purlJam

# Easy Cuff-Down Socks
*A beginner-friendly sock pattern*

## DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Beginner

## FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
- **Small (Child):** 18cm (7") foot circumference, fits UK shoe sizes 3-5
- **Medium (Women's):** 20cm (8") foot circumference, fits UK shoe sizes 4-6  
- **Large (Men's):** 23cm (9") foot circumference, fits UK shoe sizes 7-9

## MATERIALS
- **Yarn:** 150-200g worsted weight yarn (10 ply)
  - *Suggested:* Machine washable wool blend or acrylic blend for durability
- **Needles:** 4.5mm (UK 7, US 7) double-pointed needles (set of 5) OR 4.5mm circular needles for magic loop method
- **Notions:** Stitch markers, tapestry needle, scissors

## TENSION (GAUGE)
18 stitches and 24 rounds = 10cm (4") in stocking stitch on 4.5mm needles

*Tension is critical for proper fit. Always work a tension square before beginning.*

## ABBREVIATIONS
- **k** - knit
- **p** - purl
- **k2tog** - knit 2 stitches together (right-leaning decrease)
- **ssk** - slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
- **sl1** - slip 1 stitch purlwise
- **pm** - place marker
- **rnd** - round
- **rep** - repeat
- **st(s)** - stitch(es)

## SPECIAL TECHNIQUES

### Heel Flap Pattern
Row 1 (RS): *Sl1, k1; rep from * across
Row 2 (WS): Sl1, purl to end

### Kitchener Stitch
Used to graft toe stitches together invisibly. Thread tapestry needle with yarn tail. Hold needles parallel with knit sides facing out. Work through front needle knitwise then purlwise, through back needle purlwise then knitwise, pulling stitches off needles as you go.

## PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS

### CUFF
Using 4.5mm needles, cast on:
- Small: 36 sts
- Medium: 40 sts  
- Large: 44 sts

Distribute stitches evenly on 4 double-pointed needles, or use magic loop method. Join for working in the round, being careful not to twist stitches. Place marker for beginning of round.

**Rounds 1-16:** *K2, p2; rep from * around.

### LEG
**Rounds 17-32:** Knit all stitches (stocking stitch).

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

Divide stitches:
- Small: 18 heel sts, 18 instep sts
- Medium: 20 heel sts, 20 instep sts
- Large: 22 heel sts, 22 instep sts

Place instep stitches on holder or spare needles.

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

Repeat these 2 rows until heel flap measures 4.5cm (1¾") from beginning, ending with a WS row.

### HEEL TURN
**Row 1 (RS):** 
- Small: Sl1, k9, ssk, k1, turn
- Medium: Sl1, k10, ssk, k1, turn
- Large: Sl1, k11, ssk, k1, turn

**Row 2 (WS):** Sl1, p3, p2tog, p1, turn

**Row 3:** Sl1, knit to 1 st before gap, ssk (1 st from each side of gap), k1, turn

**Row 4:** Sl1, purl to 1 st before gap, p2tog (1 st from each side of gap), p1, turn

Repeat Rows 3-4 until all heel stitches are worked. You should have:
- Small: 10 heel sts remaining
- Medium: 12 heel sts remaining  
- Large: 12 heel sts remaining

### GUSSET
Pick up stitches along sides of heel flap:

**Setup:** With heel needle, pick up and knit:
- Small: 10 sts along left side of heel flap
- Medium: 11 sts along left side of heel flap
- Large: 12 sts along left side of heel flap

Work across instep stitches in stocking stitch.

With new needle, pick up and knit same number of stitches along right side of heel flap, then knit half the heel stitches.

**Gusset Decrease:**
**Round 1:** 
- Needle 1: Knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1
- Needle 2 & 3: Knit (instep stitches)
- Needle 4: K1, ssk, knit to end

**Round 2:** Knit all stitches.

Repeat these 2 rounds until you have the original number of stitches:
- Small: 36 sts
- Medium: 40 sts
- Large: 44 sts

### FOOT
Continue in stocking stitch until foot measures:
- Small: 15cm (6") from back of heel
- Medium: 18cm (7") from back of heel
- Large: 20cm (8") from back of heel

*Or 5cm (2") less than desired finished length.*

### TOE SHAPING
**Round 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

**Round 2:** Knit all stitches.

Repeat these 2 rounds until 16 stitches remain total.

### FINISHING
Divide remaining stitches onto 2 needles (8 stitches each). Cut yarn leaving a 30cm (12") tail. 

Graft toe stitches together using Kitchener stitch.

Weave in all ends. Block lightly if desired.

## NOTES
- This pattern makes ONE sock. Repeat entire pattern for second sock.
- For a snugger fit around the ankle, work the cuff on 4mm needles.
- The slip stitch pattern on the heel flap creates extra durability.
- Try the sock on as you work the foot section to ensure proper length.
- Worsted weight socks are warmer but bulkier than traditional fingering weight socks.

## CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Hand wash in cool water and lay flat to dry, or machine wash on gentle cycle if yarn label permits.

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*Pattern designed for beginner knitters ready to tackle their first sock project. The cuff-down method allows for fitting as you go and uses traditional construction techniques.*