purlJam

# Basic Top-Down Socks Pattern

## Overview
This pattern guides you through knitting a pair of basic top-down socks with heel flap and gusset using worsted weight yarn. This beginner-friendly pattern produces cozy socks suitable for everyday wear.

## Materials
- Yarn: 200 grams of worsted weight yarn
- Needles: US Size 6 (4.0 mm) double-pointed needles or circular needles suitable for magic loop
- Stitch markers
- Tapestry needle
- Tape measure
- Scissors

## Gauge
- 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch

## Sizes
- Small (Medium, Large)
- To fit foot circumference: 7 (8, 9) inches
- Adjust length according to foot size

Note: Instructions are written for the smallest size, with larger sizes in parentheses. When only one number is given, it applies to all sizes.

## Abbreviations
- CO: Cast On
- K: Knit
- P: Purl
- K2tog: Knit 2 stitches together
- SSK: Slip, Slip, Knit
- Sts: Stitches
- St st: Stockinette Stitch
- RS: Right Side
- WS: Wrong Side

## Instructions

### Cuff
1. CO 40 (44, 48) stitches. Divide evenly across needles and join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Place marker to indicate beginning of round.
2. **Ribbing**: Work in [K1, P1] ribbing for 1.5 inches or desired cuff length.

### Leg
1. **Stockinette Stitch**: Knit every round until the leg measures 6 (6.5, 7) inches from cast on edge, or desired length.

### Heel Flap
1. **Setup**: Working back and forth on the first half of the stitches (20 (22, 24)), leave the remaining stitches on hold.
2. **Row 1 (RS)**: *Sl1, K1* across, turn.
3. **Row 2 (WS)**: Sl1, P across, turn.
4. Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until 20 (22, 24) rows have been completed, ending with a WS row.

### Heel Turn
1. **Row 1 (RS)**: K12 (13, 14), K2tog, K1, turn.
2. **Row 2 (WS)**: Sl1, P5, P2tog, P1, turn.
3. **Row 3**: Sl1, K6 (including the stitch that was turned), K2tog, K1, turn.
4. **Row 4**: Sl1, P7, P2tog, P1, turn.
5. Continue in this manner until all side stitches are incorporated and 10 (12, 14) stitches remain.

### Gusset
1. Knit across heel stitches, pick up and knit 10 (11, 12) stitches along the first side of the heel flap.
2. Place marker for new beginning of the round, knit across held stitches, pick up and knit 10 (11, 12) stitches along the other side of the heel flap, and knit first half of heel stitches to bring you to new start.
3. **Gusset Decrease Round**:
   - Needle 1: Knit to last 3 stitches, K2tog, K1.
   - Needle 2: Knit across.
   - Needle 3: K1, SSK, knit to end.
4. **Knit one round** without decreases.
5. Repeat the last two rounds until there are 40 (44, 48) stitches remaining.

### Foot
1. Continue knitting evenly until the foot measures 1.5 inches less than the desired length of the foot to allow for toe shaping.

### Toe
1. **Toe Decrease Round**:
   - Needle 1: Knit to last 3 stitches, K2tog, K1.
   - Needle 2: K1, SSK, knit to last 3 stitches, K2tog, K1.
   - Needle 3: K1, SSK, knit to end.
2. **Knit one round** without decreases.
3. Repeat the last two rounds until 20 (22, 24) stitches remain.
4. Redistribute stitches if necessary, then graft remaining stitches using Kitchener stitch.

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

## Helpful Tips
- Try on the sock as you knit to ensure a perfect fit.
- If using circular needles (magic loop), adjust the instructions for working across needles accordingly.

Enjoy your cozy new pair of hand-knitted socks!