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# Beginners' Top-Down Socks Pattern

Create a cosy pair of socks with this straightforward top-down pattern, perfect for beginners. These socks are knit with worsted weight yarn, providing warmth and comfort with ease of knitting.

## Materials
- Yarn: 100g skein of worsted weight yarn in your favourite colour. Approximately 200 metres (220 yards) required.
- Needles: Double-pointed needles (DPNs) 4.5 mm.
- Stitch markers
- Tapestry needle

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

## Sizes
- Sizes: Small (Medium, Large)
- Finished foot circumference: 18 (20, 22) cm [7 (7.75, 8.5) inches]
- Adjust length as needed to match foot size.

## Abbreviations
- k: knit
- p: purl
- k2tog: knit two stitches together
- ssk: slip, slip, knit
- yo: yarn over
- st(s): stitch(es)
- rnd: round
- rep: repeat

## Instructions

### Cuff
1. **Cast On:** 36 (40, 44) sts. Distribute sts evenly across three needles and join in the round, being careful not to twist. Place a marker to denote the beginning of the round.

2. **Ribbing:** Work in k2, p2 ribbing for 5 cm (2 inches).

### Leg
3. **Knit:** Continue in stockinette stitch (knit every stitch) until the leg measures 15 (16, 17) cm [6 (6.5, 7) inches] from the top of the ribbing.

### Heel Flap
4. **Setup:** Work across 18 (20, 22) sts for the heel flap; leave remaining stitches on hold.

5. **Heel Flap Pattern:** 
    - Row 1: (RS) Slip 1, k1 across.
    - Row 2: (WS) Slip 1, purl to end.
    - Repeat these 2 rows for 12 (14, 16) rows.

### Turn Heel
6. **Shaping:**
    - Row 1 (RS): K11 (12, 13), k2tog, k1, turn.
    - Row 2 (WS): Slip 1, p3, p2tog, p1, turn.
    - Row 3: Slip 1, knit to 1 st before the gap, k2tog, k1, turn.
    - Row 4: Slip 1, purl to 1 st before the gap, p2tog, p1, turn.
    - Repeat Rows 3 and 4 until all heel stitches have been worked.

### Gusset
7. **Pick Up Stitches:**
    - Pick up and knit 9 (11, 13) stitches along the side of the heel flap.
    - Knit across the 18 (20, 22) held stitches.
    - Pick up and knit 9 (11, 13) stitches along the other side of the heel flap.
    - Resume with the heel sts; the total stitch count should be 54 (62, 72).

8. **Gusset Decreases:**
    - Rnd 1: Knit one round.
    - Rnd 2: Knit to 3 sts before the first marker, k2tog, k1, knit across the instep, k1, ssk, knit to end of round.
    - Repeat these two rounds until you return to original stitch count: 36 (40, 44).

### Foot
9. **Knit:** Continue knitting around until foot measures 5 cm (2 inches) less than desired full foot length.

### Toe
10. **Toe Shaping:**
    - Rnd 1: *(K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts of the first needle, k2tog, k1)*, repeat on the second needle.
    - Next rnd: Knit all sts.
    - Repeat these two rounds until 12 sts remain.

11. **Finishing:**
    - Cut yarn, leaving a 30 cm (12 inches) tail, and thread through remaining stitches. Pull tight and secure.
    - Weave in all ends.

These simple socks are now ready to keep your toes warm! Modify the pattern as needed to match the unique length of your feet, and enjoy the satisfaction of hand-knit hosiery. Happy knitting!