purlJam

# Beginner Top-Down Socks Pattern

## Overview
This pattern guides you through knitting a pair of basic top-down socks with a heel flap and gusset using worsted weight yarn. This project is perfectly tailored for beginners, offering a simple design to learn the essentials of sock knitting.

## Materials
- Yarn: Worsted weight yarn, approximately 200-250 yards
- Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) double-pointed needles or circular needles if using the magic loop method
- Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle, scissors

## Gauge
- 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch

## Sizes
- Instructions are written for sizes Small (Medium, Large), fitting foot circumference 7 (8, 9) inches. Adjust foot length as needed.

## Abbreviations
- CO: Cast On
- K: Knit
- P: Purl
- K2tog: Knit two stitches together
- SSK: Slip, slip, knit
- St(s): Stitch(es)

## Pattern Instructions

### Cuff
1. CO 36 (40, 48) stitches loosely. Distribute sts evenly across 3 or 4 needles. Place marker for start of round and join to work in the round, being careful not to twist the sts.
   
2. **Ribbing:** Work in K2, P2 ribbing for 10 rounds or to desired cuff length.

### Leg
3. **Stockinette Stitch:** Knit every round for 30 (35, 40) rounds or until sock measures about 6 (7, 8) inches from cast-on edge.

### Heel Flap
4. **Setup:** Knitting flat, work back and forth across 18 (20, 24) sts.
   
5. **Row 1 (RS):** *Sl1, K1* across these stitches.
   
6. **Row 2 (WS):** Sl1, P across to end.
   
7. Repeat Rows 1 and 2 for 16 (18, 20) rows or until square the heel for the desired size.

### Turn Heel
8. **Row 1 (RS):** K10 (11, 13), K2tog, K1, turn.
   
9. **Row 2 (WS):** Sl1, P5 (6, 7), P2tog, P1, turn.
   
10. **Row 3 (RS):** Sl1, K6 (7, 8), K2tog, K1, turn.
    
11. **Row 4 (WS):** Sl1, P7 (8, 9), P2tog, P1, turn.
    
12. Continue in this manner, working one more stitch before the decreases until all stitches have been worked, ending with a WS row. You should have 10 (12, 14) sts remaining.

### Gusset
13. **Setup:** With RS facing, pick up and knit 9 (10, 11) sts along the edge of the heel flap. Place marker (PM), knit across 18 (20, 24) instep sts, PM, pick up and knit 9 (10, 11) sts along the other edge of heel flap. Knit across first half of the heel sts.
   
14. **First Round (decrease round):** 
    - Knit to three sts before the first marker, K2tog, K1, SM, knit to next marker, SM, K1, SSK, knit to end.
   
15. **Second Round:** Knit all sts.
   
16. Repeat these two rounds until you have 36 (40, 48) sts total.

### Foot
17. **Stockinette Stitch:** Knit every round until the foot measures approximately 7 (8, 9) inches or 2 inches shorter than the desired total foot length.

### Toe
18. **Setup (Decrease Round 1):** 
    - Knit to three sts before the first marker, K2tog, K1, SM, K1, SSK, knit to three sts before next marker, K2tog, K1, SM, K1, SSK, knit to end.
   
19. **Round 2:** Knit all sts.
   
20. Repeat these two rounds until you have 16 (20, 20) sts left.

21. **Final Round:** Repeat Decrease Round 1 if necessary until you reach 8 sts total.

22. Cut yarn, leaving a 10-inch tail. Use the tapestry needle to thread through remaining sts twice, pull tight to close. Weave in ends.

## Finishing
- Weave in all loose ends gently but securely.
- Block socks gently to final measurements and let dry.

**Congratulations!** You've completed your first pair of socks. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of your handmade creation!