Have you ever wondered how we make those beautiful shawl cuff you see in our shop? Wonder no more! In this special episode of Behind the Skeins Dave is going to talk you step though step how he makes each and every one of the shawl cuffs we sell.

From a flat sheet of leather, to shaping, to snaps. It's all here!

To see the man himself at work, please check out our YouTube channel or blog post listed below.

Get your very own shawl cuff here: https://southernskeins.com/products/handmade-leather-shawl-cuff?_pos=1&_sid=9c521ac2b&_ss=r

🧶 Read our blog: https://southernskeins.com/blogs/news

🎧 Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@southernskeins

📩 Join our mailing list & get a free knitting pattern: https://southernskeins.com/pages/be-the-first-to-know

🛍️ Shop Hand-Dyed Yarn & Subscribe to the Southern Stitch Box: 👉 www.southernskeins.com

Follow the podcast so you never miss an episode! Rate, review, and share if you loved today’s fiber-filled conversation!

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Ever find yourself wondering: “Should I knit my socks cuff-down or toe-up?” If so, you are NOT alone. This is hands-down one of the biggest questions I get from knitters—whether they’re just starting out or are seasoned sock makers looking to shake things up.

In this ultimate guide, we’re diving deep into the two most popular sock constructions: Cuff-Down (aka top-down) and Toe-Up. We’ll cover what they are, the pros and cons of each, my personal tips (plus a few fun stories), and my best advice to help YOU choose which one to knit next.

Whether you’re a die-hard cuff-down fan or curious about toe-up magic, let’s break it all down—step by step.

In this week's episode learn:

🧶 Cuff-Down Construction

🧶 Toe-Up Construction

🧶 Pros and Cons of Each

🧶 Pro Tips for Picking Your Next Pattern

✨Mentioned Items:

Cuff-Down pattern- https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dk-weight-vanilla-socks

Kitchener tool-

Slap bracelet sock ruler-

🧶 Read our blog: https://southernskeins.com/blogs/news

🎧 Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@southernskeins

📩 Join our mailing list & get a free knitting pattern: https://southernskeins.com/pages/be-the-first-to-know

🛍️ Shop Hand-Dyed Yarn & Subscribe to the Southern Stitch Box: 👉 www.southernskeins.com

Follow the podcast so you never miss an episode! Rate, review, and share if you loved today’s fiber-filled conversation!

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Sock SOS: Fixing the Top 5 Sock Knitting Problems

Dropped stitches, gusset holes, socks that don’t fit right… sound familiar? 😬 This week on Behind the Skeins, I’m diving into the 5 most common sock knitting problems—and exactly how to fix them. Whether you're battling ladders, loose stitches, or worn-out heels, you’ll leave this episode ready to tackle anything sock-related with confidence. 🧦

PLUS: Grab your FREE Troubleshooting Checklist for quick-reference fixes every sock knitter should have handy!

In this week's episode learn:

🧶Ladders

🧶Gusset Holes

🧶Fit Too Tight

🧶Wear Holes

🧶Misshaped

✨ Links:

✅ Free Checklist: https://southernskeins.com/pages/be-the-first-to-know

✅Sock Mending Kit

✅Sock Log

🧶 Read our blog: https://southernskeins.com/blogs/news

🎧 Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@southernskeins

📩 Join our mailing list & get a free knitting pattern: https://southernskeins.com/pages/be-the-first-to-know

🛍️ Shop Hand-Dyed Yarn & Subscribe to the Southern Stitch Box: 👉 www.southernskeins.com

Follow the podcast so you never miss an episode! Rate, review, and share if you loved today’s fiber-filled conversation!

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 Sock Yarn Matchmaking: How to Choose the Best Yarn for Your Pattern

Ever knit socks that looked AMAZING… but stretched out, sagged, or wore thin way too fast? 😬 You’re not alone! In this episode of Behind the Skeins, I’m sharing my best tips for choosing the perfect yarn for any sock pattern. We’re talking fiber blends, yarn weights, durability tricks, and how to match yarn to your pattern’s purpose—whether it’s lace, cables, or cozy house socks.

PLUS: Grab your FREE Sock Yarn Checklist to make every project a winner. 🧶

In this week's episode learn:

🧶understanding sock yarn weights

🧶fiber content

🧶sock patterns

✨ Links Mentioned:

👉 Free Checklist

🛒Knitting Planner

📝 Blog

🛒 Shop Sock Yarns

Listen now to become a total sock yarn matchmaker!

🧶 Read our blog: https://southernskeins.com/blogs/news

🎧 Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@southernskeins

📩 Join our mailing list & get a free knitting pattern: https://southernskeins.com/pages/be-the-first-to-know

🛍️ Shop Hand-Dyed Yarn & Subscribe to the Southern Stitch Box: 👉 www.southernskeins.com

Follow the podcast so you never miss an episode! Rate, review, and share if you loved today’s fiber-filled conversation!

