purlJam

**Easy Cuff-Down Socks Pattern - Beginner Level**

**Materials:**
- Yarn: Worsted weight yarn, approximately 200g for a pair of socks
- Needles: Set of 4 double-pointed needles (DPNs) or a circular needle for magic loop technique, 4.5 mm
- Stitch markers
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends

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

**Sizes:**
- Small: To fit foot circumference of 18 cm (7 inches)
- Medium: To fit foot circumference of 20 cm (8 inches)
- Large: To fit foot circumference of 23 cm (9 inches)

**Abbreviations:**
- k: knit
- p: purl
- st(s): stitch(es)
- k2tog: knit two together
- ssk: slip, slip, knit
- sl1: slip one stitch
- p2tog: purl two together

**Pattern Instructions:**

**Cuff:**
1. **Cast On:**
   - Small: 44 sts
   - Medium: 48 sts
   - Large: 52 sts
   Distribute sts evenly across 3 DPNs or 2 DPNs for magic loop.

2. **Ribbing:**
   - Work in k2, p2 ribbing for 5 cm (2 inches).

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

**Heel Flap:**
1. Work back and forth on half the stitches:
   - Small: 22 sts
   - Medium: 24 sts
   - Large: 26 sts

2. **Setup:**
   - Row 1 (RS): *Sl1, k1* repeat to end.
   - Row 2 (WS): Sl1, purl to end.

3. Repeat rows 1 and 2 until the heel flap measures 5 cm (2 inches).

**Heel Turn:**
1. **Setup:**
   - Row 1 (RS): K across half the sts, k2tog, k1, turn.
   - Row 2 (WS): Sl1, p2tog, p1, turn.

2. Continue working: *Sl1, k or p across to 1 st before the gap, k2tog or p2tog the st with the gap, k1 or p1, turn* until all sts are worked and only the designated number of sts remain.

**Gusset:**
1. Pick up and knit sts along each side of the heel flap:
   - Small: 11 sts
   - Medium: 12 sts
   - Large: 13 sts

2. Continue in the round:
   - Knit across foot, then pick up stitches along other side of heel flap.
   - Place marker at the start of the instep stitches.

3. Work decrease rounds every other round:
   - Round 1: Knit
   - Round 2: k to 3 sts before instep, k2tog, k1, knit across instep sts, k1, ssk, knit to end.
   - Repeat until you have the original number of sts.

**Foot:**
- Continue knitting until the foot measures 5 cm (2 inches) less than desired length.

**Toe:**
1. Begin decreases:
   - Round 1: k to 3 sts before first marker, k2tog, k1, slip marker, k1, ssk, knit to 3 sts before second marker, k2tog, k1, slip marker, k1, ssk, knit to end.
   - Round 2: Knit all sts

2. Repeat these two rounds until there are:
   - Small: 20 sts
   - Medium: 24 sts
   - Large: 28 sts

3. Final decrease:
   - Continue decreasing every round until:
   - Small: 12 sts
   - Medium: 16 sts
   - Large: 20 sts

**Finishing:**
- Graft the toe closed using Kitchener stitch.
- Weave in ends.
- Repeat for the second sock.

**Tips:**
- Try on the sock at different stages to ensure fit.
- Use a contrast colour for a fun toe and heel if desired.
- A thicker yarn such as worsted provides warmth and cushioning, ideal for comfortable wearing. 

Enjoy knitting these easy and cozy socks!