purlJam

# Basic Top-Down Socks

## Pattern Overview
Create your very own pair of basic, cosy socks with this straightforward guide. Perfect for beginners, these top-down socks feature a traditional heel flap and gusset to ensure a comfortable fit. This pattern uses worsted weight yarn, making the project quick and satisfying while providing extra warmth.

## Materials
- **Yarn:** 100g worsted weight yarn (approximately 200 metres/220 yards)
- **Needles:** Set of 4 double-pointed needles (DPNs) size 4.5mm (US 7)
- **Tapestry needle** for weaving in ends
- **Stitch markers** as needed

## Tension (Gauge)
18 sts and 24 rows = 10 cm (4 inches) in stocking stitch.

## Sizes
Small (Medium, Large)
- To fit foot circumference: 20 (22.5, 25) cm / 8 (9, 10) inches
- Finished foot length: Adjustable

## Abbreviations
- **k**: knit
- **p**: purl
- **st(s)**: stitch(es)
- **sl**: slip
- **yo**: yarn over
- **k2tog**: knit two together
- **ssk**: slip, slip, knit

## Instructions

### Cuff
1. **Cast On:** Cast on 40 (44, 48) sts. Distribute across 3 or 4 DPNs and join to work in the round, being careful not to twist the sts. Place a stitch marker to indicate the beginning of the round.
2. **Ribbing:** Work 2x2 rib (k2, p2) for 5 cm (2 inches).

### Leg
- Continue in stocking stitch (knit all stitches) in the round until the leg measures 15 (15, 17.5) cm / 6 (6, 7) inches from the cast-on edge.

### Heel Flap
- **Set-Up:** The heel flap is worked flat over half the stitches. Work across the first 20 (22, 24) sts.
- **Repeat the heel flap row:** *Row 1 (RS):* Sl1, k19 (21, 23). Turn. *Row 2 (WS):* Sl1, p19 (21, 23). Turn.
- Repeat these two rows until you have 20 (22, 24) rows completed from the start of the heel flap.

### Turn Heel
- Row 1 (RS): Sl1, k11 (13, 15), ssk, k1, turn.
- Row 2 (WS): Sl1, p5, p2tog, p1, turn.
- Row 3 (RS): Sl1, k to 1 st before the gap, ssk, k1, turn.
- Row 4 (WS): Sl1, p to 1 st before the gap, p2tog, p1, turn.
- Repeat Rows 3 and 4 until all heel flap stitches are worked and 12 (14, 16) sts remain.

### Gusset
- **Pick Up Stitches:** With RS facing and needle 1:
  - Knit across the heel sts.
  - Pick up and knit 10 (11, 12) sts along the right edge of the heel flap.
  - Knit across the instep sts.
  - Pick up and knit 10 (11, 12) sts along the left edge of the heel flap.
  - Knit the remaining heel sts.
- **Gusset Decreases:**
  - Round 1: Knit to 3 sts from end of needle 1, k2tog, k1. Knit across instep sts. On needle 3, k1, ssk, knit to end.
  - Round 2: Knit all sts.
  - Repeat Rounds 1 and 2 until you have 40 (44, 48) sts remaining.

### Foot
- Continue knitting in the round until the foot reaches approximately 5 cm (2 inches) less than the desired total length from the back of the heel.

### Toe Shaping
- **Decreases:**
  - Round 1: On needle 1, k to 3 sts from end, k2tog, k1. On needle 2, k1, ssk, knit to 3 sts from end, k2tog, k1. On needle 3, k1, ssk, knit to end.
  - Round 2: Knit all sts.
  - Repeat these two rounds until 16 (20, 24) sts remain.

### Finishing
- **Grafting Toe:** With the remaining sts, use the Kitchener stitch to graft the toe seam. 
- Weave in ends and block as desired.

## Notes
- The length of the sock is adjustable by knitting the foot section to your required size before starting the toe shaping.
- Always check the tension to ensure proper fitting.
- If you're new to Kitchener stitch or working with DPNs, consider practising these techniques before starting the finishing steps.

Enjoy knitting your snug, handmade socks!