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Are you dreading the sock heel turn? 😱 Don’t worry—I’ve got you! In this video, we tackle everything from the classic heel flap & gusset to my personal fave, the German Short Row Heel. Whether you’re a beginner sock knitter or looking to improve your technique, this step-by-step tutorial breaks down exactly what you need to know to knit flawless heels—without the frustration.

👉 Learn how to:

• Knit a heel flap and gusset (even if you hate gussets like me!)
• Master the German Short Row Heel (no gussets, no fuss 🙌)
• Fix common heel mistakes (like gaps & ladders)
• Use markers, tension tricks, and blocking to get a professional finish

🎁 Download your FREE Sock Heel Checklist here:

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0561/9502/3026/files/German_Short_Row_Heel_Checklist.pdf?v=1752686900

🧶 Shop my favorite sock yarns & tools:

• ChiaoGoo needles
• Dropped stitch crochet hook
• Sock yarn

🧶 Read our blog: https://southernskeins.com/blogs/news

🎧 Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@southernskeins

📩 Join our mailing list & get a free knitting pattern: https://southernskeins.com/pages/be-the-first-to-know

🛍️ Shop Hand-Dyed Yarn & Subscribe to the Southern Stitch Box: 👉 www.southernskeins.com

Follow the podcast so you never miss an episode! Rate, review, and share if you loved today’s fiber-filled conversation!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever look at your handmade socks and think, “Why does this heel look flawless and the toe… a little wild?”

You’re not alone.

One of the most common frustrations for sock knitters—especially beginners—is uneven tension. Loose stitches here, tight spots there, and suddenly your fabric looks more like modern art than wearable coziness.

But here’s the good news: you can absolutely train your tension to be smooth, steady, and sock-ready.

In this week's episode learn what can affect your knitting tension

🧶Yarn

🧶Needles

🧶Speed

🧶and even Yourself

Tension issues are normal. They’re part of your growth as a maker. That means… be kind to yourself. Every sock is a lesson. Every swatch is a step closer to tension you’ll be proud of.

Mentioned Items:

Sock Ruler- https://southernskeins.com/products/sock-ruler?_pos=1&_sid=9f2433aca&_ss=r

Knitting Needles- https://www.knitpicks.com/needles/knitting_needles.html

🧶 Read our blog: https://southernskeins.com/blogs/news

🎧 Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@southernskeins

📩 Join our mailing list & get a free knitting pattern: https://southernskeins.com/pages/be-the-first-to-know

🛍️ Shop Hand-Dyed Yarn & Subscribe to the Southern Stitch Box: 👉 www.southernskeins.com

Follow the podcast so you never miss an episode! Rate, review, and share if you loved today’s fiber-filled conversation!

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Ready to knit socks that fit like a dream? If your past pairs ended up too tight, too loose, or just plain off… let’s fix that! Today we’re talking about the not-so-secret sauce of sock success: getting your gauge right—especially when knitting in the round.

This guide is packed with pro tips, joyful encouragement, and the exact tools you need to get stitch-perfect results every time.

In this week's episode learn:

🧶Why Gauge Matters When Knitting Socks

🧶How to Knit a Swatch in the Round

🧶Hot to Adjust Your Needle Size

Knitting socks that actually fit isn’t magic—it’s gauge. And when you know how to swatch in the round and adjust your needles like a pro, you’re unstoppable.

💬 Stay connected with fellow yarn lovers—subscribe and hit the 🔔 bell icon so you never miss a video!

🧶 Read our blog: https://southernskeins.com/blogs/news

🎧 Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@southernskeins

📩 Join our mailing list & get a free knitting pattern: https://southernskeins.com/pages/be-the-first-to-know

🛍️ Shop Hand-Dyed Yarn & Subscribe to the Southern Stitch Box: 👉 www.southernskeins.com

Follow the podcast so you never miss an episode! Rate, review, and share if you loved today’s fiber-filled conversation!

🧶 Read our blog: https://southernskeins.com/blogs/news

🎧 Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@southernskeins

📩 Join our mailing list & get a free knitting pattern: https://southernskeins.com/pages/be-the-first-to-know

🛍️ Shop Hand-Dyed Yarn & Subscribe to the Southern Stitch Box: 👉 www.southernskeins.com

Follow the podcast so you never miss an episode! Rate, review, and share if you loved today’s fiber-filled conversation!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are your favorite hand-knitted pieces pilling, stretching, or looking a little worse for wear? Don’t worry—I’ve got you! In this video, I’m sharing simple, stress-free tips on how to properly wash, block, and store your knitted garments so they stay soft, beautiful, and ready to wear for years to come.

Whether you’re a beginner knitter or a long-time pro, learning how to care for your knits is just as important as making them. I’ll walk you through:

✅ When and how to hand wash your knits

✅ What detergents and tools to use

✅ Drying and reshaping tips

✅ Storage do’s and don’ts (moth-proof your stash!)

