purlJam

# Basic Top-Down Socks Knitting Pattern

## Introduction
Welcome to your beginner-friendly top-down sock knitting pattern! This design features a traditional heel flap and gusset with a classic stockinette stitch body. These socks are knit using worsted weight yarn, ensuring a quick and satisfying project. They’re perfect for cozying up on chilly days.

## Materials
- Yarn: Approx. 200-300 yards (183-274 meters) of worsted weight yarn.
- Needles: US Size 7 (4.5 mm) double-pointed needles or circular needle for Magic Loop method.
- Stitch markers
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
- Optional: 1 set of needle point protectors

## Gauge
- 18 stitches = 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch in the round.

## Sizes
The pattern is written for a foot circumference of 7" (8", 9", 10") [17.5 cm, 20.5 cm, 23 cm, 25.5 cm] and a foot length of up to 9" (10", 11", 12") [23 cm, 25.5 cm, 28 cm, 30.5 cm].

## Abbreviations
- CO: Cast On
- K: Knit
- P: Purl
- K2tog: Knit two stitches together
- SSK: Slip, slip, knit
- P2tog: Purl two stitches together

## Notes
- This pattern is written for working in the round.
- Adjust needle size as necessary to obtain correct gauge.

## Pattern Instructions

### Cuff
1. **CO** 40 (44, 48, 52) stitches. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Place a marker to indicate the beginning of the round.
2. **Ribbing**: *K2, P2* to end of round. Repeat this round for 1 inch (2.5 cm).

### Leg
1. Knit every round until leg measures 6 inches (15 cm) from cast on edge or desired length.

### Heel Flap
1. Reposition stitches if using DPNs: Place the first (10, 11, 12, 13) stitches of the round on one needle; these will become your heel flap stitches. Move the remaining stitches to another needle(s) to hold for the instep.
2. Work back and forth on heel flap stitches:
   - Row 1: *Slip 1, K1* across to end.
   - Row 2: Slip 1, Purl across.
   - Repeat these 2 rows until heel flap measures 2 inches (5 cm), finishing with a purl row.

### Turn Heel
1. Row 1 (RS): Knit 24 (26, 28, 30), SSK, K1, turn.
2. Row 2 (WS): Slip 1, P7, P2tog, P1, turn.
3. Row 3 (RS): Slip 1, K to 1 stitch before gap, SSK, K1, turn.
4. Row 4 (WS): Slip 1, P to 1 stitch before gap, P2tog, P1, turn.
5. Repeat Rows 3 and 4 until all side stitches have been worked. 10 (11, 12, 13) stitches remain.

### Gusset
1. **Pick up** and knit 8 (9, 10, 11) stitches along the first side of the heel flap; place a marker (marker A). Knit across instep stitches, place a marker (marker B). Pick up and knit 8 (9, 10, 11) stitches along the second side of heel flap.
2. Redistribute stitches if necessary so that the new round begins at marker A.
3. **Gusset Decreases**:
   - Round 1: Knit to 3 stitches before marker B, K2tog, K1, slip marker, Knit across instep stitches, slip marker, K1, SSK, knit to end.
   - Round 2: Knit all stitches.
   - Repeat Rounds 1 and 2 until you have 40 (44, 48, 52) stitches.

### Foot
1. Knit until the foot measures 7" (8", 9", 10") [18 cm, 20.5 cm, 23 cm, 25.5 cm] from the heel or about 2 inches (5 cm) less than the total desired foot length.

### Toe
1. **Toe Decreases**:
   - Round 1: Knit to 3 stitches before marker B, K2tog, K1, slip marker, K1, SSK, knit to 3 stitches before end of round, K2tog, K1.
   - Round 2: Knit all stitches.
   - Repeat rounds 1 and 2 until 16 (18, 20, 22) stitches remain.

### Finishing
1. Cut yarn, leaving a 12-inch tail. Use a tapestry needle to graft the toe stitches together using the Kitchener Stitch.
2. Weave in all ends and block lightly if desired.

Congratulations, you’ve knit a pair of warm and cozy socks!