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# Beginner's Basic Top-Down Worsted Weight Socks

Welcome to the world of sock knitting! This pattern is designed to guide beginners through the process of knitting a pair of basic top-down socks using worsted weight yarn. These cozy socks feature a traditional heel flap and gusset, making them the perfect project to hone your knitting skills. Let's get started!

## Materials:
- **Yarn:** 2 skeins of worsted weight yarn (approx. 200 yards each)
- **Needles:** Set of 5 double-pointed needles (DPNs) size US 6 (4.0 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge
- **Notions:** Stitch markers, tapestry needle

## Gauge:
- 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette Stitch

## Sizes:
- **Small (Medium, Large)**
- To fit foot circumference: 8 (9, 10) inches
- Foot length is adjustable

## Abbreviations:
- **CO:** Cast on
- **k:** Knit
- **p:** Purl
- **st(s):** Stitch(es)
- **k2tog:** Knit two stitches together
- **ssk:** Slip, slip, knit
- **sl1:** Slip one stitch
- **RS:** Right side
- **WS:** Wrong side

## Instructions:

### Cuff:
1. **CO:** 40 (44, 48) sts. Distribute stitches evenly across 4 DPNs and join to work in the round, being careful not to twist sts. Place a marker at the beginning of the round.
2. **Ribbing:** *k2, p2* around for 1 inch (2.5 cm) or desired cuff length.

### Leg:
1. **Work:** in Stockinette Stitch (knit every round) for 5 inches (12.5 cm) from the cast-on edge or desired length.

### Heel Flap:
- Worked flat over half of the total stitches (20 (22, 24) sts).

1. **Row 1 (RS):** *Sl1, p across.*
2. **Row 2 (WS):** Sl1, k1 *(This forms a durable heel flap fabric)*
3. **Repeat rows 1 and 2:** for a total of 20 (22, 24) rows.

### Turning the Heel:
1. **Row 1 (RS):** k12 (13, 14), ssk, k1, turn.
2. **Row 2 (WS):** sl1, p5, p2tog, p1, turn.
3. **Row 3 (RS):** sl1, k to 1 st before gap, ssk, k1, turn.
4. **Row 4 (WS):** sl1, p to 1 st before gap, p2tog, p1, turn.

- **Repeat Rows 3 and 4:** until all stitches have been worked. End with 12 (14, 16) sts on the needle.

### Gusset:
1. **Pick up and knit:** 10 (11, 12) stitches along first side of heel flap.
2. **Knit across:** the held stitches for the top of the foot.
3. **Pick up and knit:** 10 (11, 12) stitches along second side of heel flap.
4. **Knit:** across half of heel flap stitches to move the starting point of the round.

Now you have 54 (60, 66) sts total.

### Foot:
1. **Gusset Decreases:**
    - **Round 1:** k to 3 sts before the end of the first needle, k2tog, k1; k across top of foot sts; k1, ssk, k to end.
    - **Round 2:** k all sts.
  
- **Repeat rounds 1 and 2:** until you have 40 (44, 48) sts.

2. **Continue in Stockinette Stitch:** until foot measures 2 inches less than desired total length.

### Toe:
1. **Toe Shaping:**
    - **Round 1:** *k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts on needle, k2tog, k1* across each needle.
    - **Round 2:** k all sts.
  
- **Repeat rounds 1 and 2:** until 8 sts remain.

2. **Finishing:**
    - Graft toe stitches together using Kitchener stitch.
    - Weave in all ends and block as desired.

Congratulations, your basic top-down socks are complete! Wear these cozy socks proudly or gift them to a loved one. Happy knitting!