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**Beginner's Basic Top-Down Socks Pattern**

**Introduction:**
Welcome to your new favourite sock knitting pattern! This beginner-friendly pattern uses a top-down construction method, featuring a classic heel flap and gusset. Using worsted weight yarn, these socks knit up quickly and are perfect for keeping your feet warm in cooler weather. Let's get started!

**Materials:**
- Yarn: 100g of worsted weight yarn (approximately 200m)
- Needles: 3.75 mm double-pointed needles or circular needles for magic loop method
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
- Stitch markers

**Tension (Gauge):**
18 stitches and 24 rows = 10 cm (4 inches) in stockinette stitch

**Sizes:**
Small (Medium, Large)

**Finished Measurements:**
- Foot circumference: 20 (22, 24) cm [8 (8.5, 9.5) inches]
- Foot length: Adjustable to desired length

**Abbreviations:**
- k: knit
- p: purl
- st(s): stitch(es)
- rnd: round
- Yo: yarn over
- k2tog: knit 2 together
- ssk: slip, slip, knit

**Pattern Instructions:**

**Cuff:**
1. Cast on 44 (48, 52) sts. Join in the round, being careful not to twist.
2. *K1, p1* ribbing for 5 cm (2 inches).

**Leg:**
1. Knit in stockinette stitch (knit every round) until leg measures 15 cm (6 inches) from the cast on edge or desired length to the start of the heel.

**Heel Flap:**
1. Work the next 22 (24, 26) sts back and forth in rows; leave remaining sts on a holder or spare needle.
2. Row 1 (RS): *Sl1, k1* across.
3. Row 2 (WS): Sl1, purl to end.
4. Repeat Rows 1-2 for 20 (22, 24) rows total.

**Turn Heel:**
1. Row 1 (RS): K12 (13, 14), k2tog, k1, turn.
2. Row 2 (WS): Sl1, p5 (6, 7), p2tog, p1, turn.
3. Row 3: Sl1, k to 1 st before gap, k2tog, k1, turn.
4. Row 4: Sl1, p to 1 st before gap, p2tog, p1, turn.
5. Repeat Rows 3-4 until all sts have been worked and 12 (14, 16) sts remain.

**Gusset:**
1. Knit across heel sts. With the same needle, pick up and knit 10 (11, 12) sts along first side of heel flap.
2. With a new needle, work across the held leg sts.
3. With another new needle, pick up and knit 10 (11, 12) sts along the other side of heel flap.
4. You should now have 54 (58, 62) sts on the needles.

**Gusset Decreases:**
1. Rnd 1: Knit.
2. Rnd 2: Knit to 3 sts before first marker, k2tog, k1, knit across foot sts, k1, ssk, knit to end.
3. Repeat Rnds 1-2, until 44 (48, 52) sts remain.

**Foot:**
1. Knit in the round until foot measures 18 (20, 22) cm [7 (8, 9) inches] from back of heel, or 4 cm (1.5 inches) less than desired foot length.

**Toe:**
1. Rnd 1: *Knit 4 (5, 6), k2tog; repeat from * around.
2. Rnd 2: Knit.
3. Rnd 3: *Knit 3 (4, 5), k2tog; repeat from * around.
4. Rnd 4: Knit.
5. Continue in this pattern, decreasing every other round until you have 20 (24, 28) sts remaining.
6. Graft the remaining sts together using Kitchener stitch.

**Finishing:**
- Weave in all ends.
- Block gently if desired.

**Tips:**
- Practice different methods for joining in the round to find what works best for you.
- Ensure consistent tension, especially if you're new to working with double-pointed needles.

Congratulations! You've now completed a cosy pair of socks that are both practical and stylish. Enjoy wearing your creation!