Picot Cast On
A picot cast on creates a row of small decorative loops along the bottom edge — the cast-on equivalent of a picot bind-off. It is a favourite for baby blankets, lace shawls, and the cuffs of dressy gloves.
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Method
Cast on 5 stitches using the cable cast on. Bind off 2 stitches. Slip the remaining stitch back to the left needle. Repeat the cast-on-and-bind-off motion until you have the desired number of stitches. The result is a row of tiny picot points along the cast-on edge.
Visual effect
Each picot reads as a small triangular bump, evenly spaced along the edge. The edge is decorative without being fussy and pairs well with stockinette, garter, and lace.
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Stitch count
Each picot consumes 4 stitches (2 cast on, 2 bound off, then 1 retained as the new "next" stitch — net 3 stitches per picot). Plan your stitch count in multiples of 3 for evenly spaced picots, or interrupt the picot count with plain cast-on stitches for custom spacing.
When to use
Reserve it for edges that will be displayed: shawl borders, blanket edges, sleeve cuffs, and necklines worked sideways. Avoid for hems that will be tucked into trousers or hidden under a waistband.
Abbreviation reference
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| CO | cast on |
| BO | bind off |
Tips
- Adjust picot spacing by alternating picot stitches with plain cast-on stitches.
- Use a needle two sizes larger for an exaggerated, pronounced picot.
- Block aggressively to set the picot edge and keep it from rolling.
In depth
The picot cast on produces small triangular points that read as decorative scalloping. Because each picot is essentially a tiny independent cast on and bind off, the edge is also extremely stable and rarely loosens or curls.