purlJam

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

**Materials:**
- Yarn: 100g of worsted weight yarn (approximately 200 metres). A 100% wool worsted weight yarn is recommended for warmth and comfort.
- Needles: Double-pointed needles (DPNs) in size 4.0 mm (UK 8 / US 6)
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
- Stitch markers (optional)

**Tension (Gauge):**
- 20 stitches and 28 rows = 10 cm (4 inches) in stockinette stitch in the round.

**Sizes:**
- Instructions are written for multiple foot circumferences: Small (Medium, Large)
- Foot Circumferences: 18 (20, 22) cm [7 (7.9, 8.7) inches]
- Choose size based on foot circumference. For a snug fit, the sock should be approximately 1-2 cm smaller than the actual foot circumference.

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

**Pattern Overview:**
- Cuff: Elastic and stretchy to keep the sock in place
- Leg: Simple stockinette stitch
- Heel Flap: Reinforced for durability
- Heel Turn: Formed with short rows
- Gusset: Shaped for a fitted arch
- Foot: Length customized to fit
- Toe: Decreased for a smooth fit, grafted for comfort

**Instructions:**

**Cuff:**
1. Cast on 44 (48, 52) stitches. Distribute stitches evenly across three or four DPNs.
2. Join to knit in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches. Place marker to indicate the beginning of the round.
3. *K2, p2* ribbing for 5 cm (2 inches).

**Leg:**
1. Knit in stockinette stitch (knit all rounds) until the leg measures a total of 15 cm (6 inches) from the cast-on edge or desired length.

**Heel Flap:**
1. Set up: Work the next 22 (24, 26) stitches; these will be your heel stitches. Turn work (leaving other stitches unworked).
2. Work flat in rows:
   - Row 1: *Slip 1, knit 1* across.
   - Row 2: Slip 1, purl across.
3. Repeat rows 1 and 2 until the heel flap measures approximately 5 cm (2 inches), ending with a purl row.

**Heel Turn:**
1. Row 1 (RS): K12 (14, 14), ssk, k1, turn.
2. Row 2 (WS): Slip 1, p5 (7, 7), p2tog, p1, turn.
3. Row 3: Slip 1, k to 1 stitch before gap, ssk, k1, turn.
4. Row 4: Slip 1, p to 1 stitch before gap, p2tog, p1, turn.
5. Repeat Rows 3 and 4 until all stitches on the heel flap are worked. You should have 12 (14, 14) heel stitches remaining.

**Gusset:**
1. Knit across heel stitches. Using a new needle, pick up and knit 10 (12, 12) stitches along the edge of the heel flap. Place marker for side of the foot. Knit across 22 (24, 26) instep stitches. Using a new needle, pick up and knit 10 (12, 12) stitches along the other edge of the heel flap. Knit half of heel stitches to centre and place marker for start of rnd.
2. You have needles set up as follows:
   - Needle 1: 6 (7, 7) heel stitches
   - Needle 2: 10 (12, 12) picked up stitches
   - Needle 3: 22 (24, 26) instep stitches
   - Needle 4: 10 (12, 12) picked up stitches, 6 (7, 7) heel stitches

3. Decrease Rounds:
   - Rnd 1: Knit to 3 stitches before the first gusset marker, k2tog, k1; knit across instep stitches; k1, ssk, knit to end.
   - Rnd 2: Knit all stitches without decreasing.
4. Repeat these two rounds until you have 44 (48, 52) stitches remaining—back to original stitch count.

**Foot:**
1. Knit all rounds until foot measures approximately 16 (18, 20) cm [6.3 (7.1, 7.9) inches] from the heel or 4 cm shorter than foot length.

**Toe:**
1. Decrease Rounds:
   - Rnd 1: On Needle 1, knit to last 3 stitches, k2tog, k1. On Needle 2, k1, ssk, knit to end. On Needle 3, knit to last 3 stitches, k2tog, k1. On Needle 4, k1, ssk, knit to end.
   - Rnd 2: Knit all stitches without decreasing.
2. Repeat these two rounds until 16 stitches remain.

**Finishing:**
1. Use the Kitchener stitch to graft remaining stitches together.
2. Sew in all loose ends and block lightly if needed.

Enjoy your cosy new pair of socks!