This is all part of my no-stress knitting philosophy—we’re here to enjoy the process and keep our handmade treasures looking their best.

New here?

I’m Jenna from Southern Skeins—yarn dyer, knitter, and host of Sunday Yarn Chat and the Behind the Skeins podcast. Be sure to like, subscribe, and check out more yarny goodness at southernskeins.com.

✨ More to Explore:

Blog: southernskeins.com

Podcast: Behind the Skeins (Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio) or www.southernskeinspodcast.com

#knittingtips, #knitwearcare, #handmadeknits, #knittedgarments, #knittingforbeginners, #howtowashknits, #knittingcommunity, #southernskeins, #handdyedyarn, #yarncare, #blockingknits, #slowfashion, #knittingtutorial, #knitwearstorage, #knitandrelax, #knittinghelp, #knittinglife, #makersgonnamake, #cozycrafts, #behindtheskeins

🧶 Read our blog: https://southernskeins.com/blogs/news

🎧 Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@southernskeins

📩 Join our mailing list & get a free knitting pattern: https://southernskeins.com/pages/be-the-first-to-know

🛍️ Shop Hand-Dyed Yarn & Subscribe to the Southern Stitch Box: 👉 www.southernskeins.com

Follow the podcast so you never miss an episode! Rate, review, and share if you loved today’s fiber-filled conversation!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever fallen in love with a pattern, only to find the recommended yarn is discontinued, out of stock, or way out of budget? Don’t panic—this episode is for you!

In this episode of Behind the Skeins, host Jenna Eddy breaks down the art of yarn substitution. Learn how to confidently choose an alternative yarn without sacrificing fit, drape, or stitch definition. Whether you're looking to make your projects more affordable, use yarns from your stash, or experiment with fiber types, this episode has all the tools you need to swap smart.

What you'll learn:

🧶 How to match yarn weight and gauge

🧶 Why fiber content and ply matter in substitutions

🧶 How to calculate yardage the right way

🧶 Drape, texture, and swatching tips to avoid project disasters

🧶 Common mistakes knitters make when substituting yarns—and how to avoid them

This episode is packed with practical advice, perfect for beginners and seasoned knitters alike. Say goodbye to frustration and hello to confident, creative knitting!

🧶 Read our blog: https://southernskeins.com/blogs/news

▶️ Watch & subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@southernskeins

🎧 Listen to the podcast: On your favorite podcast player or at southernskeinspodcast.com

📩 Join our mailing list & get a free knitting pattern: https://southernskeins.com/pages/be-the-first-to-know

🛍️ Shop Hand-Dyed Yarn & Subscribe to the Southern Stitch Box: 👉 www.southernskeins.com

💬 Stay connected with fellow yarn lovers—subscribe and hit the 🔔 bell icon so you never miss a video!

🧶 Read our blog: https://southernskeins.com/blogs/news

🎧 Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@southernskeins

📩 Join our mailing list & get a free knitting pattern: https://southernskeins.com/pages/be-the-first-to-know

🛍️ Shop Hand-Dyed Yarn & Subscribe to the Southern Stitch Box: 👉 www.southernskeins.com

Follow the podcast so you never miss an episode! Rate, review, and share if you loved today’s fiber-filled conversation!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Behind the Skeins, host Jenna Eddy takes you inside the world of luxury yarns—from the buttery softness of cashmere to the rare warmth of alpaca. We’re talking when to splurge, how to work with high-end fibers, and which luxury yarns are best for specific projects like shawls, cowls, sweaters, and heirloom knits.

You’ll learn:

🧶 The top luxury fibers and their best uses

🧶 How to blend luxe yarns with basics for budget-friendly projects

🧶 Smart tips for swatching, blocking, and storing delicate yarns

🧶 When it’s worth the splurge—and when it’s not

Whether you’re shopping for your next showstopper project or curious about specialty yarns, this episode will help you knit with confidence, care, and a little indulgence.

Follow the podcast so you never miss an episode! Rate, review, and share if you loved today’s fiber-filled conversation!

🧶 Read our blog:https://southernskeins.com/blogs/news

🎧 Listen to the podcast: On your favorite podcast player or at southernskeinspodcast.com

📩 Join our mailing list & get a free knitting pattern:https://southernskeins.com/pages/be-the-first-to-know

🛍️ Shop Hand-Dyed Yarn & Subscribe to the Southern Stitch Box: 👉 www.southernskeins.com

💬 Stay connected with fellow yarn lovers—subscribe and hit the 🔔 bell icon so you never miss a video!

🧶 Read our blog: https://southernskeins.com/blogs/news

🎧 Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@southernskeins

📩 Join our mailing list & get a free knitting pattern: https://southernskeins.com/pages/be-the-first-to-know

🛍️ Shop Hand-Dyed Yarn & Subscribe to the Southern Stitch Box: 👉 www.southernskeins.com

Follow the podcast so you never miss an episode! Rate, review, and share if you loved today’s fiber-filled conversation!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.