purlJam

# Basic Top-Down Socks: Beginner Pattern

## Introduction
This pattern will guide you through creating a pair of basic top-down socks using worsted weight yarn. These socks feature a heel flap and gusset, and are designed for a snug, comfortable fit. Perfect for beginner knitters, this step-by-step pattern will lead you from cuff to toe with ease.

## Materials
- Yarn: Worsted weight yarn, approximately 200-250 yards
- Needles: Size US 6 (4.0 mm) double-pointed needles or circular needles for Magic Loop (or size needed to obtain gauge)
- Stitch markers
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
- Scissors

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

## Sizes
- Small (Medium, Large)
- Foot Circumference: 8 (9, 10) inches
- Foot Length: Adjustable as per your foot size or preference

## Abbreviations
- CO: Cast On
- K: Knit
- P: Purl
- K2tog: Knit 2 stitches together
- P2tog: Purl 2 stitches together
- SSK: Slip, slip, knit
- St(s): Stitch(es)
- Rep: Repeat
- Rnd: Round

## Instructions

### Cuff
1. CO 40 (44, 48) sts. Distribute stitches evenly across needles and join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Place marker to indicate beginning of round.
2. *K2, P2* ribbing for 1.5 inches (3.8 cm).

### Leg
3. Knit all rounds until the leg measures 6 inches (15 cm) from the cast-on edge, or desired length.

### Heel Flap
4. Place half the stitches (20 (22, 24) sts) on one needle; these will be your heel stitches. Leave the remaining stitches on hold for the instep. 
5. Work back and forth in rows over the heel stitches as follows:
   - Row 1 (RS): *Sl1, K1*, repeat to end.
   - Row 2 (WS): Sl1, P to end.
6. Repeat these two rows 10 (11, 12) times for a total of 20 (22, 24) rows.

### Turn Heel
7. Row 1 (RS): K12 (14, 14), K2tog, K1, turn.
8. Row 2 (WS): Sl1, P5 (5, 6), P2tog, P1, turn.
9. Row 3: Sl1, K6 (6, 7), K2tog, K1, turn.
10. Row 4: Sl1, P7 (7, 8), P2tog, P1, turn.
11. Continue until all heel stitches are worked and 12 (14, 16) sts remain.

### Gusset
12. With RS facing, pick up and knit 10 (11, 12) sts along the side of the heel flap. Place marker for new beginning of round.
13. Knit across the instep stitches. Pick up and knit 10 (11, 12) sts along the other side of the heel flap, knit across half of the heel stitches to shift beginning of round to center of the heel.
14. You now have 54 (60, 64) sts in total: 14 (16, 18) heel sts, 10 (11, 12) gusset sts on each side, and 20 (22, 24) instep sts.

15. **Gusset Decreases:** 
   - Round 1: K across heel sts, K2tog, K to last 2 gusset sts, SSK, K across instep sts.
   - Round 2: Knit all stitches.
16. Repeat these two rounds until you are back to the original stitch count of 40 (44, 48) sts.

### Foot
17. Knit all rounds until the foot measures about 1.5 (1.5, 2) inches less than the total desired foot length.

### Toe Shaping
18. **Decrease Rounds:**
   - Round 1: *K to 3 sts before marker, K2tog, K1, repeat from * once more.
   - Round 2: Knit all stitches.
19. Repeat these two rounds until you have 16 (20, 24) sts remaining.

20. Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Use the tapestry needle to graft the toe using Kitchener Stitch or use a simple bind-off and seam method.

21. Weave in all ends.

## Finishing
- Block the socks gently to smooth and shape.

**Happy Knitting! Enjoy your new handmade socks!**