purlJam

# Basic Top-Down Socks

## Materials
- Yarn: Worsted weight yarn, approximately 200g
- Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) double-pointed needles or size needed to obtain gauge
- Stitch markers
- Tapestry needle
- Measuring tape

## Gauge
18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches/10cm in stockinette stitch

## Sizes
Pattern is written for Small (Medium, Large)
- Small: 7 inch foot circumference, 9 inch foot length
- Medium: 8 inch foot circumference, 9.5 inch foot length
- Large: 9 inch foot circumference, 10 inch foot length 

## Abbreviations
- CO: Cast on
- K: Knit
- P: Purl
- Sl1: Slip one stitch purl-wise
- K2tog: Knit two stitches together
- SSK: Slip, slip, knit
- Rep: Repeat
- St(s): Stitch(es)

## Pattern Structure

### Cuff
1. CO 40 (48, 56) sts, and divide evenly across 4 double-pointed needles. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Place marker for beginning of round.
2. Work in 1x1 Ribbing (K1, P1) for 1 inch.

### Leg
1. Knit all stitches for 4.5 (5, 5.5) inches in stockinette stitch.

### Heel Flap
1. Move 20 (24, 28) sts onto one needle for heel flap.
2. Row 1 (RS): *Sl1, K1*; repeat from * to end.
3. Row 2 (WS): Sl1, P to end.
4. Repeat Rows 1 and 2 for 2 (2, 2.5) inches, ending with a WS row.

### Turn Heel
1. Row 1 (RS): K12 (14, 16), K2tog, K1, turn.
2. Row 2 (WS): Sl1, P5, P2tog, P1, turn.
3. Row 3: Sl1, K to 1 stitch before gap, K2tog, K1, turn.
4. Row 4: Sl1, P to 1 stitch before gap, P2tog, P1, turn.
5. Repeat Rows 3 and 4 until all stitches on needles are worked.

### Gusset
1. Pick up and knit 10 (12, 13) stitches along side of heel flap.
2. Knit across all held instep stitches.
3. Pick up and knit 10 (12, 13) stitches along other side of heel flap. Knit first half of heel stitches, place marker for beginning of round.
4. You will have 50 (60, 68) sts.
5. Round 1: Knit all stitches.
6. Round 2: Knit to 2 sts before marker, K2tog, knit across instep, SSK, knit to end.
7. Repeat Rounds 1 and 2 until you have 40 (48, 56) sts.

### Foot
1. Knit in the round until foot measures 6.5 (7.5, 8) inches from back of heel.

### Toe
1. Round 1: *K8 (10, 11), K2tog; repeat from * to end of round.
2. Round 2: Knit all stitches.
3. Round 3: *K7 (9, 10), K2tog; repeat from * to end of round.
4. Round 4: Knit all stitches.
5. Continue in this pattern, decreasing one stitch per decrease round, until 8 (12, 12) sts remain.
6. Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Use a tapestry needle to thread the tail through the remaining stitches, pull tight to close, and weave in ends securely.

## Finishing
1. Weave in all ends.
2. Block gently if desired.

## Notes
- Adjust the foot length by knitting more or fewer rounds before starting the toe decreases.
- Ensure you maintain stitch count by checking frequently for mistakes, especially in the gusset and toe sections.

Enjoy your comfy new handmade socks!