purlJam

# Basic Top-Down Socks Pattern

## Introduction
This is a beginner-friendly knitting pattern for making a classic pair of top-down socks using worsted weight yarn. This pattern includes a heel flap and gusset, and is designed to fit adults with different foot circumferences. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your own cozy socks perfect for beginner knitters looking to expand their skills.

## Materials
- **Yarn:** Worsted weight yarn, approximately 200 grams for a pair of socks.
- **Needles:** Size US 6 (4.0mm) double pointed needles (DPNs) or circular needles if using the Magic Loop method.
- **Notions:** Stitch markers, tapestry needle, measuring tape, scissors.

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

## Sizes
- **Small (S):** 8-inch circumference, 9-inch length.
- **Medium (M):** 9-inch circumference, 10-inch length.
- **Large (L):** 10-inch circumference, 11-inch length.

## Abbreviations
- CO: Cast on
- K: Knit
- P: Purl
- PM: Place marker
- SM: Slip marker
- SSK: Slip, slip, knit (a decrease)
- K2tog: Knit two together (a decrease)
- St(s): Stitch(es)
- Rnd(s): Round(s)

## Instructions

### Cuff
1. **CO 40 (44, 48) stitches.** Distribute evenly on DPNs or use circular needle.
2. Join in the round, being careful not to twist. PM to mark the beginning of the round.
3. **Rnds 1-10:** (K2, P2) ribbing around.

### Leg
1. **Continue in stockinette stitch (K every round) for 5 inches (or desired length) from the end of the ribbing.**

### Heel Flap
1. Transfer 20 (22, 24) stitches onto two needles for working the heel flap flat.
2. **Row 1 (RS):** *Sl1, K1* across.
3. **Row 2 (WS):** *Sl1, P across.* 
4. Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until the heel flap measures 2.5 inches.

### Turn Heel
1. **Row 1 (RS):** K12 (14, 14), K2tog, K1, turn.
2. **Row 2 (WS):** Sl1, P3 (5, 5), P2tog, P1, turn.
3. **Row 3 (RS):** Sl1, K4 (6, 6), K2tog, K1, turn.
4. **Row 4 (WS):** Sl1, P5 (7, 7), P2tog, P1, turn.
5. Repeat Rows 3 and 4 until all heel stitches are worked and finished on a WS row.

### Gusset
1. With RS facing, pick up and knit 10 (11, 12) stitches along the edge of the heel flap.
2. **K across instep sts.**
3. Pick up and knit 10 (11, 12) stitches along the other side of the heel flap.
4. PM at the beginning of the round and at the end of the instep stitches.
5. **K to 3 sts before end of first needle, K2tog, K1.** K across instep. **K1, SSK, K to end of the round.**
6. Repeat decreases every other round until you have 40 (44, 48) stitches again.

### Foot
1. Work even in stockinette stitch until foot measures 1.5 inches less than desired total foot length.

### Toe
1. **Rnd 1:** *K to 3 st before instep, K2tog, K1, K1, SSK, K to 3 st before end of round, K2tog, K1.*
2. **Rnd 2:** K all stitches.
3. Repeat Rnds 1 and 2 until 16 (20, 24) stitches remain.
4. **Finish:** Graft the remaining stitches using Kitchener stitch or bind-off method.

## Finishing
- Weave in all ends.
- Block your socks lightly for a neat finish.

## Notes
- Keep a loose tension to maintain elasticity in your socks.
- Feel free to adjust lengths in leg and foot to better suit personal preferences.

Enjoy wearing your snuggly homemade socks!