Edge Treatments: How to Knit a Picot Hem
Knitting a picot hem builds what you learned in the basic hemmed edge tutorial, but this time we use a simple YO-K2tog combination to make a scalloped "picot" edge.
This is a technique that is done starting on the cast-on edge, so a little bit of planning ahead is needed - i.e. know that you are going to use this edge before you cast on.
You can replace any ribbed or rolled edge in your pattern with this picot hem - just delete the first 6 rows of the pattern and use this cast-on instead.
Here's how to do it (written instructions below the video):
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KNITFreedom - The Picot Hem: How To Knit A Picot Edge
Knitting a Picot Hem:
CO using the long-tail cast-on.
Work in Stockinette st for 5 rows.
Next row: YO, K2tog across.
Work in Stockinette st for 5 rows.
Next row: fold knitting at lace row and knit each stitch on the needle together with the purl bump from the cast-on row in the column directly below the stitch.
A great sock pattern to try that uses a picot hemmed edge is Swirly-O Socks by Amy King (below), from the Knitter's Book of Yarn by Clara Parkes.
Related Tutorials:
If you liked this video on how to knit a picot hem, post in the comments!
Liat Gat is the founder and video knitting expert at KnitFreedom.com. She gets great joy out of supporting and encouraging students through instructive videos and blog posts.
Videos from this post:
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Picot Hemmed Edge Cast-On (Blog)
Related Course: Guide to Cast-Ons
Learn the Perfect Cast-On For Each Project"If you're one of those knitters who likes to find out the best way to do things, this video series is definitely for you." -Sarah E. White, Editor of About.com Knitting
Learn 50 unique ways to start your knitted projects, using stretchy cast-ons, invisible cast-ons, center-start cast-ons, and more.
WANT TO PUT PICOT EDGE AROUND FINGERLESS GLOVES THAT I HAVE ALREADY BOUND OFF—BARB BOLTON—
Thanks so much for the video! I wish I had watched it and read your instructions before starting (I am starting a pair of fingerless- gloves), because my stitches were much too tight. It’s ok, I restarted and it worked! Thanks so much!
Hi Liat
Many thanks for the video. If using as edge for a sock, will the top be stretchy enough?.
Just have learned your two at a time magic loop toe up. Wonderful. Thanks
Thanks! Yes, this picot hem is generally a good bind-off and stretchy enough for the top of a sock. You will be able to feel how stretchy it is as you go.
Thanks Liat!
This looks great! I just finishes a pair of socks…but now I cant wait to start another pair, just so I can make this beautifully stretchy bind off. I love your videos!
Hi MaryElizabeth, I’m so glad that you’re excited about the Picot Hem! I can’t wait to hear how your next pair of socks turns out. Thank you so much for the sweet compliments. :)
Happy Knitting.
I wanted a change from the regular K2P2 cuff for sox without getting into too difficult or time consuming an edge. Thanks for the perfect explanation. The video was wonderful!
Hi Merry –
You are too sweet. I’m so glad that my video could help you get the change you were looking for for your socks. :) You’re more than welcome for the explanation!
love the picot edge.. never used it before.. am working on magic loop and don’t understand how to finish off the seam after the last five rows of the picot edge.. on the magic loop.. any help would be greatly appreciated !!
thank you soooo much !
Anne
Hi Anne, after you knit the last five rows, you fold the fabric and knit the working edge together with the cast-on edge, as I show in the video. This technique is for starting the garment, so you would then keep knitting until you got to the top of your sweater or the toe of your socks or whatever and then just follow the pattern instructions for finishing off the garment like normal.