Picot
a tiny decorative loop or point used to trim edges and dot lace patterns
A picot is a small decorative loop that pops off the fabric as a tiny point or bump, most often used to finish edges and to punctuate lace. The common version is worked by making a short chain, usually three, then joining it back on itself with a slip stitch or single crochet into the first chain or the stitch below, which curls the chain into a little nub. Spaced along an edge, picots make a delicate scalloped or beaded trim; placed within a pattern, they add dots of texture to shells, meshes, and motifs. It is one of the simplest decorative moves in crochet, using only chains and a join, which makes it a friendly finishing skill for beginners and a staple of edgings on shawls, collars, blankets, and baby clothes. The size and spacing of the picots set the look, from a fine, subtle edge to a bold, frilly one. Keep the chain count and the spacing consistent so the points march evenly, and block gently so each picot sits up rather than flopping.