purlJam

# Basic Top-Down Socks

## Materials

- **Yarn:** Worsted weight yarn, approximately 200 grams for a pair.
- **Needles:** 
  - 3.75 mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) or circular needles if using the magic loop method.
- **Tension:** 20 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) in stocking stitch.

## Sizes

- **Small:** Fits foot circumference 20-22 cm (8-8.5 inches)
- **Medium:** Fits foot circumference 23-25 cm (9-9.75 inches)
- **Large:** Fits foot circumference 26-28 cm (10-11 inches)

## Abbreviations

- **k:** knit
- **p:** purl
- **st(s):** stitch(es)
- **yo:** yarn over
- **k2tog:** knit 2 stitches together
- **ssk:** slip, slip, knit
- **rep:** repeat

## Pattern Sections

### Cuff

1. **Cast On:** 
   - **Small:** 36 sts
   - **Medium:** 40 sts
   - **Large:** 44 sts

2. **Ribbing:** 
   - Work in [k2, p2] ribbing for 5 cm (2 inches).

### Leg

1. Continue in stocking stitch (knit every round) until the leg measures approximately:
   - **Small:** 10 cm (4 inches)
   - **Medium:** 12 cm (4.75 inches)
   - **Large:** 15 cm (6 inches)

### Heel Flap

1. Work on half of the total stitches:
   - **Small:** 18 sts
   - **Medium:** 20 sts
   - **Large:** 22 sts

2. **Heel Flap Pattern:**
   - Row 1: *Sl1, k1*; rep from * across.
   - Row 2: Sl1, p across.
   - Repeat these 2 rows for 20 (22, 24) rows or until heel flap measures approximately 5 cm (2 inches).

### Turn Heel

1. Start with a purl row:
   - Row 1: P13 (P15, P16), p2tog, p1, turn.
   - Row 2: Sl1, k5, ssk, k1, turn.
   - Row 3: Sl1, p to 1 st before gap, p2tog, p1, turn.
   - Row 4: Sl1, k to 1 st before gap, ssk, k1, turn.
   - Repeat rows 3 and 4 until all heel stitches are worked.

### Gusset

1. With the RS facing, pick up and knit 10 (11, 12) sts along the side of the heel flap. Knit across the instep stitches.
2. Picking up along the second side of the heel flap, pick up and knit 10 (11, 12) sts. Join to work in the round.

3. **Gusset Decreases:** 
   - Round 1: Knit to 3 sts before the instep, k2tog, k1, knit across the instep sts, k1, ssk, knit to end.
   - Round 2: Knit all sts.
   - Repeat these 2 rounds until you reach the original number of stitches:
     - **Small:** 36 sts
     - **Medium:** 40 sts
     - **Large:** 44 sts

### Foot

1. **Continue in stocking stitch** until the foot measures:
   - **Small:** 15 cm (6 inches)
   - **Medium:** 17 cm (6.75 inches)
   - **Large:** 19 cm (7.5 inches) 
   - Measure from the back of the heel, ending 4 cm (1.5 inches) from desired foot length.

### Toe Shaping

1. **Decrease Rounds:**
   - Round 1: *K to 3 sts before the end of needle 1, k2tog, k1; k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts on needle 2, k2tog, k1; k1, ssk, knit to end of needle 3.*
   - Round 2: Knit all sts.
   - Repeat these two rounds until you have:
     - **Small:** 16 sts
     - **Medium:** 20 sts
     - **Large:** 20 sts
2. Use the Kitchener stitch to graft the remaining stitches for a seamless finish.

**Finishing:** Weave in all ends. Block gently if desired.

### Notes

- Adjust cuff, leg, and foot length as needed for the perfect fit.
- For a snugger fit, consider using a smaller needle size after the cuff.
- Ensure to maintain even tension throughout the sock for consistent shaping.

Enjoy your new pair of cozy socks!