purlJam

# Beginner-Friendly Top-Down Socks Pattern

## Materials
- **Yarn:** Worsted Weight Yarn, approximately 100g (220m)
- **Needles:** Set of 5 double-pointed needles 4.5 mm
- **Notions:** Stitch markers, darning needle

## Measurements
- Fits foot circumference: Small (18–20 cm), Medium (21–23 cm), Large (24–26 cm)
- Length of foot adjustable

## Tension (Gauge)
- 18 sts and 24 rounds = 10 cm (4 in) in stocking stitch (stockinette stitch) in the round

## Abbreviations
- st(s): stitch(es)
- k: knit
- p: purl
- k2tog: knit two stitches together
- ssk: slip, slip, knit
- rnd(s): round(s)
- sl: slip
- pwise: purlwise
- rep: repeat

## Instructions

### Cuff
1. **Cast On**: 
   - Using 4.5 mm needles, cast on 36 (40, 44) stitches. Distribute stitches evenly on 4 needles, 9 (10, 11) sts per needle. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist sts. Place a marker to indicate the beginning of the round.

2. **Ribbing**:
   - Rnds 1-10: *(K1, p1); repeat from * to end of round. This creates a 2x1 ribbing pattern. 

### Leg
3. **Stocking Stitch**:
   - Next rnds: Knit all stitches. Continue in stocking stitch until the leg measures 15 (17, 19) cm or desired length.

### Heel Flap
4. **Set-up for Heel Flap** (to be worked flat, back-and-forth on half of the sts, i.e. 18 (20, 22) sts on Needle 1 and Needle 4):
   - Row 1 (RS): *Sl 1 pwise, k1; repeat from * to end.
   - Row 2 (WS): Sl 1 pwise, purl to end.
   - Repeat these 2 rows until heel flap measures 5 (5.5, 6) cm ending with a RS row.

### Turning the Heel
5. **Heel Turn**:
   - Row 1 (WS): P11 (12, 13), p2tog, p1, turn.
   - Row 2 (RS): Sl 1, k5 (6, 7), ssk, k1, turn.
   - Row 3 (WS): Sl 1, p6 (7, 8), p2tog, p1, turn.
   - Row 4 (RS): Sl 1, k7 (8, 9), ssk, k1, turn.
   - Continue this pattern, working one extra stitch before the decrease each time until all stitches have been worked and 10 (12, 14) sts remain.

### Gusset
6. **Pick Up Stitches**:
   - Knit across heel sts. Using a new needle, pick up and knit 9 (10, 11) sts along the side of the heel flap, place marker. Knit across Needle 2 and Needle 3. With another needle, pick up and knit 9 (10, 11) sts along the other side of the heel flap. Knit remaining heel sts.

7. **Gusset Decreases**:
   - Rnd 1: Knit to 3 sts before the marker, k2tog, k1, slip marker, knit to second marker, sl marker, ssk, knit to end of round.
   - Rnd 2: Knit all stitches.
   - Repeat these rounds, decreasing every other round until you are left with 36 (40, 44) sts.

### Foot
8. **Stocking Stitch**:
   - Continue knitting in stocking stitch until the foot measures 2 cm shorter than the desired length.

### Toe Shaping
9. **Toe Decreases** (divided over 4 needles):
   - Rnd 1: Knit to last 3 sts on Needle 1, k2tog, k1. On Needle 2: K1, ssk, knit to end. On Needle 3: Knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. On Needle 4: K1, ssk, knit to end.
   - Rnd 2: Knit all stitches.
   - Repeat these rounds until 12 (16, 20) sts remain.

10. **Finishing**:
   - Break yarn, leaving a 20 cm tail. With a darning needle, graft the toe stitches together using Kitchener stitch for a smooth finish. Weave in all ends carefully.

## Helpful Tips
- If you're new to working with double-pointed needles, take it slow to avoid twisting your stitches.
- If you're unsure of your foot length, measure it while standing for accuracy.
- Blocking your finished socks can help improve their shape and fit.

Enjoy your new pair of handmade socks! Happy knitting!