purlJam

**Easy Cuff-Down Socks Pattern**

**Materials:**
- Yarn: Worsted weight yarn, approximately 200-250 grams for a pair of socks depending on size.
- Needles: 4 mm (US 6) double-pointed needles (DPNs) or a 4 mm circular needle suitable for the magic loop method.
- Stitch markers
- Tapestry needle

**Tension:**
18 stitches and 24 rows = 10 cm (4 inches) in stockinette stitch.

**Sizes:**
- Small (Child): 56 sts; Foot circumference: 18 cm (7-7.5 inches)
- Medium (Women's): 64 sts; Foot circumference: 20 cm (8-8.5 inches)
- Large (Men's): 72 sts; Foot circumference: 23 cm (9-9.5 inches)

**Abbreviations:**
- k: knit
- p: purl
- st(s): stitch(es)
- k2tog: knit two together
- ssk: slip, slip, knit
- rnd(s): round(s)
- DPNs: double-pointed needles

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**Pattern Instructions:**

**Cuff:**
1. Using the long-tail cast-on method, cast on 56 (64, 72) stitches. Distribute the stitches evenly across 4 DPNs or place on the circular needle for magic loop, ensuring not to twist the stitches. Join in the round.
2. Work k2, p2 ribbing for 5 cm (2 inches).

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

**Heel Flap:**
1. Knit across [half the stitches: 28 (32, 36)] for the heel flap. Turn.
2. Row 1 (WS): *Sl1, p to end*, turn.
3. Row 2 (RS): Sl1, *k1, sl1* to end, turn.
4. Repeat these two rows until you have a total of 14 (16, 18) slipped stitches on each side edge.

**Heel Turn:**
1. Row 1 (WS): P16 (18, 20), p2tog, p1, turn.
2. Row 2 (RS): Sl1, k5, ssk, k1, turn.
3. Row 3 (WS): Sl1, p6, p2tog, p1, turn.
4. Continue working short rows like Row 2 and Row 3, until all side stitches are worked. You should have 16 (18, 20) heel stitches remaining.

**Gusset:**
1. With RS facing, pick up and knit 14 (16, 18) stitches along the first side of the heel flap. Place marker for gusset.
2. Knit across the instep stitches.
3. Pick up and knit 14 (16, 18) stitches along the second side of the heel flap. Knit half of the heel stitches to position the beginning of the round. 

**Instep and Gusset Decreases:**
1. Round 1: Knit to 3 stitches before the first marker, k2tog, k1, knit across instep, k1, ssk, knit to end.
2. Round 2: Knit all stitches.
3. Repeat Rounds 1 and 2 until you are back to 56 (64, 72) stitches, removing any markers as you reach them.

**Foot:**
1. Continue in stockinette stitch until the foot is approximately 5 cm (2 inches) less than the total desired foot length.

**Toe:**
1. Place markers for the beginning of the round and halfway, dividing the stitches evenly over the instep and sole.
2. Round 1: Knit to 3 stitches before the marker, k2tog, k1, move marker, k1, ssk, knit to 3 stitches before the next marker, k2tog, k1, move marker, k1, ssk, knit to end.
3. Round 2: Knit all stitches.
4. Repeat Rounds 1 and 2 until you have 8 (8, 12) stitches remaining on each DPN (16 total), or adjust as necessary for your preferred fit.

**Finishing:**
1. Graft the toe stitches using the Kitchener stitch.

**Final Touches:**
- Weave in all ends securely.
- Block your socks if desired.

**Notes:**
- Adjust the length of the foot to ensure a perfect fit as you try on the sock while knitting.
- The heel flap uses a slip-stitch pattern for durability.

Enjoy your warm, cosy socks!