purlJam

## Basic Top-Down Socks

### Yarn Weight
- **Worsted** 

### Materials
- Yarn: 100g worsted weight yarn
- Needles: Double-pointed needles in size 4.5 mm
- Stitch markers
- Tapestry needle

### Tension (Gauge)
- 20 stitches and 28 rows = 10 cm (4 in) in stockinette stitch in the round

### Finished Measurements
- Circumference: Small (18 cm/7 in), Medium (20 cm/8 in), Large (22 cm/9 in)
- Length: Adjustable to fit foot length, instructions are given for an average size foot, about 25 cm (10 in).

### Abbreviations
- k: knit
- p: purl
- yo: yarn over
- k2tog: knit two together
- ssk: slip, slip, knit

### Pattern

#### Cuff
1. Cast on 36 (40, 44) stitches. Distribute stitches evenly across three double-pointed needles: 12-12-12 (13-13-14, 15-15-14). Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches.
2. Work in *k1, p1* ribbing for 4 cm (1.5 in).

#### Leg
1. Knit in the round until the leg measures 10 cm (4 in) from the cast-on edge. Adjust length if desired.

#### Heel Flap
1. You will now work back and forth on half the stitches for the heel flap.
2. Row 1: *Sl1, purl to end*.
3. Row 2: *Sl1, (k1, s1)* repeat to end.
4. Repeat these two rows until the heel flap measures 6 cm (2.5 in), ending with a purl row.

#### Turn Heel
1. Row 1: Sl1, k19 (21, 23), ssk, k1, turn.
2. Row 2: Sl1, p6, p2tog, p1, turn.
3. Row 3: Sl1, k up to 1 st before gap, ssk, k1, turn.
4. Row 4: Sl1, p up to 1 st before gap, p2tog, p1, turn.
5. Repeat Rows 3 and 4 until all stitches are used up in the heel, ending with a right-side row.

#### Gusset
1. Pick up and knit 10 (12, 14) stitches along the sides of the heel flap.
2. Knit across the stitches for the top of the foot, and then pick up and knit 10 (12, 14) stitches along the other side of the heel flap.
3. Knit across the heel stitches.
4. Place a marker at the centre of the heel to mark the beginning of the round.
5. Knit one round.

#### Gusset Decreases
1. Round 1:
   - K to 3 sts before foot top, k2tog, k1. 
   - K foot top stitches.
   - K1, ssk, k to end. 
2. Round 2: Knit.
3. Repeat these two rounds until the total stitch count is back to 36 (40, 44) stitches.

#### Foot
1. Continue knitting in the round till the foot measures 18 cm (7 in) or 7 cm (3 in) less than the total desired foot length.

#### Toe Shaping
1. Round 1:
   - *K to 3 sts before foot top, k2tog, k1.
   - K foot top stitches.
   - K1, ssk, k to end.*
2. Round 2: Knit.
3. Repeat these two rounds until there are 20 (20, 24) stitches left.

### Finishing
1. Cut yarn, leaving a 15 cm (6 in) tail.
2. Use the tapestry needle and graft remaining stitches using Kitchener stitch.
3. Weave in all ends.
4. Block if necessary to even out stitches.

### Notes
- Adjust the length of the leg or foot according to your preference.
- For a better fit, consider trying the sock on at various stages, especially before starting the toe decreases.

Now you're ready to wear your handcrafted socks! Enjoy the cosy comfort of your freshly knitted creation.