purlJam

# Easy Cuff-Down Worsted Weight Socks

**A beginner-friendly sock pattern worked from the cuff down**

## Pattern Details
- **Skill Level:** Beginner
- **Yarn Weight:** Worsted (4/Medium)
- **Construction:** Cuff-down with traditional heel flap
- **Makes:** One pair of socks

## Materials

**Yarn:** 150-200g worsted weight yarn (machine washable wool or wool blend recommended for durability)

**Needles:** 4mm (UK 8, US 6) double-pointed needles (set of 5) OR 4mm circular needles for magic loop method

**Notions:**
- Stitch markers
- Tapestry needle for finishing
- Scissors

## Tension (Gauge)
18 stitches and 24 rounds = 10cm (4") in stocking stitch, worked in the round

**Tension is critical for sock fit - please make a tension square!**

## Sizes
- **Small (Child/Teen):** 18cm (7") foot circumference, fits UK shoe sizes 2-4
- **Medium (Women's):** 20cm (8") foot circumference, fits UK shoe sizes 4-6  
- **Large (Men's):** 23cm (9") foot circumference, fits UK shoe sizes 7-9

## Finished Measurements
- **Leg length:** 18cm (7") from cast-on edge
- **Foot length:** Customizable to fit

## Abbreviations
- k: knit
- p: purl
- k2tog: knit 2 together (right-leaning decrease)
- ssk: slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
- st(s): stitch(es)
- rnd(s): round(s)

## Special Techniques

**Distributing stitches on DPNs:** Divide stitches evenly across 4 needles, use 5th needle to knit.

**Magic Loop:** Use one long circular needle, pulling cable out between stitches to create two working sections.

## Instructions

### Cast On and Cuff

**For Small:** Cast on 32 sts
**For Medium:** Cast on 36 sts  
**For Large:** Cast on 40 sts

Distribute stitches evenly on 4 DPNs or set up for magic loop. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist stitches. Place marker for beginning of round.

**Rounds 1-20:** *K2, p2; repeat from * to end of round.

This creates a 5cm (2") ribbed cuff that will hug the leg comfortably.

### Leg

**Rounds 21-56:** Knit all stitches (stocking stitch).

This creates a 13cm (5") leg section. Adjust length here if desired - each round adds approximately 3mm.

### Heel Flap

The heel flap is worked back and forth on half the stitches.

**Set-up:** 
- Small: Place first 16 sts on one needle for heel, remaining 16 sts on hold for instep
- Medium: Place first 18 sts on one needle for heel, remaining 18 sts on hold for instep
- Large: Place first 20 sts on one needle for heel, remaining 20 sts on hold for instep

**Row 1 (RS):** *Sl 1, k1; repeat from * to end of row.
**Row 2 (WS):** Sl 1, purl to end of row.

Repeat these 2 rows until you have worked:
- **Small:** 16 rows (8 chain stitches along each edge)
- **Medium:** 18 rows (9 chain stitches along each edge)  
- **Large:** 20 rows (10 chain stitches along each edge)

### Heel Turn

This shapes the bottom of the heel using short rows.

**Row 1 (RS):** 
- Small: K9, ssk, k1, turn
- Medium: K10, ssk, k1, turn
- Large: K11, ssk, k1, turn

**Row 2 (WS):** Sl 1, p3, p2tog, p1, turn

**Row 3:** Sl 1, knit to stitch before gap, ssk (one st from each side of gap), k1, turn

**Row 4:** Sl 1, purl to stitch before gap, p2tog, p1, turn

Repeat Rows 3-4 until all heel stitches have been worked. You should have:
- **Small:** 10 stitches remaining
- **Medium:** 10 stitches remaining
- **Large:** 12 stitches remaining

### Gusset

Pick up stitches along the sides of the heel flap to rejoin for round knitting.

**Set-up:**
- Knit across heel stitches
- Pick up and knit 1 stitch in each chain stitch along left side of heel flap
- Knit across instep stitches (these stitches were on hold)
- Pick up and knit 1 stitch in each chain stitch along right side of heel flap
- Knit to centre of heel stitches

This is now the beginning of the round. You should have:
- **Small:** 48 stitches total
- **Medium:** 54 stitches total
- **Large:** 60 stitches total

**Decrease rounds:**
**Round 1:** 
- Knit to last 3 stitches before instep, k2tog, k1
- Knit across instep stitches
- K1, ssk, knit to end of round

**Round 2:** Knit all stitches

Repeat these 2 rounds until you return to the original stitch count:
- **Small:** 32 stitches
- **Medium:** 36 stitches
- **Large:** 40 stitches

### Foot

Continue knitting in rounds until foot measures:
- 5cm (2") less than desired total foot length

**Typical measurements:**
- **Small:** 18cm (7") total, so knit until foot measures 13cm (5")
- **Medium:** 23cm (9") total, so knit until foot measures 18cm (7")
- **Large:** 28cm (11") total, so knit until foot measures 23cm (9")

### Toe Shaping

**Round 1:**
- K1, ssk, knit to last 3 stitches before instep, k2tog, k1
- K1, ssk, knit to last 3 stitches of instep, k2tog, k1

**Round 2:** Knit all stitches

Repeat these 2 rounds until you have:
- **Small:** 16 stitches remaining
- **Medium:** 16 stitches remaining  
- **Large:** 20 stitches remaining

Then work Round 1 (decrease round) only until you have:
- **All sizes:** 8 stitches remaining

### Finishing

Cut yarn leaving a 30cm (12") tail. Thread tail through tapestry needle.

Graft toe closed using Kitchener stitch:
1. Hold stitches on two needles with points facing right
2. Thread tapestry needle purlwise through first stitch on front needle, leave stitch on needle
3. Thread tapestry needle knitwise through first stitch on back needle, leave stitch on needle
4. *Thread needle knitwise through first stitch on front needle, slip stitch off needle
5. Thread needle purlwise through next stitch on front needle, leave on needle
6. Thread needle purlwise through first stitch on back needle, slip stitch off needle
7. Thread needle knitwise through next stitch on back needle, leave on needle*
8. Repeat from * until all stitches are grafted

Weave in all ends securely.

### Make Second Sock

Repeat all instructions to create the second sock.

## Tips for Success

1. **Check your tension:** Worsted weight socks should feel snug but not tight when tried on
2. **Try on as you go:** The cuff-down method allows you to check fit at the leg and foot
3. **Heel flap:** The slipped stitch pattern creates a sturdy, comfortable heel
4. **Foot length:** Measure from back of heel to tip of longest toe for accurate sizing
5. **Yarn choice:** Choose yarn with some wool content for elasticity and durability

## Care Instructions

Hand wash in cool water with wool wash. Lay flat to dry. The worsted weight makes these socks perfect for wearing around the house or with boots.

## Troubleshooting

**Socks too loose?** Try smaller needles or a yarn with tighter twist
**Heel feels bulky?** This is normal with worsted weight - the thickness provides extra cushioning
**Running out of yarn?** You can make the leg shorter or use a contrasting colour for the toe and heel

**Pattern Notes:** This pattern creates warm, cushioned socks perfect for cold weather. The worsted weight makes them quicker to knit than traditional fingering weight socks, making this an excellent first sock project.