purlJam

# Cosy Beginner Socks

**A simple cuff-down sock pattern perfect for your first pair**

## Pattern Information

**Skill Level:** Beginner  
**Construction:** Cuff-down with traditional heel flap  
**Techniques:** Knit, purl, basic decreases, picking up stitches, Kitchener stitch  
**Finished Sizes:** Small (Medium, Large)  
**Foot Circumference:** 18cm (20cm, 23cm) / 7" (8", 9")

## Materials

**Yarn:** 150-200g worsted weight yarn (approximately 300-400 metres)  
*Suggested: Machine-washable wool blend or acrylic for durability*

**Needles:** 4.5mm (US 7) double-pointed needles (set of 4) OR 4.5mm circular needle 80cm long for magic loop method

**Notions:**  
- Stitch markers  
- Tapestry needle  
- Scissors  

## Tension

**18 stitches and 24 rounds = 10cm (4") in stocking stitch**

*Tension is crucial for proper fit. Take time to make a tension square and adjust needle size if necessary.*

## Special Abbreviations

- **k:** knit  
- **p:** purl  
- **k2tog:** knit 2 stitches together  
- **ssk:** slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)  
- **sl1:** slip 1 stitch purlwise  
- **pm:** place marker  
- **rnd:** round  

## Pattern Instructions

### Cuff

**Cast on:** 32 (36, 40) stitches using long-tail cast on

**Distribute stitches:**  
- DPNs: 11-11-10 (12-12-12, 14-13-13) stitches on 3 needles  
- Magic loop: 16 (18, 20) stitches on each needle tip

Join for working in the round, being careful not to twist. Place marker for beginning of round.

**Ribbing:**  
Rounds 1-15: *K2, p2; repeat from * to end  
*This creates a stretchy, comfortable cuff*

### Leg

**Rounds 16-45:** Knit all stitches (stocking stitch)  
*30 rounds creates approximately 13cm (5") of leg length*

### Heel Flap

The heel flap is worked back and forth on half the stitches.

**Setup:** Place 16 (18, 20) stitches on one needle for heel. Remaining 16 (18, 20) stitches rest on spare needles for instep.

**Row 1 (RS):** *Sl1, k1; repeat from * to end  
**Row 2 (WS):** Sl1, purl to end

Repeat these 2 rows 8 (9, 10) more times for a total of 18 (20, 22) rows.  
*The slipped stitch pattern creates a sturdy heel*

### Heel Turn

**Row 1 (RS):** K10 (11, 12), ssk, k1, turn  
**Row 2 (WS):** Sl1, p5 (5, 5), p2tog, p1, turn  
**Row 3:** Sl1, knit to 1 stitch before gap, ssk (closing gap), k1, turn  
**Row 4:** Sl1, purl to 1 stitch before gap, p2tog (closing gap), p1, turn

Repeat rows 3-4 until all heel stitches are worked. End with a WS row.  
You should have 10 (12, 12) stitches remaining.

### Gusset

**Setup round:**  
- Needle 1: Knit heel stitches, pick up and knit 9 (10, 11) stitches along left side of heel flap  
- Needle 2: Knit across 16 (18, 20) instep stitches  
- Needle 3: Pick up and knit 9 (10, 11) stitches along right side of heel flap, knit first 5 (6, 6) heel stitches

*You now have: 14 (16, 17) stitches on needle 1, 16 (18, 20) stitches on needle 2, and 14 (16, 17) stitches on needle 3*

**Gusset decreases:**  
**Round 1:**  
- Needle 1: Knit to last 3 stitches, k2tog, k1  
- Needle 2: Knit all stitches  
- Needle 3: K1, ssk, knit to end

**Round 2:** Knit all stitches

Repeat rounds 1-2 until you have 32 (36, 40) stitches total: 8 (9, 10) stitches on needle 1, 16 (18, 20) stitches on needle 2, and 8 (9, 10) stitches on needle 3.

### Foot

Knit every round until foot measures 15cm (18cm, 20cm) / 6" (7", 8") from back of heel, or approximately 5cm (2") less than desired finished length.

### Toe Shaping

**Round 1:**  
- Needle 1: Knit to last 3 stitches, k2tog, k1  
- Needle 2: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 stitches, k2tog, k1  
- Needle 3: K1, ssk, knit to end

**Round 2:** Knit all stitches

Repeat rounds 1-2 until 16 (16, 20) stitches remain.

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

### Finishing

Break yarn, leaving a 30cm tail. Using Kitchener stitch, graft the toe closed.

**Kitchener Stitch Setup:**  
Place 4 stitches on each of two needles. Hold needles parallel with yarn tail coming from back needle.

1. Insert tapestry needle through first stitch on front needle as if to purl, pull yarn through, leave stitch on needle
2. Insert tapestry needle through first stitch on back needle as if to knit, pull yarn through, leave stitch on needle
3. *Insert needle through first stitch on front needle as if to knit, pull yarn through, slip stitch off needle. Insert needle through next stitch on front needle as if to purl, pull yarn through, leave stitch on needle*
4. *Insert needle through first stitch on back needle as if to purl, pull yarn through, slip stitch off needle. Insert needle through next stitch on back needle as if to knit, pull yarn through, leave stitch on needle*

Repeat steps 3-4 until all stitches are grafted.

Weave in all ends securely.

## Make the Second Sock

Repeat all instructions for the second sock.

## Care Instructions

Hand wash in cool water or machine wash on gentle cycle. Lay flat to dry for best results.

## Notes for Success

- **Tension matters:** Socks should have negative ease (be smaller than your foot) to stay up properly
- **Try as you go:** The beauty of cuff-down socks is that you can try them on to check fit
- **Heel reinforcement:** The slipped stitch pattern in the heel flap creates extra durability
- **Even stitches:** Keep your tension consistent, especially when joining rounds and picking up stitches

## Troubleshooting

**Gaps at the gusset?** Pick up an extra stitch between the heel and instep, then decrease it away in the following round.

**Toe too pointy?** Work the final decreases over more rounds for a rounder toe.

**Heel too loose?** Use needles one size smaller for the heel flap and turn.

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*This pattern creates a comfortable, well-fitting pair of socks perfect for beginners. The worsted weight yarn works up quickly and is forgiving for new sock knitters. Enjoy your handmade socks!*