Knitting Basics Archives - Yarn Enchantment - Your knitting and crochet blog

Tutorials and Tips for All Skill Levels

Browse through our comprehensive collection of knitting tutorials, from beginner guides to advanced techniques. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to improve your skills, find everything you need here.

February 10, 2026

A folded hand-knit pullover sweater lies on a wooden table beside an open notebook, wooden pen, and calculator. Over the image, the text reads: ‘Sweater Math: How to Adjust Any Knit Sweater to Your Gauge (+ Free Calculator).

Sweater Math: Adjust Any Knit Sweater to Your Gauge

Your gauge doesn’t match the pattern, but you still love the sweater? In this post I walk through the real sweater on my needles and show you how I used simple sweater math, a free calculator, and a worksheet to turn ‘wrong’ gauge into a perfect fit.

February 5, 2026

Bordered vs borderless knitting gauge swatches in pink yarn, two stockinette swatches side by side with title text above.

Do You Need Borders on a Gauge Swatch?

Have you ever added neat garter borders to your gauge swatches, thinking they were harmless? I used to do the same—until I learned how those tidy edges can secretly change both stitch and row gauge. Here’s what borders really do, when they’re helpful, and why I’ve switched to borderless swatches for all serious projects.

January 28, 2026

Two knitted gauge swatches laid flat with ruler and scissors on a wooden background, showing how to knit an accurate gauge swatch in the round

Knit an Accurate Gauge Swatch in the Round Every Time

When your project is knit in the round, a flat gauge swatch can quietly lie to you. In this post, I show you two ways to swatch in the round, how to block and measure them accurately, and how to avoid the tiny gauge errors that turn into sweaters that don’t fit.

January 16, 2026

Two knitted gauge swatches, one long grey continuous swatch and one pink swatch, lying on a wooden background with a ruler, illustrating how to measure knitting gauge swatches accurately

How to Knit a Gauge Swatch (Flat): Measure Knitting Gauge Correctly

In the second part of this gauge series, you’ll learn how to knit a real‑life gauge swatch, block both wool and acrylic, try a continuous multi‑needle swatch, and measure your knitting gauge accurately with two simple methods so your sweaters actually fit.

January 13, 2026

Blue knitting gauge swatches arranged on a wooden background with the title ‘Knitting Gauge 101’ across the center.

Knitting Gauge 101: Stitch and Row Gauge Explained

Gauge is the foundation and secret language of knitting. In this first part of the Gauge Swatch Confidence series, you’ll learn what stitch and row gauge really are, how yarn, needles, and stitch patterns change your gauge, and why matching (or intentionally changing) gauge can turn ‘lying’ swatches into a custom blueprint for sweaters that actually fit.

January 5, 2026

Close-up of a lavender knitted swatch on wooden needles with neat cable cast-on edge, laid on a wooden surface, overlaid text reading “Cable Cast On – Classic & KnotLess Methods.”

Cable Cast-On Knitting Tutorial: Classic & Neat Advanced Methods

A cable cast on gives your knitting a neat, sturdy edge that looks like a tiny row of chained stitches, and it is easier than it looks. In this tutorial, you will learn both the classic, beginner‑friendly version and a knotless two‑slip‑knot variation that avoids a visible starting knot. With step‑by‑step photos, detailed tips for tension and common mistakes, plus a full video walkthrough, you will be ready to choose the best cable cast‑on method for your next project.

December 18, 2025

Close‑up of a blue ribbed knitting swatch held in two hands, showing the relaxed elastic bind off edge with a slight flare.

Elastic Bind Off for Ribbing (Super Stretchy Edge)

Learn how to work a simple elastic bind off that keeps your ribbing soft, stretchy, and comfortable to wear. In this step‑by‑step tutorial, you’ll see how to use it on different kinds of ribbing, when to choose the in‑pattern version, and when a neater all‑knit edge works better for sleeves or hems.

December 15, 2025

A close-up of a blue knitted Sophie-style scarf swatch with neat I-cord edges, held on wooden needles in a pair of hands, with overlaid text reading “My Favorite Neat I-Cord Increase for PetiteKnit’s Sophie Family”

My Favorite Neat I‑Cord Edge Increases for PetiteKnit’s Sophie Scarf, Hood & Shawl

Creativity in knitting often begins with small “what if?” moments. In this post, I share how I gently customised the increases and decreases on my Sophie Scarf and Sophie Hood by PetiteKnit to create a neater I‑cord edge, all while keeping the spirit of the original design.

November 18, 2025

two hand-knitted cowl scarves with intricate colorwork patterns in pink, purple, and white, displayed on a rustic wooden surface with warm string lights, illustrating the Ultimate Knitting Abbreviations Table guide.

Ultimate List of Knitting Abbreviations: Increases, Decreases, Cables & More

If you’ve ever paused in the middle of a pattern wondering what an abbreviation means, you’re in the right place. This guide covers all the knitting shorthand - old and new - plus handy tips for reading patterns with confidence. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to brush up, you’ll find clear explanations and friendly advice to help you enjoy every stitch.