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**Easy Cuff-Down Socks in Worsted Weight**

**Introduction:**
Welcome to your first venture into knitting socks! This beginner-friendly pattern will walk you through creating a cosy pair of socks using worsted weight yarn, perfect for keeping your feet warm. We’ll be using the cuff-down method with a traditional heel flap, which is ideal for beginners as it allows you to try on the socks as you knit to ensure a perfect fit.

**Materials:**

- **Yarn:** 100g of worsted weight yarn (total for both socks)
- **Needles:** Double-pointed needles (DPNs) or circular needles for magic loop in size 4.0mm (US 6) or size needed to obtain tension
- **Notions:** Stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors

**Tension:**
18 sts and 24 rows = 10 cm (4 inches) in stockinette stitch in the round. Check your tension using the same needles and yarn to ensure a good fit.

**Sizes:**
- Small (56 stitches)
- Medium (64 stitches)
- Large (72 stitches)

**Abbreviations:**
- k: knit
- p: purl
- sts: stitches
- sl1: slip one stitch purlwise
- k2tog: knit two stitches together
- skp: slip one knitwise, knit one, pass slip stitch over
- RS: right side

**Instructions:**

**Cuff:**
1. Cast on 56 (64, 72) sts. Divide the sts evenly across 3 or 4 DPNs or two circular needles if using magic loop method. Place a stitch marker to indicate the start of the round.
2. Work in k2, p2 rib for 4 cm (1.5 inches).

**Leg:**
1. Continue in stockinette stitch (knit every round) until leg measures 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) from the cast-on edge, or your desired length.

**Heel Flap:**
1. Knit across 28 (32, 36) sts. This will be the heel flap worked flat.
2. Row 1 (RS): *sl1, k1; repeat from * to end.
3. Row 2: sl1, p to end.
4. Repeat these two rows until the heel flap measures 6.5 cm (2.5 inches), ending with a RS row.

**Heel Turn:**
1. Row 1 (WS): p16 (18, 20), p2tog, p1, turn.
2. Row 2: sl1, k5, skp, k1, turn.
3. Row 3: sl1, p to 1 stitch before gap, p2tog, p1, turn.
4. Row 4: sl1, k to 1 stitch before gap, skp, k1, turn.
5. Repeat rows 3 and 4 until all heel stitches have been worked. You should have 16 (18, 20) sts remaining.

**Gusset:**
1. With RS facing, pick up and knit 12 (14, 16) sts along the heel flap. Place a marker.
2. Knit across the 28 (32, 36) instep stitches. Place a marker.
3. Pick up and knit 12 (14, 16) sts along the other side of the heel flap.
4. Work across heel stitches. You will now have 72 (82, 92) sts.

**Foot:**
1. Round 1: Knit around.
2. Round 2: Knit to 3 sts before the first marker, k2tog, k1; knit to next marker, k1, skp; knit to end of round.
3. Repeat these two rounds until you have 56 (64, 72) sts again.

**Foot:**
1. Continue knitting in rounds until sock measures 5 cm (2 inches) less than your desired foot length.

**Toe:**
1. Round 1: *k6, k2tog; repeat from * around.
2. Round 2: Knit.
3. Continue decreasing 8 sts every other round using the above principle, knitting 1 stitch less before each k2tog with each decrease round.
4. Once 16 sts remain, divide stitches evenly onto 2 needles (8 sts on each).

**Finish:**
1. Use Kitchener Stitch to graft the toes together seamlessly.

**Repeat the entire pattern for the second sock.**

Congratulations, you’ve now completed a pair of snug, warm socks! Enjoy your new knitting creation. If you have any questions or need further assistance, consider joining a knitting community or consulting additional resources for guidance on any techniques. Happy knitting!