purlJam

**Basic Top-Down Socks for Beginners**

**YARN WEIGHT:** Worsted

**SIZES:**  
- Small (Foot circumference: 18 cm, Foot length: 22 cm)  
- Medium (Foot circumference: 20 cm, Foot length: 24 cm)  
- Large (Foot circumference: 22 cm, Foot length: 26 cm)

**MATERIALS:**  
- Yarn: 100g (150m/164yds) of worsted weight yarn  
- Needles: Double-pointed needles (DPNs), size 4.5 mm (US 7)  
- Stitch markers  
- Tapestry needle  

**TENSION (GAUGE):**  
18 sts and 24 rows = 10 cm in stocking stitch

**ABBREVIATIONS:**  
- k = knit  
- p = purl  
- st(s) = stitch(es)  
- k2tog = knit two together  
- ssk = slip, slip, knit  

**PATTERN SECTIONS:**

1. **CUFF:**

   Cast on 36 (40, 44) sts evenly divided among 3 or 4 DPNs. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist stitches.

   Work in [k1, p1] ribbing for 6 cm (2.5 inches).

2. **LEG:**

   Continue working in stocking stitch (knit every round) until leg measures 12 cm (4.75 inches) from cast on edge.

3. **HEEL FLAP:**

   Work over half the stitches (18 (20, 22) sts):
   Row 1 (RS): Sl1, p across.
   Row 2: (RS): *Sl1, k1; repeat from * across.

   Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until heel flap measures 5 (5.5, 6) cm (2 (2.25, 2.5) inches), ending with a purl row.

4. **HEEL TURN:**

   Row 1 (RS): K10 (11, 12), k2tog, k1, turn.
   Row 2: Sl1, p4, p2tog, p1, turn.
   Row 3: Sl1, k5, k2tog, k1, turn.
   Row 4: Sl1, p6, p2tog, p1, turn.

   Continue this pattern, working 1 more stitch before each decrease until all heel stitches have been worked.

5. **GUSSET:**

   Pick up and knit stitches along edges of heel flap (approx. 10 (11, 12) sts on each side).

   Resume working in the round and work the following decrease round:
   Needle 1: Knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
   Needles 2 and 3: Knit.
   Needle 4: K1, ssk, knit to end.

   Repeat this decrease round every other round until you return to the original number of stitches: 36 (40, 44).

6. **FOOT:**

   Continue knitting in the round until foot measures 16 (18, 20) cm (6.25 (7, 7.75) inches) from back of heel or approximately 5 (6, 6) cm (2 (2.25, 2.5) inches) less than the total foot length desired.

7. **TOE SHAPING:**

   Round 1: Needle 1: Knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.  
   Needle 2: K1, ssk, knit to end.  
   Needle 3: Knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.  
   Needle 4: K1, ssk, knit to end.  

   Round 2: Knit all stitches.

   Repeat these two rounds until 12 (16, 20) sts remain.

   Use Kitchener Stitch or your preferred method to close toe.

**FINISHING:** 

- Weave in all ends. 
- Block lightly if desired.

**NOTES:** 

- Ensure proper tension/gauge before starting to ensure the socks fit correctly. 
- Adjust length of leg or foot to fit if needed.

Enjoy your new pair of basic beginner socks!