purlJam

# Advanced Top-Down Cable Knit Socks Pattern

## Introduction
These luxurious cable-knit socks are crafted using worsted weight yarn, offering warmth and a snug fit. Designed with an intricate cable pattern running along the leg, these socks present an engaging challenge for advanced knitters. They feature a reinforced heel flap and a well-shaped gusset for durability and comfort. The pattern includes instructions for multiple adult sizes.

## Materials
- Yarn: Worsted weight yarn, approximately 250-350 yards
- Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) double-pointed needles or circular needles for magic loop
- Cable needle
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
- Stitch markers

## Gauge
20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch

## Sizes
- Small (Medium, Large, XL)
- Foot circumference: 7 (8, 9, 10) inches
- Length adjustable to fit

## Abbreviations
- CO: Cast On
- K: Knit
- P: Purl
- C4B: Cable 4 Back (slip next 2 stitches to cable needle and hold at back of work, knit 2, then knit 2 from cable needle)
- C4F: Cable 4 Front (slip next 2 stitches to cable needle and hold at front of work, knit 2, then knit 2 from cable needle)
- M1: Make One (pick up bar between stitches and knit into back of it)
- K2tog: Knit 2 Together
- SSK: Slip, Slip, Knit
- BO: Bind Off

## Pattern Instructions

### Cuff
1. **CO** using the long-tail method: 40 (48, 56, 64) stitches.
2. Divide stitches evenly onto three or four needles and join in the round, being careful not to twist stitches. Place a stitch marker to indicate the beginning of the round.
3. **Work in K2, P2 ribbing** for 1.5 inches (4 cm).

### Leg
1. **Establish cable pattern:**

   Repeat the following 8-round pattern until leg measures desired length from cuff (approximately 6 inches/15 cm from cast-on edge):

   - Rounds 1, 3, 5, 7: *K2, P2, C4B, P2; repeat from * to end.
   - Rounds 2, 4, 6, 8: *K2, P2, K4, P2; repeat from * to end.

### Heel Flap
1. **Setup for heel flap:**

   Slip the last 20 (24, 28, 32) stitches of the round onto one needle. You will work these stitches back and forth in rows.

2. **Work heel flap in a slipped stitch pattern for durability:**

   - Row 1 (RS): *Slip 1, K1* to end.
   - Row 2 (WS): Slip 1, P to end.

   Repeat these two rows until you have 20 (24, 28, 32) rows.

### Turn Heel
1. **Shape heel:**

   Continue working in rows.

   - Row 1 (RS): K12 (14, 16, 18), K2tog, K1, turn.
   - Row 2 (WS): Slip 1, P5 (7, 9, 11), P2tog, P1, turn.
   - Row 3: Slip 1, K6 (8, 10, 12), K2tog, K1, turn.
   - Row 4: Slip 1, P7 (9, 11, 13), P2tog, P1, turn.

   Repeat rows 3 and 4 until all side stitches are consumed. You should have 12 (14, 16, 18) stitches remaining.

### Gusset
1. **Pick up and knit stitches for gusset:**

   - Knit across heel stitches. Using a free needle, pick up and knit 10 (12, 14, 16) stitches along the side of the heel flap.
   - Knit across the top of the foot (in established cable pattern).
   - Pick up and knit 10 (12, 14, 16) stitches along the other side of the heel flap.
   - Knit first half of heel stitches to arrive at the center bottom of the heel. Place marker for new beginning of round.

2. **Gusset decreases:**

   Employ two decrease rounds:

   - Round 1: K to 3 stitches before cable pattern, K2tog, K1, work cable pattern as established, K1, SSK, K to end.
   - Round 2: Knit.

   Repeat these two rounds until you have 40 (48, 56, 64) stitches left, maintaining the cable pattern on the top of the foot.

### Foot
1. **Continue knitting in established cable pattern on the top of the foot and stockinette stitch on the sole until foot measures 2 inches (5 cm) less than desired total foot length.**

### Toe Shaping
1. **Toe decreases:**

   - Round 1: K to 3 stitches before the second marker, K2tog, K1, slip marker, K1, SSK, K to 3 stitches before end, K2tog, K1, slip marker, K1, SSK, K to end.
   - Round 2: Knit.

   Repeat these two rounds until 16 (20, 24, 28) stitches remain.

2. **Finishing:**

   - Arrange stitches so that halves of the toe stitches are on two needles.
   - Graft the toe stitches together using the Kitchener Stitch.

### Finishing Touches
- Weave in all loose ends.
- Block socks to shape if desired.

## Notes
- Adjust the length of the leg and foot to better fit personal measurements.
- The cable pattern can be adjusted for a simpler look, if preferred.
- Adding a reinforcing yarn to heel and toe will increase durability.