What is Pico?

Shawls and Scarves need to be stitched with pico. Pico is a kind of stitch which is machine made. The thread follows a zig zag fashion and rolls up the fabric. There is a tendency for the scarve or the shawl to curl up at the edges. Hence if a size needs to be maintained constantly, it is not possible. Generally a three piece salwar set will have a shawl that needs to be picoed. At times, a stole worn over a western dress is also picoed to give a finished look to the edge. Pico can be done in various colors to match the fabric. The next alternative is to use a transparent thread that can match any color of the shawl. There is a technique known as flat pico wherein the part that stitches the edges of the shawl uses a flat plate known as the single horse. This gives a smoother finish and is very thin at the edge. Yet the wave cannot be dismissed because any fabric that is pulled across on the bias side will stretch slightly. Pico is different from tailoring clothes. It is a technique of embroidery.