purlJam

# Basic Top-Down Socks Pattern

**Difficulty Level:** Beginner  
**Yarn Weight:** Worsted  
**Gauge:** 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch

## Materials:
- Yarn: 200 grams of worsted weight yarn
- Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) double-pointed needles or circular needles for small circumference (or size needed to obtain gauge)
- Stitch markers
- Tapestry needle

## Sizes:
- Small (Medium, Large)
- Finished foot circumference: 6 (8, 10) inches
- Foot length: adjustable to fit

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

## Instructions:

### Cuff:
1. **Cast On**: Using the long-tail cast-on method, cast on 40 (48, 56) stitches.
2. **Ribbing**: Join to work in the round, ensuring stitches are not twisted. Place a marker for the beginning of the round. Work in *k2, p2* ribbing for 2 inches.

### Leg:
1. **Stockinette Stitch**: Knit every round until the leg measures 7 inches from the cast-on edge or desired length.

### Heel Flap:
1. **Setup**: Divide the stitches: 20 (24, 28) sts for heel flap on one needle, and 20 (24, 28) sts for instep.
2. **Row 1 (RS)**: *Slip 1, knit across remaining sts*.
3. **Row 2 (WS)**: *Slip 1, purl across remaining sts*.
4. Repeat Rows 1 and 2 for 16 rows, ending with a WS row.

### Turn Heel:
1. **Row 1 (RS):** *Knit 12 (14, 16), k2tog, k1, turn.*
2. **Row 2 (WS):** *Slip 1, p5 (6, 7), p2tog, p1, turn.*
3. Continue working by slipping the first stitch, knitting or purling to one stitch before the gap, working k2tog or p2tog over the gap, then knitting or purling 1 additional stitch. Turn work.
4. Continue until all side stitches are incorporated. 12 (14, 16) heel stitches remain.

### Gusset:
1. **Setup**: With RS facing, pick up and knit 8 (10, 12) stitches along the side of the heel flap, place marker; knit across 20 (24, 28) instep stitches; place marker, pick up and knit 8 (10, 12) stitches along the other side of the heel flap, then knit across the heel stitches. You should have a total of 56 (68, 80) stitches.
2. **Decrease Rounds**:
   - Round 1: *Knit to 3 sts before the first marker, k2tog, k1, knit across instep; k1, ssk, knit to end*.
   - Round 2: *Knit all stitches*.
3. Repeat the last 2 rounds until you have the original number of stitches on the needle: 40 (48, 56).

### Foot:
1. Continue knitting in the round until the foot measures 2 inches short of desired total foot length.

### Toe:
1. Place a marker to indicate the beginning of the round.
2. **Decrease Rounds**:
   - Round 1: *Knit to 3 sts before the first marker, k2tog, k1, ssk, knit to 3 sts before second marker, k2tog, k1, ssk*.
   - Round 2: *Knit all stitches*.
3. Repeat the last 2 rounds until you have 16 (16, 20) stitches remaining.
4. **Finishing**: Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread the tail through the remaining stitches and pull tight to close the toe, then weave in all ends.

## Helpful Tips:
- Ensure your stitches are not twisted when joining in the round.
- Use a contrasting color stitch marker to easily identify the beginning of your rounds.
- Using a tapestry needle, weave in ends neatly to prevent unraveling.

This simple pattern is intended for beginner knitters looking to create their own custom-fit socks. Adjust the foot length easily, and enjoy experimenting with yarn colors and textures. Happy Knitting!