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# Basic Top-Down Socks (Beginner Level)

## Overview
These beginner-friendly top-down socks are designed with a classic heel flap and gusset, crafted using worsted weight yarn for quick and cozy results. The pattern includes instructions for a snug fit, with standard specifications suited for various foot sizes.

## Materials
- **Yarn:** 100g of worsted weight yarn (approximately 220 yards)
- **Needles:** US 6 (4.0 mm) double-pointed needles or circular needles for magic loop method
- **Notions:**
  - Stitch marker
  - Tapestry needle for weaving in ends

## Gauge
- 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch

## Sizes
- **Small (S)**: 8 inches foot circumference
- **Medium (M)**: 9 inches foot circumference
- **Large (L)**: 10 inches foot circumference

## Instructions

**Note:** Instructions are written for smallest size with larger sizes in parentheses: (S, M, L).

### Cuff
1. *Cast On*: Cast on 48 (54, 60) stitches.
2. Distribute stitches evenly across 3 or 4 needles and join to knit in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches.
3. *Ribbing*: Work in k1, p1 ribbing for 2 inches for a snug cuff.

### Leg
1. Continue in stockinette stitch (knit all stitches) until the leg measures 6 inches from the cast on edge, or desired length.

### Heel Flap
1. Work the heel over half of the total stitches: 24 (27, 30) stitches.
2. *Row 1 (RS)*: Slip 1, knit across.
3. *Row 2 (WS)*: Slip 1, purl across.
4. Repeat Rows 1 and 2 for 2.5 inches, ending with a wrong side row.

### Turn Heel
1. *Row 1 (RS)*: Knit 13 (15, 16), ssk, k1, turn.
2. *Row 2 (WS)*: Slip 1, p5 (7, 8), p2tog, p1, turn.
3. Continue to work these short rows, decreasing each side by 1 stitch until all stitches on either side of the center have been worked.

### Gusset
1. Pick up and knit 12 (13, 14) stitches along the edge of the heel flap. Place marker for new beginning of the round.
2. Knit across the 24 (27, 30) instep stitches.
3. Pick up and knit 12 (13, 14) stitches along the other side of the heel flap.
4. Knit across the heel turn stitches.
5. **Gusset Round 1:** Knit to last 3 stitches before instep, k2tog, k1; knit across instep; k1, ssk, knit to end.
6. **Gusset Round 2:** Knit all stitches.
7. Repeat these two rounds until 48 (54, 60) total stitches remain.

### Foot
1. Continue to knit every round until the foot measures 1.5 inches less than the total length of the foot from the heel.

### Toe Shaping
1. Place marker at the beginning of the round and at the halfway point.
2. **Round 1:** Knit to 3 stitches before marker, k2tog, k1; repeat at markers.
3. **Round 2:** Knit all stitches.
4. Repeat Rounds 1 and 2 until 20 (24, 28) stitches remain.
5. **Final Rounds:** Repeat only Round 1 until 12 total stitches remain.

### Finishing
- Cut yarn, leaving a 12-inch tail.
- Use tapestry needle to weave through remaining stitches and pull tight to close the toe.
- Weave in all ends.

## Tips
- Ensure to maintain even tension for a comfortable fit.
- Consider using a different color for the heel and toe for a stylish look.
- Adjust the length of the leg and foot as desired.

Enjoy knitting your cozy pair of worsted weight socks!