purlJam

# Basic Top-Down Socks Pattern

## Materials
- Yarn: 100g skein of worsted weight yarn (100% wool or a wool blend recommended)
- Needles: 4.5 mm double-pointed needles or a circular needle if you prefer the magic loop method
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
- Stitch markers

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

## Size
- Small (Medium, Large, Extra Large)
- Foot Circumference: 20 (22.5, 25, 30) cm [8 (9, 10, 12) inches]
- Foot Length: Adjustable

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

## Instructions

### Cuff
1. Cast on 40 (48, 56, 64) sts using the long-tail cast-on method.
2. Divide stitches evenly between needles or arrange for magic loop method.
3. Join in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches, and place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round.
4. Work in (k1, p1) ribbing for 5 cm (2 inches).

### Leg
1. Knit in stockinette stitch (knit all rounds) until the leg measures 12.5 cm (5 inches) from the cast-on edge or as desired.

### Heel Flap
1. Place half of the stitches (20 (24, 28, 32) sts) on one needle for the heel.
2. Work back and forth in rows:
   - Row 1 (RS): sl1, k19 (23, 27, 31)
   - Row 2 (WS): sl1, p19 (23, 27, 31)
3. Repeat these two rows until the heel flap measures 5 (6, 7, 8) cm [2 (2.5, 3, 3.5) inches].

### Turn Heel
1. Continue with the heel flap stitches:
   - Row 1 (RS): k11 (13, 15, 17), ssk, k1, turn.
   - Row 2 (WS): sl1, p5, p2tog, p1, turn.
2. Continue in this manner with one more stitch before turning each row until all heel stitches are worked.

### Gusset
1. Pick up and knit 10 (12, 14, 16) stitches along the edge of the heel flap.
2. Knit across the 20 (24, 28, 32) instep stitches.
3. Pick up and knit 10 (12, 14, 16) stitches along the other side of the heel flap.
4. Rearrange stitches so that the instep stitches are on one needle and the picked-up stitches plus the heel on another.

### Gusset Decreases
1. Rnd 1: Knit to 3 stitches before the instep, k2tog, k1; knit across the instep; k1, ssk, knit to end.
2. Rnd 2: Knit all stitches.
3. Repeat rounds 1 and 2 until you are back to the original number of stitches: 40 (48, 56, 64) sts.

### Foot
1. Knit in the round until foot measures approximately 4 cm (1.5 inches) less than desired foot length.

### Toe Shaping
1. Rnd 1: On first needle, knit to 3 stitches before the end, k2tog, k1; on second needle, k1, ssk, knit to 3 stitches before the end, k2tog, k1; on third needle, k1, ssk, knit to end.
2. Rnd 2: Knit all stitches.
3. Repeat rounds 1 and 2 until 12 (16, 20, 24) stitches remain.
4. Graft the toe using the Kitchener stitch or gather the remaining stitches with a tapestry needle and secure tightly.

### Finishing
- Weave in all ends using a tapestry needle.
- Block gently to set the shape.

### Note
- Adjust the foot length according to the exact measurement of the intended wearer.
- If using a different yarn or have size issues, adjust needle size to maintain tension/gauge.

Enjoy your warm, comfortable socks!