purlJam

# Basic Top-Down Socks - Worsted Weight

**Difficulty Level**: Beginner

## Materials
- Yarn: Worsted weight yarn (approximately 100-150 grams depending on size)
- Needles: Double-pointed needles (DPNs) size US 6 (4.0 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge
- Stitch markers
- Tapestry needle

## Gauge
- 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch, worked in the round

## Sizes
- Small (Medium, Large, X-Large)
- Foot Circumference: 8 (9, 10, 11) inches
- Foot Length: Adjustable

## Abbreviations
- CO: Cast On
- K: Knit
- P: Purl
- St(s): Stitch(es)
- K2tog: Knit two stitches together
- SSK: Slip, slip, knit
- PM: Place marker
- SM: Slip marker
- BO: Bind off

## Pattern

### Cuff
1. **CO 36 (40, 44, 48) stitches** evenly across four DPNs, join to work in the round being careful not to twist. Place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round.
2. **Ribbing:** K2, P2 for 1.5 inches (approximately 10 rounds).

### Leg
1. **Stockinette Stitch:** Knit every round for an additional 4 (5, 6, 6) inches or desired length from cuff to start of heel flap.

### Heel Flap
1. **Heel Setup:** Work across needle 1 (half the stitches) leaving the other stitches on hold: 18 (20, 22, 24) stitches.
2. **Row 1 (RS):** *Sl1, K1* to end.
3. **Row 2 (WS):** *Sl1, P to end.*
4. Repeat rows 1 and 2 until heel flap measures 2 (2.25, 2.5, 2.5) inches, ending with a WS row.

### Turning the Heel
1. **Row 1 (RS):** K10 (11, 12, 13), K2tog, K1, turn.
2. **Row 2 (WS):** Sl1, P3, P2tog, P1, turn.
3. **Row 3 (RS):** Sl1, K to 1 st before gap, K2tog, K1, turn.
4. **Row 4 (WS):** Sl1, P to 1 st before gap, P2tog, P1, turn.
5. Repeat rows 3 and 4 until all heel stitches have been worked and 10 (12, 14, 16) stitches remain.

### Gusset
1. **Pick Up for Gusset:** Knit across heel turn stitches. Using a new needle, pick up and knit 9 (10, 11, 12) stitches along the side of the heel flap.
2. Knit across the stitches on hold for the instep. Using another needle, pick up and knit 9 (10, 11, 12) stitches along the other side of heel flap.
3. Knit half of the heel stitches onto this needle to restore needle balance. You should now have 54 (60, 66, 72) sts in total.

4. **Gusset Decreases:**
   - **Round 1:** Knit to last 3 sts on first needle, K2tog, K1.
   - **Knit across instep stitches.**
   - **On last needle:** K1, SSK, knit to end.
   - **Round 2:** Knit all stitches.
   - Repeat rounds 1 and 2 until you have 36 (40, 44, 48) stitches remaining.

### Foot
1. **Knit in the round until the foot measures 1.5 inches less than the desired total length of the foot.**

### Toe Shaping
1. **Round 1:**
   - On first needle, K to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1.
   - On second needle, K1, SSK, K to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1.
   - On third needle, K1, SSK, K to end.
2. **Round 2:** Knit all stitches.
3. Repeat rounds 1 and 2 until 12 (16, 16, 16) stitches remain.

4. **Finishing:**
   - **Graft Toe:** Use Kitchener stitch to graft the toe stitches.

## Finishing
- Weave in all ends.
- Block socks to shape if desired.

## Helpful Tips
- Mark the beginning of the round clearly to keep track of your rounds.
- Adjust needle sizes if necessary to achieve the correct gauge.
- Socks can be made longer or shorter by adjusting the foot and leg sections accordingly.

Enjoy your cozy, handmade socks!