purlJam

# CLASSIC BEGINNER SOCKS

## MATERIALS
- **Yarn:** 400-450 yards worsted weight yarn (Medium 4)
- **Needles:** Set of 5 double-pointed needles (DPNs) size US 7 (4.5mm) for main pattern, size US 5 (3.75mm) for ribbing
- **Notions:** Stitch markers, tapestry needle, scissors

## GAUGE
20 stitches and 26 rounds = 4" in stockinette stitch on larger needles
*Always check gauge before beginning*

## SIZES
Small (Medium, Large, X-Large, 2X-Large)
**Finished foot circumference:** 7 (8, 9, 10, 11) inches
**Finished foot length:** 8.5 (9.5, 10.5, 11.5, 12.5) inches

## ABBREVIATIONS
- **k** = knit
- **p** = purl
- **k2tog** = knit 2 stitches together
- **ssk** = slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
- **m1** = make 1 increase
- **st(s)** = stitch(es)
- **rnd(s)** = round(s)
- **DPN** = double-pointed needle

## NOTES
- These socks are worked from the cuff down using the traditional heel flap and gusset construction
- Distribute stitches evenly across 4 DPNs, using the 5th needle to knit
- Move beginning of round marker as needed
- For a snugger fit, go down one needle size; for a looser fit, go up one needle size

## BACK (CUFF AND LEG)
Using smaller needles, cast on 36 (40, 44, 48, 52) sts. Divide evenly across 4 DPNs: 9 (10, 11, 12, 13) sts per needle. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist.

**Cuff Ribbing:**
Rnds 1-12: *K2, p2; repeat from * around.

**Leg:**
Switch to larger needles.
Rnds 1-24 (28, 32, 36, 40): Knit all stitches.

## LEFT_FRONT (HEEL FLAP)
The heel flap is worked back and forth on half the stitches.

**Setup:** Place 18 (20, 22, 24, 26) sts from needles 1 and 4 onto one needle for heel. Place remaining 18 (20, 22, 24, 26) sts from needles 2 and 3 on hold for instep.

**Heel Flap (worked flat):**
Row 1 (RS): *Sl1, k1; repeat from * across.
Row 2 (WS): Sl1, purl to end.
Repeat Rows 1-2 for 18 (20, 22, 24, 26) rows total, ending with a WS row.

## RIGHT_FRONT (HEEL TURN)
**Turn Heel:**
Row 1 (RS): K10 (11, 12, 13, 14), ssk, k1, turn.
Row 2 (WS): Sl1, p3, p2tog, p1, turn.
Row 3 (RS): Sl1, k4, ssk, k1, turn.
Row 4 (WS): Sl1, p5, p2tog, p1, turn.

Continue in this manner, working one more stitch before the decrease on each row, until all stitches have been worked. End with a WS row.

You should have 10 (12, 12, 14, 14) sts remaining.

## SLEEVES (GUSSET AND FOOT)
**Gusset Setup:**
With RS facing and continuing with heel needle:
- Pick up and knit 9 (10, 11, 12, 13) sts along left side of heel flap
- Knit across 18 (20, 22, 24, 26) instep stitches
- Pick up and knit 9 (10, 11, 12, 13) sts along right side of heel flap
- Knit across first 5 (6, 6, 7, 7) heel stitches

**Redistribute stitches:**
- Needle 1: 14 (16, 17, 19, 20) sts
- Needle 2: 9 (10, 11, 12, 13) sts (instep)
- Needle 3: 9 (10, 11, 12, 13) sts (instep)
- Needle 4: 14 (16, 17, 19, 20) sts

**Gusset Decreases:**
Rnd 1: 
- Needle 1: Knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1
- Needles 2 & 3: Knit all sts
- Needle 4: K1, ssk, knit to end

Rnd 2: Knit all stitches.

Repeat Rnds 1-2 until 36 (40, 44, 48, 52) sts remain.

**Foot:**
Continue in stockinette stitch until foot measures 6.5 (7.5, 8.5, 9.5, 10.5) inches from back of heel, or 2 inches less than desired finished length.

## BUTTON_BANDS (TOE SHAPING)
**Toe Decreases:**
Rnd 1:
- Needle 1: Knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1
- Needle 2: K1, ssk, knit to end
- Needle 3: Knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1
- Needle 4: K1, ssk, knit to end

Rnd 2: Knit all stitches.

Repeat Rnds 1-2 until 16 (16, 20, 20, 20) sts remain.

Then work Rnd 1 only (decrease every round) until 8 sts remain.

## FINISHING
**Closing the Toe:**
Cut yarn, leaving an 8-inch tail. Thread tail through tapestry needle and draw through remaining stitches twice. Pull tight to close and weave in end securely.

**Weaving in Ends:**
Weave in all ends using tapestry needle, working along the inside of the sock for several inches to secure.

**Blocking:**
Gently wash socks in cool water with wool wash. Squeeze out excess water (do not wring) and lay flat to dry, gently shaping to measurements.

**Second Sock:**
Work exactly as first sock.

**Sizing Chart:**
- Small: 7" circumference, 8.5" foot length
- Medium: 8" circumference, 9.5" foot length  
- Large: 9" circumference, 10.5" foot length
- X-Large: 10" circumference, 11.5" foot length
- 2X-Large: 11" circumference, 12.5" foot length

*Pattern difficulty: Beginner - requires basic knitting skills including knit, purl, increases, and decreases*