purlJam

**Beginner’s Cuff-Down Socks in Worsted Weight**

**Introduction:**
Welcome to your first pair of knitted socks! This pattern is designed with beginners in mind, and using worsted weight yarn will make your socks warm and cozy for cold days. These socks are worked from the cuff down with a classic heel flap and gusset construction, providing an easy-to-understand process. Grab your needles and let's start!

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**Materials:**

- Yarn: Worsted weight yarn, 200g (approximately 400m/440yds) for a pair of socks.
- Needles: A set of 4 double-pointed needles (DPNs) in size 4.5mm (US 7) or circular needles for Magic Loop.
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends.
- Stitch markers.
- Tape measure.

**Tension (Gauge):**

- 18 sts and 24 rows = 10cm (4in) in stockinette stitch in the round.

**Sizes:**

- Instructions are written for Small (Medium, Large).

- Small: 20cm (8in) foot circumference (56 sts)
- Medium: 23cm (9in) foot circumference (64 sts)
- Large: 25.5cm (10in) foot circumference (72 sts)

Choose size that best matches your foot circumference. The socks should have a little negative ease for a snug fit.

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**Sock Construction Overview:**

1. **Cuff:** Ribbing for a snug hold.
2. **Leg:** Simple stockinette or ribbed leg for ease.
3. **Heel Flap:** Worked flat with a reinforced slip stitch pattern.
4. **Heel Turn:** Use short rows to form the heel cup.
5. **Gusset:** Pick up stitches around the heel and decrease to return to the original stitch count.
6. **Foot:** Knit to the desired length.
7. **Toe:** Decrease to shape the toe, finish with Kitchener stitch.

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**Instructions:**

**Cuff:**

1. **Cast On:** Using your preferred cast-on method, cast on 56 (64, 72) stitches. Distribute evenly across 3 or 4 DPNs and join in the round, being careful not to twist.

2. **Ribbing:** Work k2, p2 ribbing for approximately 4cm to 5cm (1.5in to 2in).

**Leg:**

1. **Stockinette Stitch:** Knit every round until the leg measures 15cm (6in) from the cast-on edge, or desired length.

**Heel Flap:**

1. Redistribute stitches so the heel is worked on half the stitches: 28 (32, 36) sts.
2. **Row 1 (RS):** *Sl1, k1* to end.
3. **Row 2 (WS):** Sl1, purl to end.
4. Repeat rows 1 and 2 until the heel flap measures 5cm (2in), ending with a WS row.

**Heel Turn:**

1. **Row 1:** Sl1, k15 (17, 19), ssk, k1, turn.
2. **Row 2:** Sl1, p5 (5, 6), p2tog, p1, turn.
3. **Row 3:** Sl1, k to 1 st before gap, ssk, k1, turn.
4. **Row 4:** Sl1, p to 1 st before gap, p2tog, p1, turn.
5. Repeat rows 3 and 4 until all side stitches are incorporated and 16 (18, 20) sts remain.

**Gusset:**

1. Pick up and knit 10 (12, 14) sts along each edge of the heel flap. Place marker for beginning of the round.
2. Knit across foot stitches, pick up and knit 10 (12, 14) sts along other edge of heel flap.
3. Decrease round: Knit to 3 sts before the foot marker, k2tog, k1. Knit across top of foot. For final 3 heel sts, k1, ssk, place marker.
4. Knit 1 round even.
5. Repeat these two rounds until you have 56 (64, 72) sts again.

**Foot:**

1. **Continue Even:** Knit every round until the foot measures approximately 5cm (2in) shorter than the desired final length.

**Toe:**

1. **Round 1:** K to 3 sts before the end of first needle, k2tog, k1. K1, ssk, knit to 3 sts before end of second needle, k2tog, k1. K1, ssk, knit to end.
2. **Round 2:** Knit.
3. Repeat these rounds until 16 (20, 24) sts remain.

**Finishing:**

- Use the Kitchener stitch to graft the remaining stitches together. Weave in all loose ends securely.

Congratulations, you’ve finished your beginner socks! Repeat the pattern for a second sock and enjoy your warm, hand-knit creation.