purlJam

**Basic Top-Down Worsted Weight Socks Pattern**

**Materials:**
- Yarn: Worsted weight yarn, approximately 200 yards
- Needles: US Size 6 (4.0 mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) or circular needles for magic loop method
- Stitch markers
- Tapestry needle

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

**Sizes:**
- Small (Medium, Large)
- Foot circumference: 7 (8, 9) inches
- Leg length and foot length are adjustable

**Abbreviations:**
- CO: Cast On
- k: Knit
- p: Purl
- k2tog: Knit two together
- SSK: Slip, slip, knit
- st(s): Stitch(es)
- rnd(s): Round(s)
- RS: Right side
- WS: Wrong side

**Cuff:**
1. Using the long-tail cast-on method, CO 40 (48, 56) sts. Distribute evenly over four needles (or use the magic loop method).
2. Join in the round, being careful not to twist. Place a marker for the beginning of the round.
3. Work in K1, P1 ribbing for 1.5 inches.

**Leg:**
1. Knit all rounds in stockinette stitch (knit every round) until the leg measures 6 inches from the cast-on edge or desired length.

**Heel Flap:**
1. Work back and forth on 20 (24, 28) sts (half of the total stitches).
2. Row 1 (RS): *Slip 1, k1* repeat across the row.
3. Row 2 (WS): Slip 1, purl to the end of the row.
4. Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until you have completed 20 (24, 28) rows, ending on a WS row.

**Turn Heel:**
1. Row 1 (RS): K12 (14, 16), k2tog, k1, turn.
2. Row 2 (WS): Slip 1, p5 (6, 7), p2tog, p1, turn.
3. Row 3: Slip 1, k to 1 st before the gap, k2tog, k1, turn.
4. Row 4: Slip 1, p to 1 st before the gap, p2tog, p1, turn.
5. Repeat Rows 3 and 4 until all heel stitches are worked – 12 (14, 16) sts remain.

**Gusset:**
1. Pick up and knit 10 (12, 14) sts along the selvedge edge of the heel flap. Place marker for new beginning of the round.
2. Knit across 20 (24, 28) instep sts.
3. Pick up and knit 10 (12, 14) sts along the other selvedge of the heel flap. Place a second marker to separate gusset from instep.
4. Knit to center of heel sts. You should have 52 (64, 76) sts total.

**Gusset Decreases:**
1. Rnd 1: Knit to 3 sts before the first marker, k2tog, k1, slip marker, knit across instep, slip marker, k1, SSK, knit to end of round.
2. Rnd 2: Knit all sts.
3. Repeat Rnds 1 and 2 until original st count of 40 (48, 56) sts is reached.

**Foot:**
1. Knit in rounds until the foot measures 1.5 inches less than the desired foot length from the heel.

**Toe:**
1. Rnd 1: *Knit to 3 sts before first marker, k2tog, k1, slip marker, k1, SSK* twice around.
2. Rnd 2: Knit all sts.
3. Repeat Rnds 1 and 2 until 12 (16, 20) sts remain. If needed, switch to a shorter circular needle or two DPNs to continue comfortably.
4. Graft the remaining sts using Kitchener stitch or finish using a 3-needle bind off.

**Finishing:**
- Weave in all ends.
- Block socks if necessary.

**Note:**
For a more fitted sock, try decreasing the foot length by half an inch before starting the toe decreases. Adjust the number of rows in the leg to suit your preference by simply adding or subtracting rounds of stockinette.

**Helpful Tips:**
- If you are new to sock knitting, practice the Kitchener stitch with scrap yarn before finishing the toe to become more comfortable with grafting techniques.
- Always check your gauge on a swatch to ensure proper fit for your sock dimensions.

Enjoy your comfy, handmade worsted-weight socks!