller hook. For a bolder and more pronounced look, opt for a thicker yarn and a larger hook. The choice is yours, my creative friends!
The yarn I used for this border (and the whole Plants with Yarn Blanket) is Heartland Yarn from Lion brand. This is some of my favorite yarn. I love the cozy colorways. You’ll see a skein of each: Acadia, Haleakela, and Joshua Tree.
This border was designed in 3 colors., but you can choose whatever colors you want!
Get creative! I won’t get offended if you take creative liberties on the color scheme. Be sure to share pictures in my FB group so we can see what you come up with!
I crocheted up my border using a size G hook. I love this Streamline Laurel Wooden hook from Furls Crochet.
How to Crochet a Picot Stitch
The Video Tutorial
This video walks you through how to crochet the picot stitch for your border.
The Picture Tutorial
Below you will find step-by-step instructions for crochet the picot itself. Then keep reading for instructions on the 3 rounds for the simple and neat blanket border.
Step 1: Ch 3
Step 2: Insert hook through the base of the foundation stitch
Step 3: Slip stitch, pulling yarn through all loops on hook
Step 4 (not pictured): Work indicated number of sc before next picot
I hope you found that helpful!
Written Instructions
Notes:
- The instructions below are specifically for the Plants with Yarn Afghan but can easily be used for any blanket, pillow, or edging for any crochet project.
- The first two rounds are a simple hdc border around the project followed by a third round that features the picot stitch. Feel free to omit the first 2 rounds if your project already has a nice neat foundation round to work off of.
- The picot border features the picot stitch followed by 3 sc stitches. Play around with the spacing, maybe you’d like 4 or 5 stitches between the picots.
- MC = Acadia, Color A = Haleakala, Color B = Joshua Tree
Round 1: With MC, work hdc in each st around entire blanket, working 3 hdc into each corner, sl st to 1st hdc to join. Fasten off.
Round 2: Repeat Round 1 with Color B.
Round 3: With Color C *sc in next 3 sts, picot,* repeat around. Remember: if this doesn’t make sense, watch the video tutorial for assistance.
Finishing: Slip stitch or invisible join to first stitch. Fasten off. Weave in all ends. Block project.
If you have any issues, questions, or tips, please post them on the J&O FB Group