purlJam

### Basic Top-Down Socks Pattern

**Difficulty Level: Beginner**

**Finished Sizes:** Small (Medium, Large)
- To fit foot circumference: 7 (8, 9) inches
- Adjustable length for foot

**Materials:**
- Worsted weight yarn: approximately 200 (250, 300) yards
- Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) double-pointed needles or size needed to obtain gauge
- Stitch markers
- Tapestry needle
- Measuring tape

**Gauge:**
- 20 sts and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch in the round

**Abbreviations:**
- CO: Cast On
- k: knit
- p: purl
- st(s): stitch(es)
- rnd(s): round(s)
- k2tog: knit 2 stitches together
- ssk: slip, slip, knit

**Instructions:**

#### Cuff:
1. **CO:** 40 (48, 56) sts. Divide stitches evenly onto three or four needles. Join in the round, being careful not to twist stitches. Place a marker to indicate the beginning of the round.
2. **K2, P2 Ribbing:** Work in K2, P2 ribbing for 1.5 inches.

#### Leg:
1. **Stockinette Stitch:** Knit all rounds for 5 (6, 7) inches from the cuff or desired length to the ankle.

#### Heel Flap:
1. **Setup:** Work back and forth on 20 (24, 28) sts for heel flap.
2. **Row 1:** (RS) *Sl1, k1* across.
3. **Row 2:** (WS) Sl1, purl across.
4. Repeat Rows 1-2 for a total of 18 (22, 26) rows or until the heel flap is approximately 2 (2.5, 3) inches long, ending with a WS row.

#### Turn Heel:
1. **Row 1:** (RS) K12 (14, 16), k2tog, k1, turn.
2. **Row 2:** Sl1, p5 (6, 7), ssk, p1, turn.
3. **Row 3:** Sl1, k6 (7, 8), k2tog, k1, turn.
4. **Row 4:** Sl1, p7 (8, 9), ssk, p1, turn.
5. Continue in this fashion until all stitches have been worked, ending with a RS row. You should have 12 (14, 16) sts remaining.

#### Gusset:
1. **Setup:** Knit across heel sts. With the same needle, pick up and knit 9 (11, 13) sts along the first side of the heel flap. Place a marker. Knit across the 20 (24, 28) instep sts. Place another marker. With the next needle, pick up and knit 9 (11, 13) sts along the second side of the heel flap, then knit the first half of the heel sts again. The beginning of the round is now the center of the heel sts.
2. **Gusset Rnd 1:** Knit to 3 sts before the first marker, k2tog, k1, slip marker, knit across instep, slip marker, k1, ssk, knit to end.
3. **Gusset Rnd 2:** Knit all sts.
4. Repeat Rnds 1-2 until 40 (48, 56) sts remain.

#### Foot:
1. **Continue in Stockinette:** Work evenly in stockinette until the foot measures 1.5 inches less than the desired total foot length from the back of the heel.

#### Toe Shaping:
1. **Toe Decrease Rnd 1:** *Knit to 3 sts before the first marker, k2tog, k1, slip marker, k1, ssk, knit to 3 sts before the next marker, k2tog, k1, slip marker, k1, ssk, knit to end.*
2. **Toe Decrease Rnd 2:** Knit all sts.
3. Repeat the last two rounds until 16 (20, 24) sts remain.
4. **Finishing:** Arrange sts so that needles hold the same number of stitches for grafting. Use the Kitchener stitch to graft the toe.

#### Finishing:
- Weave in all loose ends.
- Block socks gently if desired.

**Notes:**
- Be sure to try on the sock as you knit, adjusting lengths to fit your foot perfectly.
- Consider using different colors or stripes to add a personal touch.

Enjoy your new handknitted socks!