purlJam

# Basic Top-Down Socks

## Yarn Requirements
- Yarn: Worsted weight yarn, approximately 100 grams per pair (actual amount may vary based on size).
- Choose a yarn that is soft and durable for comfortable wear.

## Needles and Notions
- 4mm (UK 8) double-pointed needles or a circular needle suitable for Magic Loop.
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends.
- Stitch markers (optional).

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

## Sizes
- Small (Medium, Large)
- Foot Circumference: 18 (20, 22) cm [7 (8, 9) inches]
- Adjust length to fit foot by trying the sock on or measuring against the foot length.

## Instructions

### Cuff
1. Cast on 40 (44, 48) stitches. Join in the round, being careful not to twist your stitches. Place a marker for the beginning of the round if desired.
2. Work in K2, P2 ribbing for 3 (4, 5) cm [1.25 (1.5, 2) inches] or desired cuff length.

### Leg
1. Continue in stockinette stitch (knit every round) for 12 (14, 16) cm [4.75 (5.5, 6.25) inches] or desired leg length.

### Heel Flap
1. Heel will be worked flat over half of the total stitches. Transfer 20 (22, 24) stitches to one needle for the heel.
2. Row 1 (RS): *Slip 1, knit 1*, repeat from * to end of row.
3. Row 2 (WS): Slip 1, purl to end of row.
4. Repeat these two rows until heel flap measures 5 (5.5, 6) cm [2 (2.25, 2.5) inches], ending with a WS row.

### Heel Turn
1. Row 1 (RS): Knit 12 (13, 14), ssk, turn.
2. Row 2 (WS): Slip 1, purl 6 (7, 8), p2tog, turn.
3. Row 3: Slip 1, knit to 1 stitch before gap, ssk, turn.
4. Row 4: Slip 1, purl to 1 stitch before gap, p2tog, turn.
5. Repeat rows 3 and 4 until all stitches have been worked. 12 (14, 16) stitches remain.

### Gusset
1. Pick up and knit 10 (11, 12) stitches along the side of the heel flap.
2. Knit across the instep stitches that were held on another needle.
3. Pick up and knit 10 (11, 12) stitches along the other side of the heel flap.
4. Place marker for new beginning of round by the picked-up stitches on the first gusset side.
5. You now have 52 (58, 64) stitches in total.

**Gusset Decreases:**
1. Round 1: Knit to 3 stitches before end of first needle, k2tog, k1. Knit across instep stitches. On the last needle, k1, ssk, knit to end.
2. Round 2: Knit all stitches.
3. Repeat these two rounds until you are back to 40 (44, 48) stitches.

### Foot
1. Continue knitting in stockinette stitch until the foot measures approximately 15 (18, 20) cm [6 (7, 8) inches] or 5cm [2 inches] short of the total desired length.

### Toe
1. Round 1: On first needle, knit to last 3 stitches, k2tog, k1. On second needle (instep), k1, ssk, knit to last 3 stitches, k2tog, k1. On third needle, k1, ssk, knit to end.
2. Round 2: Knit all stitches.
3. Repeat these two rounds until you have 16 (16, 20) stitches remaining, then switch to just round 1 until 8 (8, 10) stitches remain.

### Finishing
1. Use Kitchener stitch to graft remaining stitches.
2. Weave in all ends.
3. Block gently if desired.

**Tips for Beginners:**
- Make sure your tension is not too tight when picking up stitches along the heel flap for a smooth transition.
- It's helpful to use stitch markers between each section, especially on the gusset, to keep track of decreases.
- Regularly trying on the sock or measuring it against the intended foot can help ensure a perfect fit.

Enjoy your new pair of warm and cosy socks! Happy knitting!