Knitting Basics Archives - Page 2 of 6 - Yarn Enchantment

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.

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.

November 4, 2025

Knitting i-cord swatches with 2 to 7 stitches lined up on a needle next to a hand holding an i-cord on a wooden needle, illustrating neat results and knitting technique."

How to Knit I-Cords: Neat Results with 2–7 Stitches

In this post, I’ll walk you through the basics of I-cords - those neat little knitted tubes that can transform your projects. We’ll unravel all the steps together, share a few tricks for getting super tidy results, and dream up some creative uses (think cozy jar wraps, and more). No matter if you’re picking up your needles for the first time or you’ve knitted a hundred I-cords, you’ll find something to spark your creativity, and maybe have a little fun along the way.

October 4, 2025

Close-up of a beige knitted hat with three embroidered purple flowers and green leaves, with bold heading text reading "How to Embroider on Knits: Tips & Techniques" across the top.

How to Embroider on Knits: Pro Tips & Techniques

Today, I want to talk about a topic that has been on my mind for a long time: Embroidery on knits. I like to decorate my finished projects with flowers embroideries to give them a little something extra, and in this blog post, I want to talk about some tricks and techniques that makes embroidering on knitting fabric easier.

September 22, 2025

Close-up of a hand-knitted sock in cream-colored yarn, showing neatly picked-up gusset stitches and decreases, with colorful double-pointed needles in place.

Hole-Free Gusset Pick Up and Decreases for Perfectly Fitting Socks

This week’s focus is on picking up gusset stitches and close the gap between needles when knitting socks. I’ll compare two methods, the classic method - which can leave holes or long stitches, with a more advanced, invisible technique passed down from my granny. Whether you’re new to socks or looking to upgrade your finishing, I’m sharing tips for a flawless, hole-free gusset.