purlJam

# Beginner Top-Down Socks Pattern

This pattern guides you through knitting a pair of basic, cozy, top-down socks using worsted weight yarn. Perfect for beginners, these socks feature a classic heel flap and gusset construction. 

## Materials
- **Yarn**: 100g of worsted weight yarn (approximately 200 meters/220 yards)
- **Needles**: 
  - Double-pointed needles (DPNs) or circular needles in size 4.0 mm
- **Notions**: 
  - Stitch markers
  - Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
  - Measuring tape

## Tension (Gauge)
- 20 stitches and 28 rows = 10 cm (4 inches) in stocking stitch (stockinette stitch)

## Sizes
The pattern is written for a range of adult sizes. Choose the size based on the foot circumference:

- **Small (Medium, Large)**
- Foot Circumference: 20 cm (22 cm, 24 cm) [approximately 8 inches (8.5 inches, 9.5 inches)]
- Foot Length: Adjustable, based on the length of your foot

## Abbreviations
- **k**: knit
- **p**: purl
- **st(s)**: stitch(es)
- **sl1**: slip one stitch
- **k2tog**: knit two stitches together
- **ssk**: slip, slip, knit

## Pattern Instructions

### Cuff
Cast on 40 (44, 48) sts using the long-tail cast-on method. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches. Place a stitch marker to indicate the beginning of the round.

Work in k2, p2 ribbing for 4 cm (1.5 inches).

### Leg
Continue knitting in stocking stitch (knit every round) until the leg measures 12 cm (4.75 inches) from the cast-on edge, or desired length.

### Heel Flap
The heel flap is worked flat over half of the total stitches.

**Setup for Heel Flap**:
- Knit the first 20 (22, 24) sts. These will form the heel flap. Leave remaining sts on a holder or waste yarn.

**Heel Flap Pattern**:
- Row 1: *Sl1, k1*; repeat from * to end.
- Row 2: Sl1, purl to end.

Repeat these two rows until the heel flap measures 5 cm (2 inches), ending with Row 2.

### Turn Heel
- Row 1: Sl1, k11 (13, 15), ssk, k1, turn.
- Row 2: Sl1, p5 (7, 9), p2tog, p1, turn.
- Row 3: Sl1, k to 1 stitch before gap, ssk, k1, turn.
- Row 4: Sl1, p to 1 stitch before gap, p2tog, p1, turn.

Repeat Rows 3 and 4 until all stitches have been worked and 12 (14, 16) sts remain.

### Gusset
Pick up and knit 10 (11, 12) stitches along the edge of the heel flap. Place marker. Knit across the stitches on the hold for the instep. Place marker. Pick up and knit 10 (11, 12) stitches along the other edge of the heel flap. This section may require you to redistribute stitches across the needles.

**Gusset Decreases**:
- Round 1: Knit to 3 stitches before marker, k2tog, k1, slip marker, k across instep stitches, slip marker, k1, ssk, knit to end.
- Round 2: Knit all stitches.

Repeat these two rounds until there are 40 (44, 48) sts remaining.

### Foot
Continue knitting in the round until the foot measures 18 (20, 22) cm [7 (8, 8.5) inches], or desired length minus 5 cm (2 inches) for the toe.

### Toe
Begin decreases for the toe:

**Toe Decreases**:
- Round 1: *K1, ssk, knit to 3 stitches before marker, k2tog, k1*; repeat from * to end.
- Round 2: Knit all stitches.

Repeat the last two rounds until 12 sts remain. 

### Finishing
Cut yarn, leaving a 25 cm (10 inch) tail. Thread through remaining stitches using a tapestry needle and pull tight to close. Weave in ends.

Repeat all sections for the second sock.

## Tips
- Remember to regularly try on the sock for fit, especially when knitting the foot section.
- For a more secure fit around the ankle, consider knitting additional ribbing rows at the cuff.

Congratulations on completing your beginner socks! Enjoy wearing your handmade creation or gifting them to a loved one.