purlJam

# Basic Top-Down Socks Pattern

## Introduction
Welcome to your beginner-friendly journey into sock knitting! This pattern guides you through creating basic top-down socks featuring a heel flap and gusset. Using worsted weight yarn, these socks are quick to knit and perfect for keeping cozy on chilly days.

## Materials
- Yarn: Worsted weight yarn, approximately 200-300 yards (183-274 meters).
- Needles: US Size 6 (4 mm) double-pointed needles or size to obtain gauge.
- Stitch markers
- Tapestry needle
- Measuring tape

## Gauge
- 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch in the round.

## Sizes
Small (Medium, Large, X-Large)
- Foot circumference: 7 (8, 9, 10) inches
- Foot length: Adjustable, customize to fit

## Abbreviations
- CO: Cast On
- k: knit
- p: purl
- sl: slip
- st(s): stitch(es)
- k2tog: knit two together
- ssk: slip, slip, knit
- BO: Bind Off

## Pattern Instructions

### Cuff
1. CO 36 (40, 44, 48) sts. Distribute stitches evenly across 3-4 double-pointed needles. Join in the round, careful not to twist stitches. Place a stitch marker to denote the beginning of the round.
2. Work in 1x1 ribbing (k1, p1) for 1 inch (2.5 cm).

### Leg
1. Knit every round until the leg measures 6 (6.5, 7, 7.5) inches from the cast-on edge or your desired length.

### Heel Flap
1. Work heel flap back and forth on half of the total stitches: 18 (20, 22, 24) sts.
2. Row 1 (RS): *Sl 1, k1*; repeat from * to end.
3. Row 2 (WS): Sl 1, purl to end.
4. Repeat Rows 1 and 2 for 18 (20, 22, 24) rows, ending with WS.

### Turn Heel
1. Row 1 (RS): Sl 1, k10 (11, 12, 13), ssk, k1, turn.
2. Row 2 (WS): Sl 1, p3 (3, 4, 4), p2tog, p1, turn.
3. Row 3: Sl 1, k to 1 st before the gap, ssk, k1, turn.
4. Row 4: Sl 1, p to 1 st before the gap, p2tog, p1, turn.
5. Repeat Rows 3 and 4 until 10 (12, 12, 14) sts remain.

### Gusset
1. Pick up and knit 9 (10, 11, 12) sts along the side of the heel flap.
2. Knit across the instep stitches.
3. Pick up and knit 9 (10, 11, 12) sts along the other side of the heel flap.
4. Arrange stitches on needles, ensuring needle one contains the heel and gusset stitches.

### Foot
1. Gusset Decreases:
   - Round 1: Knit to 3 sts before the end of needle 1, k2tog, k1; knit across needle 2; on needle 3, k1, ssk, knit to end.
   - Round 2: Knit all stitches.
   - Repeat rounds 1 and 2 until original number of stitches remain: 36 (40, 44, 48).

2. Knit even on all stitches until the foot measures 1.5 inches less than the desired length.

### Toe Shaping
1. Round 1: On needle 1, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. On needle 2, k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. On needle 3, k1, ssk, knit to end.
2. Round 2: Knit all stitches.
3. Repeat Rounds 1 and 2 until 16 (20, 20, 24) sts remain, ending with a decrease round.

4. Final Decrease:
   - Repeat Round 1 until 8 sts remain.

### Finishing
1. Cut yarn, leaving a 10-inch tail. Use tapestry needle to weave through remaining stitches and pull tight to close the toe.
2. Weave in all loose ends.
3. Gently block your socks to shape.

## Notes
- Customize the length of the leg and foot for a perfect fit.
- Work a swatch to ensure correct gauge and fit.

Congratulations on completing your first pair of socks! Enjoy the comfort and warmth they bring.