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Picot Mounts

Description: These Picot Mounts feature small loops that rest above the level of the item they are attached to.

The purpose for these techniques is to add decoration to the top edge of designs like handbags, baskets, wall hangings, and other Macrame projects.

In the four designs described on this page, the working cords are attached to a holding cord with Double Half Hitches, so be sure you know how to tie them before you start practicing.

Alternating Mount

Description: Picot Mounts can be made so that the loops overlap, simply by alternating the cords.

You need 2 or more working cords, at least 18 inches long. Two colors are optional, but will show the alternating pattern more clearly.

Step 1: To practice, arrange one holding cord horizontally on your board. Make sure it has tension.

Place one working cord under the holding cord vertically. Match the ends to balance it, then secure it near the holding cord.

Use the lower half of the working cord to make a counter- clockwise Half Hitch, passing over - under the holding cord, and over the working cord.

After tightening, make a second Half Hitch to the right of the first.

Double Half Hitch (DHH) = 2 Half Hitches

Step 2: Repeat step 1 with a second cord, which should be a different color.

Place it to the right of the first cord.

Step 3: Move the top half of cord 1 under the top half of cord 2, heading right.

Move it under the holding cord, then adjust the size of the picot loop by securing it where you want the top to rest.

Attach it to the holding cord with a DHH.

Step 4: Move the top half of cord 2 under the holding cord, to the right of cord 1.

Adjust the picot loop carefully, so it's the same size as the first one, then attach the cord with a DHH.

Step 5: Repeat steps 1 - 4 with additional cords, alternating the colors.

Picot mounts are usually repeated with ALL the cords that are being mounted.

Nestled Mount

Description: Picot mounts like this one were popular in the early 1900's. It's sometimes called the Loop Mount in old Macrame books. The loops fit around each other (nestled).

I recommend you practice making it with at least three working cords. Using different colors is optional.

Step 1: Secure a holding cord horizontally on your board, with tension. The working cords need to be at least 18 inches long.

Fold one working cord in half and place it under the holding cord. Secure it at the center, which should rest at least 1/4-inch from the holding cord.

Attach the right half of the cord to the holding cord with a counter-clockwise DHH.

Step 2: Attach the left half of the working cord to the holding cord with a clockwise DHH.

Before you tighten the first Half Hitch, adjust the size of the picot loop if needed. It should be small, but still clearly seen.

Step 3: Fold another working cord in half and place it around the first picot, and under the holding cord. The center of both cords should be touching.

Attach it with a counter-clockwise DHH on the right, followed by a clockwise DHH on the left.

Step 4: Repeat step 3 if you wish to add one more cord, placing it around the other two cords.

Triple Loop Mount

Description: The Triple Loop Mount was popular in the early 1900's as well as in the 1970's. It is the most common of all the picot mounts on this page.

This technique can be used in several types of projects. Try using it along the edge of handbags, or at the top of wall hangings and curtains. Any time you want a cluster of picot loops to decorate the edge, this is the best choice.

You can make it with more than three cords, or add a contrasting color in the center. The picot loops can be made any size.

Make sure you know how to tie a Square Knot, which is part of the design.

Step 1: To practice, fold three 20-inch cords in half and secure them vertically at the center. The cord in the middle should be secured above the level of the other two.

Mentally number the cords. Cords 1 and 6 will be used as the working cords in the next step.

Step 2: Tie the first half of a Square Knot (SK) by moving cord 1 over cords 2 - 5, and under cord 6, moving left to right.

Move cord 6 under cords 2 - 5, and over cord 1, moving right to left.

Tighten the knot loosely.

Step 3: Tie the second half of the SK, using the same directions as in step 2. The only change is the direction:

Cord 1: Right to left

Cord 6: Left to Right

Step 3, continued: Tighten both halves of the SK carefully, arranging it so the knot is at least 1/2-inch from the top of the loops.

Make adjustments to the size of the picots by CAREFULLY pulling on the cords numbered 2 - 5.

Designer's Tip: Whenever you make picot mounts in a Macrame project, you need to make the loops at a size most appropriate for your project.

In general, picots will be more visible if the top of them are at least 1/2 inch from the holding cord. With heavy material (4mm - 6mm), you may need to increase the size to 1-inch.

Step 4: Secure a holding cord horizontally on your board, with tension.

Place the SK picot design under it, so that the lower edge of the knot is touching the holding cord.

Important: Secure all three loops.

Step 5: Attach cords 4 - 6 to the holding cord with counter-clockwise Double Half Hitches.

Attach cords 3 - 1 with clockwise DHH, in that order.

Continued below

To make sure there is no gap between the Square Knot and the holding cord, each knot should be very tight.

Progressive Mount

Description: The Progressive Mount is my own creation, although I am sure someone else may have thought this up. It's a variation of the Alternating Picot Mount that's shown first on this page.

One important aspect of Picot Mounts is making sure the loops are the same size. That can get challenging, especially in a design like this one.

Placing a piece of tape horizontally on your board really helps. Each picot should be adjusted until the top of it touches the edge of the tape.

When using this design in a Macrame project, try to divide up the cords you are mounting into groups of 4 - 6. The picots will be too wide if you try to attach more than six cords in this manner.

Step 1: Arrange one holding cord horizontally on your board. Stretch it as far as possible so there is lots of tension.

You need 5 working cords, at least 20 inches long. Using different colors is optional.

Place each working cord under the holding cord, then match the ends to balance them.

Attach the lower half of each cord to the holding cord with counter-clockwise DHH, progressing left to right.

Mentally number the cords after you attach them.

Step 2: Bring the top half of cord 1 over all the other cords, and secure it under the holding cord next to cord 5.

Adjust the picot to the size and shape you like, then attach it to the holding cord with a DHH.

Step 3: Move the top half of cord 2 to the right, passing over cords 3 - 5.

The picot will rest behind (or below) the one from the previous step.

Pass it under the holding cord, adjust the size of the picot, then attach it with a DHH.

Step 4: Attach cords 3 - 5 in the same manner, placing each one to the right of the others.

Do your best to make sure the picots are all the same height.

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