purlJam

# BASIC WORSTED WEIGHT SOCKS

## MATERIALS
- **Yarn:** 400-500 yards worsted weight yarn (4/medium weight)
- **Needles:** Set of 5 double-pointed needles (DPNs) size US 6 (4.0mm) and US 7 (4.5mm), or size needed to obtain gauge
- **Notions:** Stitch markers, tapestry needle, scissors

## GAUGE
18 stitches and 24 rounds = 4" (10cm) in stockinette stitch on larger needles
*Always check gauge before beginning project*

## SIZES
Adult Small (Medium, Large, X-Large, 2X-Large)
**Finished foot circumference:** 7 (8, 9, 10, 11)" [18 (20, 23, 25, 28)cm]
**Finished foot length:** 8.5 (9.5, 10.5, 11.5, 12.5)" [22 (24, 27, 29, 32)cm]

## ABBREVIATIONS
- k = knit
- p = purl
- k2tog = knit 2 together
- ssk = slip, slip, knit
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- rnd(s) = round(s)
- RS = right side
- WS = wrong side
- dpn(s) = double-pointed needle(s)

## NOTES
- These socks are worked from the cuff down with a heel flap and gusset construction
- The pattern uses basic stockinette stitch, making it perfect for beginners
- Distribute stitches evenly across 4 needles, using the 5th needle to knit
- Change to larger needles after ribbing for a comfortable fit

## CUFF (replaces "BACK" section)
Using smaller needles, cast on 32 (36, 40, 44, 48) sts.
Divide stitches evenly across 4 dpns: 8 (9, 10, 11, 12) sts per needle.
Join for working in the round, being careful not to twist.
Place marker for beginning of round.

**Ribbing:**
Rnds 1-20: *K2, p2; repeat from * around.

Change to larger needles.

## LEG (replaces "LEFT_FRONT" section)
Work in stockinette stitch (knit every round) for 6 (6.5, 7, 7.5, 8)" [15 (17, 18, 19, 20)cm] or desired length to top of heel.

## HEEL FLAP (replaces "RIGHT_FRONT" section)
The heel flap is worked back and forth on half the stitches.

**Setup:** Knit first 8 (9, 10, 11, 12) sts of round onto one needle. Knit next 8 (9, 10, 11, 12) sts onto same needle. You now have 16 (18, 20, 22, 24) heel sts on one needle. Divide remaining 16 (18, 20, 22, 24) sts onto 2 needles to hold for instep.

**Heel Flap (worked back and forth):**
Row 1 (RS): *Sl 1, k1; repeat from * across.
Row 2 (WS): Sl 1, purl across.
Repeat these 2 rows for 16 (18, 20, 22, 24) rows total, ending with a WS row.

## HEEL TURN (replaces "SLEEVES" section)
Row 1 (RS): K9 (10, 11, 12, 13), ssk, k1, turn.
Row 2 (WS): Sl 1, p3, p2tog, p1, turn.
Row 3: Sl 1, k4, ssk, k1, turn.
Row 4: Sl 1, p5, p2tog, p1, turn.

Continue in this manner, working one more stitch before the decrease each row, until all heel flap stitches have been worked, ending with a WS row.
You should have 10 (10, 12, 12, 14) heel stitches remaining.

## GUSSET (replaces "BUTTON_BANDS" section)
**Setup Round:**
With RS facing and using needle holding heel stitches:
- Pick up and knit 8 (9, 10, 11, 12) sts along left side of heel flap (Needle 1)
- Knit across 16 (18, 20, 22, 24) instep sts (Needles 2 and 3)
- Pick up and knit 8 (9, 10, 11, 12) sts along right side of heel flap, then knit 5 (5, 6, 6, 7) heel sts (Needle 4)
- Knit remaining 5 (5, 6, 6, 7) heel sts onto Needle 1

You now have: 13 (14, 16, 17, 19) sts on Needle 1, 8 (9, 10, 11, 12) sts each on Needles 2 and 3, and 13 (14, 16, 17, 19) sts on Needle 4.
Total: 42 (46, 52, 56, 62) sts.

**Gusset Decreases:**
Rnd 1: 
- Needle 1: Knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1
- Needles 2 and 3: Knit across
- Needle 4: K1, ssk, knit to end
Rnd 2: Knit around.

Repeat Rnds 1 and 2 until you have 32 (36, 40, 44, 48) sts total.

## FOOT AND TOE (replaces "FINISHING" section)
**Foot:**
Continue in stockinette stitch until foot measures 6.5 (7.5, 8.5, 9.5, 10.5)" [17 (19, 22, 24, 27)cm] from back of heel, or 2" [5cm] less than desired finished length.

**Toe Shaping:**
Redistribute stitches so you have 8 (9, 10, 11, 12) sts on each of 4 needles.

Rnd 1:
- Needle 1: Knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1
- Needle 2: K1, ssk, knit to end
- Needle 3: Knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1  
- Needle 4: K1, ssk, knit to end
Rnd 2: Knit around.

Repeat Rnds 1 and 2 until 16 (16, 20, 20, 24) sts remain.
Then work Rnd 1 only until 8 sts remain.

**Finishing:**
Break yarn, leaving a 12" tail. Thread tail through tapestry needle and draw through remaining 8 sts. Pull tight and secure. Weave in all ends.

Make second sock the same way.

**Blocking:** Wet block socks to measurements, shaping carefully around heel and toe areas.

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