purlJam

**Easy Cuff-Down Socks Pattern**

**Materials:**
- Yarn: Worsted weight yarn, approximately 150g. This yarn will create thicker, warmer socks—perfect for chilly days.
- Needles: Set of 5 double-pointed needles (DPNs) in size 4mm (US 6). Alternatively, use a 4mm circular needle if preferring the magic loop method.
- Stitch markers
- Tapestry needle

**Tension (Gauge):**
- 18 stitches and 24 rows = 10cm (4 inches) in stockinette stitch worked in the round.

**Sizes:**
- Small/Child: 56 stitches (Foot circumference: 18cm / 7 inches)
- Medium/Women's: 64 stitches (Foot circumference: 20.5cm / 8 inches)
- Large/Men's: 72 stitches (Foot circumference: 23cm / 9 inches)

**Pattern Notes:**
- This pattern is worked cuff down, making it easy to try on as you go.
- Basic heel flap construction offers durability and ease for a seamless heel fit.
- Worsted weight yarn provides warmth and comfort for more structured socks.
- Instructions are written for the smallest size, with larger sizes in parentheses: S (M, L).

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**Instructions:**

**Cuff:**
1. Cast on 56 (64, 72) stitches using the long-tail cast-on method. Distribute evenly across 4 DPNs, placing a stitch marker to indicate the beginning of the round. [14 (16, 18) stitches per needle].
2. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches.
3. Work k2, p2 ribbing for 5cm (2 inches).

**Leg:**
1. Continue working in stockinette stitch (knit all stitches) for 15 (17, 19)cm or until desired leg length.

**Heel Flap:**
1. Transfer the first 28 (32, 36) stitches onto one needle; these will form your heel flap.
2. Working back and forth (not in the round):
   - Row 1 (RS): *Slip 1, knit 1* to end of row.
   - Row 2 (WS): Slip 1, purl to end of row.
3. Repeat these two rows until the heel flap measures 5 (6, 7)cm, finishing on a WS row.

**Turn Heel:**
1. Row 1 (RS): Knit 16 (18, 20), ssk, k1, turn.
2. Row 2 (WS): Slip 1, purl 5 (5, 7), p2tog, p1, turn.
3. Row 3 (RS): Slip 1, knit to 1 stitch before gap, ssk, k1, turn.
4. Row 4 (WS): Slip 1, purl to 1 stitch before gap, p2tog, p1, turn.
5. Repeat Rows 3 and 4 until all stitches are used up and 16 (18, 20) remain.

**Gusset:**
1. With RS facing, pick up and knit 14 (16, 18) stitches along the side of the heel flap.
2. Knit across the 28 (32, 36) stitches on the top of the foot.
3. Pick up and knit 14 (16, 18) stitches along the other side of the heel flap. Knit half the heel stitches to centre the beginning of the round. [70 (80, 90) stitches total].

4. Round 1: Knit.
5. Round 2: Knit to 3 stitches before top of foot, k2tog, k1; knit across top of foot stitches; k1, ssk, knit to end of round.
6. Repeat Rounds 1 and 2 until 56 (64, 72) stitches remain.

**Foot:**
- Knit in the round until foot measures 5cm (2 inches) less than desired total foot length from heel to toe.

**Toe:**
1. Round 1: Knit to 3 stitches before top of foot, k2tog, k1; k1, ssk, knit to 3 stitches before end of round, k2tog, k1; k1, ssk, knit to end of round.
2. Round 2: Knit.
3. Repeat Rounds 1 and 2 until 20 (24, 28) stitches remain.

**Finishing:**
1. Use the Kitchener stitch to graft the remaining stitches together, creating a seamless toe.
2. Weave in ends securely, and block if necessary.

**Making the Second Sock:**
- Repeat all steps for the second sock to complete the pair.

**Helpful Tips:**
- When practicing the Kitchener stitch, consider watching tutorials for visual guidance.
- Frequently try the sock on to ensure the fit matches expectations, allowing easy adjustments if needed.

Congratulations! You've now completed a cosy pair of cuff-down socks perfect for wearing on chilly days. Enjoy your new hand-knit warmth!