purlJam

# Basic Top-Down Socks Pattern

**Difficulty Level:** Beginner

**Yarn Weight:** Worsted

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## Materials

- **Yarn:** Approximately 200-300 yards of worsted weight yarn
- **Needles:** Set of 5 double-pointed needles (DPNs) in size US 6 (4.0 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge
- **Notions:**
  - Stitch markers
  - Tapestry needle
  - Measuring tape

## Gauge

- 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (in the round)

## Sizes

- **Small (Medium, Large, X-Large):**
  - Foot circumference: 8 (9, 10, 11) inches
  - Foot length: Adjustable

## Measurements

Adjust the length of the foot by knitting the foot section to 1.5 inches shorter than the desired finished length.

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## Abbreviations

- K: Knit
- P: Purl
- sts: Stitches
- rnd(s): Round(s)
- dpn(s): Double-pointed needle(s)
- sl: Slip
- k2tog: Knit two together
- ssk: Slip, slip, knit

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## Pattern Instructions

### Cuff

1. **Cast On:**
   - Cast on 40 (48, 56, 64) stitches and divide them evenly onto 4 dpns.

2. **Join for knitting in the round, being careful not to twist sts. Place marker for beginning of round.**

3. **Ribbing:**
   - Work in *K2, P2* ribbing for 1.5 inches.

### Leg

1. **Knit:**
   - Knit all rounds until the leg measures 7 inches from the cast-on edge or desired length.

### Heel Flap

1. **Setup:**
   - Divide the sts so that the last and first needle together form the heel flap base - 20 (24, 28, 32) total sts.
   - Work back and forth on these sts.

2. **Heel Flap Pattern:**
   - Row 1 (RS): *Slip 1, knit 1* across, end with a knit.
   - Row 2 (WS): Sl 1, purl across.
   - Repeat these 2 rows for 2.5 inches, ending with a WS row.

### Turn Heel

1. **Setup:**
   - Work short rows to create a rounded cup for the heel.

2. **Instructions:**
   - Row 1 (RS): K13 (15, 17, 19), ssk, k1, turn.
   - Row 2 (WS): Sl 1, p5 (7, 9, 11), p2tog, p1, turn.
   - Row 3: Sl 1, k to 1 st before gap, ssk (closing gap), k1, turn.
   - Row 4: Sl 1, p to 1 st before gap, p2tog (closing gap), p1, turn.
   - Repeat Rows 3-4 until all sts have been worked, ending on a WS row.

### Gusset

1. **Setup:**
   - With RS facing, knit across heel sts. Pick up and knit 12 (14, 16, 18) sts along the side of the heel flap. Place marker.
   - Knit across the instep (remaining held sts), place marker.
   - Pick up and knit 12 (14, 16, 18) sts along the other side of the heel flap.
   - You should now have 56 (68, 80, 92) sts in total.

2. **Gusset Decreases:**
   - Rnd 1: (On Needle 1) Knit to 3 sts before instep, k2tog, k1. (On Needle 2) Knit across instep sts. (On Needle 3) K1, ssk, knit to end.
   - Rnd 2: Knit all sts.
   - Repeat these 2 rounds until you have 40 (48, 56, 64) sts remaining.

### Foot

1. **Knit even in rounds until the sock measures 1.5 inches less than the desired total foot length.**

### Toe Shaping

1. **Decrease for toe:**
   - Rnd 1: (Needle 1) Knit to 3 sts from end, k2tog, k1. (Needle 2) K1, ssk, knit to end. (Needle 3) Knit to 3 sts from end, k2tog, k1. (Needle 4) K1, ssk, knit to end.
   - Rnd 2: Knit all sts.
   - Repeat these 2 rounds until 16 (20, 24, 28) sts remain.

2. **Finishing:**
   - Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Use the tapestry needle to graft the toe sts together using Kitchener stitch.

### Finishing

- Weave in all ends securely.
- Block socks lightly to shape, if desired.

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**Tips:**

- Adjust the foot length by knitting more or fewer rnds before starting the toe decreases.
- If needed, test the sock fit by trying it on before starting the toe shaping.

Your comfortable, cozy worsted weight socks are now complete! Enjoy your new creation.