Open and close picot (figs. [494] and [495]).—These are formed of single knots, leaving a loop on the extended thread, as shown in fig. [494], and a short length of thread between the knots; finish the second half knot and when you have pulled it up, join it to the preceding knot. In this manner the picot represented in fig. [495] is formed quite naturally.
Fig. 494. Open picot.
Fig. 495. Close picot.
In every kind of tatting the knot that comes after the picot is independent of the loop.
Thus if the directions say: 2 knots, 1 picot, 3 knots, 1 picot, 2 knots, etc., you must count the knot that served to form the loop and not make: 2 knots, 1 picot, 4 knots, etc. To join the different rings, ovals, etc., together by means of picots, take up the thread that runs over the left hand with a crochet needle, inserting it into the picot downwards from above, draw the thread through and pull it up like any other knot.
Tatting with two shuttles (fig. [496]).—Two shuttles are used in tatting when the little rings are not to be connected together at the bottom by a thread, when you want to hide the passage of the thread to another group of knots and when threads of several colours are used.
