purlJam

# Basic Top-Down Socks Pattern

## Introduction
These beginner-friendly socks are knitted in a worsted weight yarn, offering a quick and cozy project perfect for those new to sock knitting. Employing the classic top-down method with a heel flap and gusset, these socks are designed to help you master the fundamentals.

## Materials
- Yarn: 2 skeins of worsted weight yarn (approximately 220 yards total)
- Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) double-pointed needles or circular needles for magic loop, or size needed to obtain gauge
- Stitch markers
- Tapestry needle
- Measuring tape
- Scissors

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

## Sizes
- Small (Medium, Large)
- To fit foot circumference: 7 (8, 9) inches
- Adjust foot length by trying on and knitting foot section to desired length before toe decreases.

## Abbreviations
- CO: Cast On
- K: Knit
- P: Purl
- K2tog: Knit two together
- P2tog: Purl two together
- SSK: Slip, slip, knit
- St(s): Stitch(es)

## Pattern Instructions

### Cuff
1. CO 36 (40, 44) sts evenly across your needles and join to work in round, being careful not to twist. Place marker for beginning of round.
2. Work in [K2, P2] ribbing for 1.5 inches.

### Leg
1. Continue in stockinette stitch (knit every round) until the leg measures 6 (6.5, 7) inches from the CO edge.

### Heel Flap
1. Work back and forth on half of the stitches (18 (20, 22) sts).
2. Row 1 (RS): *Slip 1, K1* to end of row.
3. Row 2 (WS): Slip 1, P across.
4. Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until heel flap measures 2 (2.25, 2.5) inches, ending with a WS row.

### Turn Heel
1. Row 1 (RS): K10 (11, 12), K2tog, K1, turn.
2. Row 2 (WS): P4, P2tog, P1, turn.
3. Row 3: K5, K2tog, K1, turn.
4. Continue this pattern, working one more stitch before the decrease each row, until all stitches are worked.

### Gusset
1. Pick up and knit 9 (10, 11) stitches along the side of the heel flap.
2. Knit across the 18 (20, 22) instep stitches.
3. Pick up and knit 9 (10, 11) stitches along the second side of the heel flap.
4. Knit remaining heel stitches, rearranging if needed so beginning of round is now at the center of the heel bottom.

### Gusset Decreases
1. Round 1: Knit to 3 stitches before instep, K2tog, K1, knit across instep, K1, SSK, knit to end of round.
2. Round 2: Knit all stitches.
3. Repeat Rounds 1 and 2 until you are back to original number of CO stitches: 36 (40, 44) sts.

### Foot
- Continue knitting in the round until the foot measures 1.5 (1.75, 2) inches less than the desired total foot length.
- Note: Try on the sock to ensure proper length before beginning toe shaping.

### Toe
1. Round 1: K1, SSK, knit to 3 sts before instep, K2tog, K1, K1, SSK, knit to 3 sts before end of round, K2tog, K1.
2. Round 2: Knit.
3. Repeat Rounds 1 and 2 until 16 (18, 20) stitches remain.

### Finishing
1. Cut yarn, leaving an 8-inch tail.
2. Use Kitchener Stitch to graft the toe seam closed.
3. Weave in all ends securely with a tapestry needle.
4. Block gently if desired to ensure even stitches.

### Tips and Notes
- To ensure the best fit, measure the recipient’s foot carefully and adjust the length of the sock foot as needed.
- Use markers to help keep track of rows and prevent mistakes, especially in gusset and toe shaping.

Enjoy your new hand-knitted socks!