purlJam

# Cosy Worsted Weight Socks

**A beginner-friendly cuff-down sock pattern perfect for snuggly house socks**

## Pattern Information
- **Skill Level:** Beginner
- **Construction:** Cuff-down with traditional heel flap
- **Sizes:** Small (Medium, Large)
- **Finished Foot Circumference:** 18 (20, 23) cm [7 (8, 9) inches]

## Materials
- **Yarn:** 200-250g worsted weight yarn (CYCA 4)
- **Needles:** 4.5mm (US 7) double-pointed needles or circular needles for magic loop
- **Notions:** Tapestry needle, stitch markers, scissors

*Note: These socks are perfect for wearing around the house or as bed socks. The worsted weight makes them extra warm and cosy!*

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

**Important:** Check your tension before starting. Proper tension is critical for sock fit!

## Special Abbreviations
- **k:** knit
- **p:** purl
- **k2tog:** knit 2 together (right-leaning decrease)
- **ssk:** slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
- **sl1:** slip 1 stitch purlwise
- **RS:** right side
- **WS:** wrong side

## Pattern Notes
- This pattern creates ONE pair of socks (knit twice!)
- Stitches are distributed across 4 double-pointed needles or worked with magic loop
- The heel flap is worked back and forth on half the stitches
- Try on your sock as you go to ensure proper fit

## Instructions

### Cuff
**Cast on:** 32 (36, 40) stitches
Divide evenly across 4 double-pointed needles: 8 (9, 10) stitches per needle.
Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist.

**Rounds 1-12:** *K2, p2; repeat from * around.
*This creates a stretchy ribbed cuff that will stay up nicely.*

### Leg
**Rounds 13-36:** Knit all stitches (stocking stitch).
*The leg portion is now 15cm (6 inches) long total. Adjust length here if desired.*

### Heel Flap
The heel flap is worked back and forth on 16 (18, 20) stitches. Place the remaining 16 (18, 20) stitches on spare needles or holders for the instep.

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

Repeat these 2 rows 8 (9, 10) more times.
*The slipped stitches create a sturdy heel and make picking up stitches easier.*

### Heel Turn
**Row 1 (RS):** Sl1, k8 (10, 11), ssk, k1, turn.
**Row 2 (WS):** Sl1, p3 (4, 4), p2tog, p1, turn.
**Row 3 (RS):** Sl1, k4 (5, 5), ssk, k1, turn.
**Row 4 (WS):** Sl1, p5 (6, 6), p2tog, p1, turn.

Continue in this manner, working 1 more stitch before the decrease each row, until all heel stitches are worked.
You should have 10 (12, 12) heel stitches remaining.

### Gusset
**Setup:** With needle 1, knit across heel stitches, then pick up and knit 9 (10, 11) stitches along left side of heel flap.
With needles 2 and 3, knit across instep stitches.
With needle 4, pick up and knit 9 (10, 11) stitches along right side of heel flap, then knit first 5 (6, 6) heel stitches.

**Stitch count:** 50 (56, 62) stitches total

**Gusset decreases:**
**Round 1:** 
- Needle 1: Knit to last 3 stitches, k2tog, k1
- Needles 2 & 3: Knit across instep
- Needle 4: K1, ssk, knit to end

**Round 2:** Knit all stitches.

Repeat these 2 rounds until you have 32 (36, 40) stitches total.

### Foot
Continue knitting all stitches until foot measures 15 (18, 20) cm [6 (7, 8) inches] from back of heel, or 5cm (2 inches) less than desired finished length.

### Toe Decreases
**Round 1:**
- Needle 1: Knit to last 3 stitches, k2tog, k1
- Needle 2: K1, ssk, knit to end
- Needle 3: Knit to last 3 stitches, k2tog, k1
- Needle 4: K1, ssk, knit to end

**Round 2:** Knit all stitches.

Repeat these 2 rounds until 16 (16, 20) stitches remain.
Then work decrease round every round until 8 stitches remain.

### Finishing
Cut yarn, leaving a 30cm (12 inch) tail.
Using Kitchener stitch (grafting), close the toe seamlessly.
Weave in all ends.

**Make a second sock the same way!**

## Kitchener Stitch Tutorial
1. Thread tapestry needle with yarn tail
2. Hold needles parallel with yarn coming from right end of back needle
3. Insert needle purlwise through first stitch on front needle, leave on needle
4. Insert needle knitwise through first stitch on back needle, leave on needle
5. *Insert needle knitwise through first stitch on front needle, slip off needle
6. Insert needle purlwise through next stitch on front needle, leave on needle
7. Insert needle purlwise through first stitch on back needle, slip off needle
8. Insert needle knitwise through next stitch on back needle, leave on needle*
9. Repeat from * until all stitches are worked

## Sizing Adjustments
- **For shorter/longer legs:** Add or subtract rounds in the leg section
- **For longer/shorter feet:** Add or subtract rounds in the foot section before starting toe decreases
- **For wider/narrower feet:** Use larger/smaller needles or adjust to different size

## Care Instructions
Hand wash in cool water and lay flat to dry for best results. These worsted weight socks are perfect for cosy nights at home!

**Enjoy your warm, handknitted socks!**