purlJam

# Easy Cuff-Down Socks
## For Beginners

**Difficulty Level:** Beginner  
**Construction:** Traditional cuff-down with heel flap  
**Makes:** One pair of adult socks

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## Materials

**Yarn:** 150-200g worsted weight yarn (10-ply)  
*Recommended: Machine washable wool blend or acrylic for durability*

**Needles:** 
- Set of 4 double-pointed needles (DPNs) 4.5mm (US 7)
- OR 2 circular needles 4.5mm (US 7), 40cm (16") long
- OR 1 long circular needle 4.5mm (US 7) for magic loop method

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

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## Tension (Gauge)

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

*Tension is critical for proper fit. Take time to check your tension square before beginning.*

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## Sizes

**Small (Medium, Large)**
- **Foot circumference:** 20 (23, 25)cm / 8 (9, 10)"
- **Leg length:** 18cm (7") from cast on to heel
- **Foot length:** Adjustable to fit

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## Abbreviations

- **k** - knit
- **p** - purl  
- **k2tog** - knit 2 together (right-leaning decrease)
- **ssk** - slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
- **sl** - slip stitch
- **RS** - right side
- **WS** - wrong side
- **st(s)** - stitch(es)
- **rnd** - round

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## Pattern Instructions

### Cast On and Cuff

**Cast on:** 36 (40, 44) stitches using long-tail cast on

**Distribute stitches:**
- If using DPNs: 12 (14, 15) sts on each of 3 needles
- If using 2 circulars: 18 (20, 22) sts on each needle
- If using magic loop: Place marker after 18 (20, 22) sts to mark half-way point

Join for working in the round, being careful not to twist stitches.

**Rounds 1-12:** *K2, p2; repeat from * to end
*This creates a stretchy ribbed cuff*

### Leg

**Rounds 13-54:** Knit all stitches
*This creates 10.5cm (4.25") of stocking stitch leg. Adjust length here if desired.*

### Heel Flap

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

**Setup:** Place 18 (20, 22) stitches on one needle for heel. Place remaining 18 (20, 22) stitches on spare needle(s) to hold for instep.

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

Repeat these 2 rows **18 (20, 22) more times** for a total of 38 (42, 46) heel flap rows.

*The slipped stitches create a reinforced heel and make it easier to pick up stitches later.*

### Heel Turn

**Row 1 (RS):** K10 (11, 12), ssk, k1, turn
**Row 2 (WS):** Sl 1, p3, p2tog, p1, turn
**Row 3:** Sl 1, k4, ssk, k1, turn  
**Row 4:** Sl 1, p5, p2tog, p1, turn

Continue in this manner, working one more stitch before the decrease each row, until all heel stitches are worked.

**Final row counts:** 10 (12, 12) heel stitches remain

### Gusset

**Setup:** With heel needle, pick up and knit 19 (21, 23) stitches along left side of heel flap. With new needle, knit across 18 (20, 22) instep stitches. With another needle, pick up and knit 19 (21, 23) stitches along right side of heel flap, then knit 5 (6, 6) heel stitches.

**Stitch distribution:**
- Needle 1: 24 (27, 29) sts (heel sts + left gusset)
- Needle 2: 18 (20, 22) sts (instep)  
- Needle 3: 24 (27, 29) sts (right gusset + heel sts)

**Total:** 66 (74, 80) stitches

### Gusset Decreases

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

**Round 2:** Knit all stitches

Repeat these 2 rounds until you have 36 (40, 44) stitches total.

### Foot

Continue knitting every round until foot measures 5cm (2") less than desired total foot length.

*Try the sock on to check fit before starting toe decreases.*

### Toe Shaping

**Setup:** Rearrange stitches so you have 18 (20, 22) stitches for sole and 18 (20, 22) stitches for instep.

**Round 1:**
- Needle 1 (sole): K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1
- Needle 2 (instep): K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1

**Round 2:** Knit all stitches

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

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

### Finishing

Cut yarn leaving a 20cm (8") tail.

Using tapestry needle, graft toe closed using Kitchener stitch:

1. Thread tail through tapestry needle
2. Hold needles parallel with yarn coming from back needle
3. *Insert needle through first stitch on front needle as if to purl, leave stitch on needle
4. Insert needle through first stitch on back needle as if to knit, leave stitch on needle
5. Insert needle through first stitch on front needle as if to knit, slip stitch off needle
6. Insert needle through next stitch on front needle as if to purl, leave stitch on needle
7. Insert needle through first stitch on back needle as if to purl, slip stitch off needle
8. Insert needle through next stitch on back needle as if to knit, leave stitch on needle*

Repeat from * until all stitches are grafted.

Weave in all ends securely.

### Second Sock

Work exactly as first sock.

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## Helpful Notes for Beginners

**Needle Management:** Keep stitches in the centre of DPNs to prevent them falling off. Don't pull too tightly when changing needles.

**Tension Tips:** Your knitting may be tighter when working in the round initially. This is normal and will even out with practice.

**Trying On:** You can try the sock on at any point after the heel turn. This helps ensure proper fit.

**Common Issues:**
- Holes at gusset: Pick up an extra stitch between heel and instep, then decrease it away
- Loose stitches: Pull working yarn firmly when changing needles
- Twisted stitches: Ensure cast-on isn't twisted before joining

**Customisation:** 
- For warmer socks: Work leg longer
- For ankle socks: Work shorter leg (about 8cm/3")
- For different colours: Change colours at beginning of any round

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**Congratulations on knitting your first pair of socks!**

*This pattern creates comfortable, hardwearing socks perfect for everyday wear. The traditional construction method allows for easy fitting adjustments and repairs.*