When you learn picot edge stitch bead embroidery to your bead embroidery projects, your decorative finish hides most of the thread. Your beads shine just a little brighter, and the zig-zaggy picot beads make your project more interesting. The stitch is easy to learn.

There are different styles of beaded picot, but most use an odd number of beads to achieve the distinctive pointed edge. The middle bead is the one that stands at attention, so it’s a good place to feature a pretty accent bead if that is part of your design.

There are a few different methods of adding a picot beaded edge. Some use a stitch similar to a whip stitch. The method I use here is a cousin of the Brick Stitch edge. It brings the needle back up through one of the foundation beads. I think it is a more durable stitch, and you can use it to edge fabric or an already-beaded edge.

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Here’s how to make a picot stitch edge bead embroidery.

One Bracelet edge

Bead Embroidery: How to Make a Picot Stitch Edge

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Active Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Difficulty: Intermediate

When you learn how to add a beaded picot edge stitch to your bead embroidery projects, your decorative finish hides most of the thread. Your beads shine just a little brighter, and the zig-zaggy picot beads make your project more interesting. Here's how to make a picot stitch edge with bead embroidery.

Materials

Bead Embroidery Project ready for edge treatment
Seed Beads - I used size 11 Delica and size 11 round seed beads
Nylon Beading Thread that coordinates with your project

Tools

Beading Needle, size 10 or 12
Thread Snips or Scissors
Bead Mat
Bead Scoop - optional, but makes cleanup a lot easier

Instructions

Gather tools and materials as listed above. They are included in the photo, along with other common beading supplies.
Thread your needle with a comfortable length of nylon beading thead, about an arm's length, and tie a knot at the end. Insert the needle between the layers to bury the knot. Bring it out at the edge of the top layer of work.
Pick up 3 beads, with your accent bead in the middle. In this photo, I am adding picot to a row of brick stitch. so the first bead has slipped to the edge of the fabric next to the brick stitches.
From back to front, insert the needle through all layers, no more than 1/16-inch from the edge.
When you pull the thread through, the "middle" bead will usually fall into place. You can coax it into position with the needle or your fingers, if needed. Without catching the fabric, bring the needle back up through the last bead added.
Pick up 2 beads, the accent bead, then the base bead.
Stitch from back to front, close to the edge, next to the last bead added. Without catching the fabric, bring the needle back up through the last bead added. Your picot beaded edge has begun!
Repeat Steps 6 to 8 until your picot beaded edge is complete. For the last stitch, you will add just one accent bead, tie a knot to secure your work and bury your thread before trimming. You're done! Have fun experimenting with different sizes and numbers of beads in the picot. Just remember than an odd number of beads will give you the pointiest picot.

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What is picot stitch edge bead embroidery

A picot edge is an edge stitch that gives your bead embroidery a nice finished look, while covering up the threads that are used for the bead embroidery project. It is both decorative and functional. Play around with different size beads to see what you like best for your beading project. Most of all, have fun!

Browse through more bead embroidery projects and inspiration on Create Whimsy.