purlJam

# Beginner Knitted Socks Pattern

## Basic Top-Down Socks with Heel Flap and Gusset

### Overview

This pattern is designed for beginner knitters eager to make their first pair of basic socks. Worked from the top down using worsted weight yarn, these socks feature a traditional heel flap and gusset and are perfect for keeping your feet warm and cozy.

### Sizes

- Small (Medium, Large)

| Size | Foot Circumference | Foot Length     |
|------|--------------------|-----------------|
| S    | 7.5" (19 cm)       | 9" (23 cm)      |
| M    | 8.5" (21.5 cm)     | 10" (25.5 cm)   |
| L    | 9.5" (24 cm)       | 11" (28 cm)     |

### Yarn and Materials

- **Yarn:** 1 skein of worsted weight yarn (approximately 200-250 yards/183-228 meters)
- **Needles:** US 6 (4.0 mm) double-pointed needles or circular needles for magic loop method
- **Notions:** Stitch markers, tapestry needle, scissors

### Gauge

18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch

### Instructions

#### Cuff

1. **Cast On:** Using your preferred method, cast on 40 (48, 56) stitches. Join in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches, and place a marker to indicate the beginning of the round.

2. **Ribbing:** Work in K2, P2 ribbing for 1.5 inches (approximately 4 cm).

#### Leg

- Continue working in stockinette stitch (knit every round) until the leg measures 6 inches (15 cm) from the cast-on edge or your desired length.

#### Heel Flap

1. **Set-up:** Knit half of the stitches (20 for S, 24 for M, 28 for L) onto one needle. These stitches will form your heel flap. The remaining stitches will stay on hold for the instep.

2. **Heel Flap Rows:**
   - Row 1 (RS): *Slip 1, knit 1* across the row.
   - Row 2 (WS): Slip 1, purl across the row.
   - Repeat these two rows until the heel flap is square, roughly 2 inches long (about 12 rows).

#### Turn Heel

1. **Row 1 (RS):** Knit 12 (14, 16), ssk, knit 1, turn.
2. **Row 2 (WS):** Slip 1, purl 3 (5, 7), p2tog, purl 1, turn.
3. **Row 3 (RS):** Slip 1, knit 4 (6, 8), ssk, knit 1, turn.
4. **Row 4 (WS):** Slip 1, purl 5 (7, 9), p2tog, purl 1, turn.
5. Continue in this manner until all stitches have been worked and 10 (12, 14) stitches remain.

#### Gusset

1. **Pick Up and Knit:** Pick up and knit 10 (12, 14) stitches along the side of the heel flap. Place marker, knit across the instep stitches. Place marker, pick up and knit 10 (12, 14) stitches along the other side of the heel flap, and knit to end of round.

2. **Gusset Decreases:**
   - Round 1: Knit to 3 stitches before marker, k2tog, knit 1, slip marker, knit across instep stitches, slip marker, knit 1, ssk, knit to end of round.
   - Round 2: Knit all stitches.
   - Repeat these 2 rounds until you have 40 (48, 56) stitches remaining.

#### Foot

- Knit in stockinette stitch until the foot measures 2 inches less than your total desired foot length.

#### Toe Shaping

1. **Decrease Rounds:**
   - Round 1: *Knit to 3 stitches before marker, k2tog, knit 1, slip marker, knit 1, ssk*; repeat from * to * across the round.
   - Round 2: Knit all stitches.
   - Repeat these two rounds until 20 (24, 28) stitches remain.

2. **Final Decreases:** Repeat decrease round until 8 stitches remain.

3. **Finishing:** Cut the yarn, leaving a 10-inch tail. Use the tapestry needle to graft toe stitches together using the Kitchener stitch.

### Finishing

- Weave in all ends.
- Block your socks, if desired, to smooth and shape the fabric.

### Tips for Beginners

- **Practice:** Try swatching with your yarn and needles to ensure you achieve gauge before starting your socks.
- **Techniques:** If you're new to any of the techniques, consider watching tutorial videos online.
- **Fit:** For a better fit, try the sock on throughout the knitting process.

Enjoy your cozy new socks!