An overall array of such loops may be used to give a "shaggy" look to the fabric and/or make it warmer, e.g., tufting the inside of mittens. After they're made, the loops may be cut or left intact; two adjacent loops tied together in a bow-knot is an attractive pattern as well.
A variety of these loops can be used to give a "scattered" appearance in the fabric or make it warmer, such as by tufting the inside of mittens. After they are made, the loops may be trimmed or left; tying two adjacent loops together into a bow-knot creates an attractive pattern.