purlJam

# BASIC WORSTED WEIGHT SOCKS

## MATERIALS
- Approximately 400-500 yards worsted weight yarn
- US Size 6 (4.0mm) double-pointed needles or circular needles for magic loop
- US Size 4 (3.5mm) double-pointed needles or circular needles for ribbing
- Stitch markers
- Tapestry needle
- Scissors

## GAUGE
18 stitches and 24 rounds = 4" (10cm) in stockinette stitch on larger needles
*Take time to check gauge - it's essential for proper fit*

## SIZES
Small (Medium, Large, XL, 2XL)
Foot circumference: 7 (8, 9, 10, 11)" / 18 (20, 23, 25, 28)cm
Foot length: 8.5 (9.5, 10.5, 11.5, 12.5)" / 22 (24, 27, 29, 32)cm

## ABBREVIATIONS
- CO = cast on
- k = knit
- p = purl
- k2tog = knit 2 together
- ssk = slip, slip, knit
- pm = place marker
- rnd = round
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- rep = repeat

## NOTES
- This sock is worked from the cuff down with a traditional heel flap and gusset.
- Instructions are given for double-pointed needles, but circular needles with magic loop can be substituted.
- Choose size based on actual foot circumference minus 1-2" for negative ease.
- Sample shown in size Medium.

## CUFF
Using smaller needles, CO 32 (36, 40, 44, 48) sts. Divide evenly among 3 or 4 needles, being careful not to twist. Join to work in the round and pm for beginning of round.

Work in k2, p2 ribbing for 2" (5cm).

Switch to larger needles.

## LEG
Work in stockinette stitch (knit every round) until piece measures 6" (15cm) from cast-on edge, or desired length to top of heel.

## HEEL FLAP
The heel flap is worked back and forth over half the stitches.

**Set-up:** K8 (9, 10, 11, 12), turn. The heel flap will be worked over the next 16 (18, 20, 22, 24) sts. Place remaining 16 (18, 20, 22, 24) sts on holder for instep.

**Row 1 (RS):** *Sl 1, k1; rep from * across heel sts.
**Row 2 (WS):** Sl 1, purl across.

Rep these 2 rows until heel flap measures approximately 2 (2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3)" / 5 (5.5, 6.5, 7, 7.5)cm, ending with a WS row.

## HEEL TURN
**Row 1 (RS):** Sl 1, k9 (10, 11, 12, 13), ssk, k1, turn.
**Row 2 (WS):** Sl 1, p5 (5, 5, 5, 5), p2tog, p1, turn.
**Row 3:** Sl 1, k6 (6, 6, 6, 6), ssk, k1, turn.
**Row 4:** Sl 1, p7 (7, 7, 7, 7), p2tog, p1, turn.

Continue in this manner, working 1 more st before the decrease on each row, until all heel sts have been worked. You should have 10 (10, 12, 12, 14) heel sts remaining.

## GUSSET
**Set-up round:** 
- Needle 1: Pick up and knit 8 (9, 10, 11, 12) sts along left side of heel flap, k10 (10, 12, 12, 14) heel sts.
- Needle 2: Work across 16 (18, 20, 22, 24) instep sts in stockinette.
- Needle 3: Pick up and knit 8 (9, 10, 11, 12) sts along right side of heel flap.

Total stitches: 42 (46, 52, 56, 62)

**Gusset decrease rounds:**
**Round 1:** 
- Needle 1: Knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1
- Needle 2: Knit across
- Needle 3: K1, ssk, knit to end

**Round 2:** Knit all stitches.

Rep these 2 rounds until you have 32 (36, 40, 44, 48) sts total.

## FOOT
Continue in stockinette stitch until foot measures approximately 1.5 (2, 2, 2.5, 2.5)" / 4 (5, 5, 6.5, 6.5)cm less than desired total foot length.

## TOE
**Decrease rounds:**
**Round 1:**
- Needle 1: Knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1
- Needle 2: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1
- Needle 3: K1, ssk, knit to end

**Round 2:** Knit all stitches.

Rep these 2 rounds until 16 (16, 20, 20, 24) sts remain.

Rep Round 1 only (no plain rounds) until 8 (8, 8, 8, 8) sts remain.

## FINISHING
Cut yarn, leaving a 12" tail. Thread tail through tapestry needle and draw through remaining stitches. Pull tight to close toe and weave in securely on wrong side.

Weave in all ends. Block lightly if desired.

Make second sock to match!

**Congratulations! You've completed your first pair of hand-knit socks!**