purlJam

# Basic Top-Down Socks Pattern

## Introduction
Welcome to your beginner-friendly pattern for knitting basic top-down socks using worsted weight yarn. These socks feature a simple heel flap and gusset construction, perfect for knitters looking to create cozy and comfortable socks.

## Materials
- Yarn: Worsted weight yarn, approximately 200-250 yards
- Needles: US size 6 (4.0 mm) double-pointed needles or circular needles for magic loop
- Stitch markers
- Tapestry needle
- Scissors

## Gauge
18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch in the round

## Sizes
- Small (Medium, Large, Extra-Large)
- To fit foot circumference: 8 (9, 10, 11) inches
- Custom foot length: Measure from the tip of the toe to the back of the heel

## Abbreviations
- CO: Cast On
- K: Knit
- P: Purl
- K2tog: Knit two stitches together
- SSK: Slip, slip, knit
- Pm: Place marker
- Sm: Slip marker
- St(s): Stitch(es)

## Instructions

### Cuff
1. **CO 36 (40, 44, 48) sts** loosely and distribute them evenly on your needles. Join in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches. Place a marker to indicate the beginning of the round.
2. **Work in (K1, P1) ribbing** for 1.5 inches (about 8 rounds).

### Leg
1. **Knit in stockinette stitch (knit every round)** until the leg measures 6 inches from the cast-on edge or your desired length.

### Heel Flap
1. Work back and forth in rows over the first 18 (20, 22, 24) sts:
   - Row 1: *Sl1, K1* repeat across
   - Row 2: Sl1, P across
2. **Repeat these two rows** until the heel flap measures 2.5 inches, ending with a purl row.

### Turn Heel
1. Row 1: K10 (11, 12, 13), SSK, K1, turn
2. Row 2: Sl1, P5, P2tog, P1, turn
3. Row 3: Sl1, K to 1 st before the gap, SSK, K1, turn
4. Row 4: Sl1, P to 1 st before the gap, P2tog, P1, turn
5. **Repeat rows 3 and 4** until all heel sts are worked. You should have 10 (12, 14, 16) sts left.

### Gusset
1. **Pick up and knit 12 (14, 16, 18) sts** along the edge of the heel flap.
2. **Knit across the instep stitches**, and then pick up and knit 12 (14, 16, 18) sts along the other side of the heel flap.
3. Place a marker for the beginning of the round.

4. **Resume knitting in the round** as follows:
   - Round 1: Knit to 3 sts before the instep, K2tog, K1, knit across the instep, K1, SSK, knit to the end.
   - Round 2: Knit all stitches.

5. **Repeat these two rounds** until you have 36 (40, 44, 48) sts remaining.

### Foot
- Knit in the round until the foot measures 2 inches less than the desired total foot length.

### Toe Shaping
1. **Round 1**: *Knit to 3 sts before the instep, K2tog, K1; knit across instep; K1, SSK, knit to end.*
2. **Round 2**: Knit all stitches.
3. **Repeat these two rounds** until you have 16 (20, 24, 28) sts remaining.

4. **Final Rounds**: *K2tog* around until you have 8 sts remaining.
5. Cut yarn, leaving a long tail, and thread through remaining stitches. Pull tight to close the toe.

## Finishing
- Weave in all ends using the tapestry needle.
- Block if necessary to even out stitches.

## Tips
- Adjust the length of the leg and foot sections according to personal preference.
- Use contrasting yarn for the heel and toe to add a stylish touch.

Enjoy your new hand-knit socks! Perfect for cozy evenings or as a thoughtful handmade gift. Happy knitting!