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**Easy Cuff-Down Socks Pattern**

**Introduction:**
Welcome to your first sock knitting adventure! This pattern is perfect for beginners and will guide you step-by-step through creating a warm, cosy pair of socks using worsted weight yarn. These socks are worked from the cuff down with a traditional heel flap, making it easy to try them on as you go for a perfect fit.

**Materials:**
- Yarn: 100g of worsted weight yarn (preferably a wool or wool-blend for warmth and elasticity)
- Needles: Set of 4 or 5 double-pointed needles (DPNs) or a circular needle for magic loop method, 4.0-5.0 mm
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
- Stitch markers
- Measuring tape

**Tension (Gauge):**
- 18 sts and 24 rows = 10 cm (4 inches) in stockinette stitch, worked in rounds

**Sizes:**
- Small: 56 sts
- Medium: 64 sts
- Large: 72 sts

**Pattern Instructions:**

**Cuff:**
1. Cast on 56 (64, 72) stitches using a stretchy cast-on method. Distribute stitches evenly across the DPNs (or set up for magic loop).
2. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist.
3. Work in *k2, p2* rib for 4-5 cm (1.5-2 inches).

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

**Heel Flap:**
1. Knit across half of the stitched designated for the heel (28, 32, 36 sts), turn.
2. Work back and forth on these stitches only in a slip stitch pattern for durability:
   - Row 1 (RS): *sl1, k1* across, turn.
   - Row 2 (WS): sl1, p across.
3. Repeat these two rows for a total of 14 (16, 18) rows or until the flap forms a square.

**Heel Turn:**
1. Continue working on the heel flap stitches.
2. Row 1 (RS): K across heel stitches until 1 stitch remains, ssk, k1, turn.
3. Row 2 (WS): Sl1, p5, p2tog, p1, turn.
4. Row 3: Sl1, k to 1 stitch before gap, ssk, k1, turn.
5. Row 4: Sl1, p to 1 stitch before gap, p2tog, p1.
6. Repeat rows 3 and 4 until all gaps are closed.

**Gusset:**
1. With RS facing, pick up and knit stitches along the edge of the heel flap (usually 14-18 stitches), then knit across the instep stitches, and pick up the same number of stitches along the other edge of the heel flap. Knit half the heel stitches again to centre the needle for the start of the round.
2. You should now have more stitches than initially.
3. Begin decreasing for the gusset:
   - Round 1: Knit to 3 sts before instep stitches, k2tog, k1, knit across instep stitches, k1, ssk, knit to end.
   - Round 2: Knit all stitches.
4. Repeat these two rounds until you return to the original number of stitches (56, 64, 72).

**Foot:**
1. Continue to knit in the round until the sock measures about 5 cm (2 inches) less than the desired total foot length.

**Toe:**
1. Begin toe decreases:
   - Round 1: Knit to 3 sts before instep stitches, k2tog, k1, knit to 3 sts before end of instep stitches, k2tog, k1, knit to 3 sts before end of round, k2tog, k1.
   - Round 2: Knit all stitches.
2. Repeat these two rounds until you have half the number of stitches you started with (28, 32, 36).

**Finishing:**
1. Using the Kitchener stitch, graft the remaining stitches for a seamless toe closure.
2. Weave in all ends and block lightly if desired.

**Tips:**
- Try your sock on at different stages to ensure proper fit and comfort.
- Take your time with the Kitchener stitch for a smooth finish.

Congratulations! You've completed a beautiful pair of socks designed for warmth and comfort. Enjoy wearing your handmade socks or gift them to someone special.

**Note:**
- This pattern creates a pair of socks, meaning you need to repeat the above instructions for the second sock. Happy knitting!