purlJam

# BASIC MACHINE-KNIT SOCKS

## MACHINE_SETUP
**Machine Configuration:** Standard gauge flat-bed knitting machine with ribber attachment
**Bed Setup:** Both main bed and ribber bed in use for circular knitting
**Cast-on Method:** Waste yarn + ravel cord + closed cast-on
**Tension Settings:** Main bed T6, Ribber bed T4 for worsted weight yarn
**Starting Position:** COL (Carriage on Left)
**Tools Required:** Transfer tools, latch hook, ravel cord (150cm), claw weights, cast-on comb, tapestry needle

**Initial Setup:**
- Set carriage to knit position, both beds engaged
- Thread waste yarn in contrasting color
- Reset row counter to RC000
- Prepare 60 needles on main bed (positions -30 to +29)
- Engage corresponding ribber needles

## MATERIALS
**Yarn:** 200g worsted weight yarn (approximately 400m/437yds)
**Suggested Yarn:** Medium-weight sock yarn or superwash wool blend
**Needles:** Standard gauge knitting machine needles
**Notions:** 
- Tapestry needle for seaming
- Stitch markers
- Measuring tape
- Scissors

**Sizes:** Adult Medium (adjustable for sizes Small through Large by needle count adjustment)

## GAUGE_AND_TENSION
**Tension:** Main bed T6, Ribber T4
**Gauge:** 18 stitches and 24 rows = 10cm (4") in stocking stitch
**Ribbed Gauge:** 20 stitches = 10cm (4") in 1x1 rib (relaxed)

**Test Swatch Instructions:**
1. Cast on 40 needles using waste yarn method
2. Knit 40 rows at working tension
3. Remove from machine and measure
4. Adjust tension dials if necessary before beginning sock

## RIBBED_BRIM
**Cast-on (RC000):**
1. Using waste yarn, e-wrap cast on over 60 needles (-30 to +29)
2. Knit 8 rows waste yarn at T10
3. Insert ravel cord
4. Change to main yarn
5. COL: Knit 1 row at T8, then adjust to working tension T6/T4

**Cuff Ribbing (RC001-030):**
1. Set up 1x1 rib: Every alternate needle on main bed, corresponding needles on ribber
2. RC001-030: Knit 30 rows in 1x1 rib
3. Maintain even tension, checking carriage passes smoothly
4. At RC030, carriage should be at COL

**Note:** Hang claw weights evenly across ribbing to maintain consistent tension

## BODY_ROWS
**Leg Section (RC031-100):**
1. RC031: Continue in 1x1 rib pattern
2. RC031-100: Knit 70 rows maintaining rib pattern
3. Check length: approximately 18cm (7") from cast-on edge
4. Ensure even weight distribution throughout

**Heel Turn Preparation (RC101):**
1. RC101: COL position
2. Transfer all stitches to main bed using transfer tools
3. Put 30 needles at each end out of work (hold 30 center needles for heel)
4. Continue with heel stitches only on needles -15 to +14

**Heel Flap (RC101-120):**
1. RC101-120: Knit 20 rows in stocking stitch on center 30 needles
2. Work short rows for heel turn:
   - RC121: Hold 2 needles each end
   - RC122: Hold 4 needles each end
   - RC123: Hold 6 needles each end
   - Continue until 10 center needles remain active
3. Reverse process, returning needles to work

## CROWN_SHAPING
**Foot Section (RC141-200):**
1. RC141: Return all 60 needles to work
2. Pick up stitches along heel flap edges
3. RC141-200: Knit 60 rows in circular stocking stitch
4. Check foot length: approximately 15cm (6") from heel

**Toe Shaping (RC201-220):**
1. RC201: Begin toe decreases
2. Transfer method for toe shaping:
   - Every 2nd row: Transfer 1 stitch from each end toward center
   - RC201, 203, 205, etc.: Decrease rows
   - RC202, 204, 206, etc.: Plain knit rows
3. Continue until 20 stitches remain
4. RC220: Remove remaining stitches with latch hook

## FINISHING
**Removing from Machine:**
1. Cut yarn leaving 30cm (12") tail
2. Thread tail through tapestry needle
3. Pass through remaining 20 stitches
4. Draw up tightly and secure

**Seaming:**
1. Remove waste yarn and ravel cord from cuff
2. Use mattress stitch to seam foot and leg
3. Weave in all ends securely
4. Turn sock right side out

**Blocking:**
1. Gently steam press seams if needed
2. Do not press ribbed sections
3. Shape foot over sock blocker or towel
4. Allow to dry completely

**Final Steps:**
- Check all seams for security
- Trim excess yarn ends
- Try on for fit and comfort

## ABBREVIATIONS
**RC** - Row Counter
**COL** - Carriage on Left
**COR** - Carriage on Right
**T** - Tension setting
**cm** - centimeters
**g** - grams
**m** - meters
**yds** - yards

**Machine Terms:**
- **Main bed** - Primary needle bed
- **Ribber** - Secondary needle bed for circular knitting
- **Transfer** - Moving stitches between needles
- **Hold** - Putting needles out of work temporarily
- **Waste yarn** - Contrasting yarn for temporary cast-on
- **Ravel cord** - Smooth cord for easy removal of waste yarn

**Stitch Patterns:**
- **1x1 Rib** - Alternating knit and purl stitches
- **Stocking stitch** - Knit on right side, purl on wrong side
- **Short rows** - Partial rows for shaping