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# Easy Cuff-Down Worsted Weight Socks

**Difficulty Level:** Beginner  
**Yarn Weight:** Worsted

This beginner-friendly pattern will guide you through knitting a pair of cosy cuff-down socks using the traditional heel flap construction. Ideal for newcomers to sock knitting, this method allows you to try on the socks as you go, ensuring the perfect fit.

## Materials
- Yarn: 100-150g of worsted weight yarn
- Needles: 3.75mm (US 5) double-pointed needles (DPNs) or a long circular needle for the magic loop method
- Tapestry needle
- Stitch markers

## Tension (Gauge)
- 20 stitches and 28 rows = 10 cm (4 inches) in stockinette stitch

## Sizes
- **Small/Child**: 48 stitches, fits 18-19 cm (7-7.5 inches) foot circumference
- **Medium/Women's**: 56 stitches, fits 20-21 cm (8-8.5 inches) foot circumference
- **Large/Men's**: 64 stitches, fits 22-23 cm (9-9.5 inches) foot circumference

## Abbreviations
- k: knit
- p: purl
- k2tog: knit two stitches together
- ssk: slip, slip, knit
- st(s): stitch(es)

## Pattern Instructions

### Cuff
1. **Cast On**: Using the long tail cast on method, cast on 48 (56, 64) stitches. Distribute the stitches evenly over 3 or 4 DPNs or set up for magic loop if using a circular needle. Join in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches. Place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round.
2. **Ribbing**: Work in k2, p2 ribbing for 4-5 cm (1.5-2 inches).

### Leg
1. **Stockinette Stitch**: Knit every round for 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) or desired length for the leg.

### Heel Flap
1. **Setup**: Work on the first half of your stitches (24 (28, 32) sts).
2. Row 1 (RS): *Slip 1, knit 1* across row.
3. Row 2 (WS): Slip 1, purl to end.
4. Repeat these two rows until the flap measures 5 (6, 7) cm (2 (2.5, 3) inches).

### Turn Heel
1. Row 1 (RS): Knit 14 (16, 18), ssk, k1, turn.
2. Row 2 (WS): Slip 1, p7 (9, 11), p2tog, p1, turn.
3. Row 3: Slip 1, knit to one stitch before the gap, ssk, k1, turn.
4. Row 4: Slip 1, purl to one stitch before the gap, p2tog, p1, turn.
5. Repeat Rows 3 and 4 until all stitches have been worked, ending with a WS row. You should have 14 (16, 18) stitches remaining.

### Gusset
1. **Pick Up Stitches**: Knit across the heel stitches. Use the left needle to pick up and knit stitches along the side of the heel flap (1 stitch per slipped stitch row), place a stitch marker for the new start of round, then knit across the instep stitches.
2. **Begin Round**: Pick up and knit stitches along the other side of the heel flap. Place another marker, knit across renamed heel stitches.
3. **Decrease Round**:
   - Round 1: Knit to 3 stitches before first marker, k2tog, k1, knit across instep stitches, k1, ssk, knit to end.
   - Round 2: Knit all stitches.
4. Repeat these rounds until you have returned to your original number of stitches (48 (56, 64) sts).

### Foot
1. Continue knitting in the round in stockinette stitch until the foot measures approximately 5 cm (2 inches) shorter than the total desired foot length.

### Toe
1. **Decrease for Toe**:
   - Round 1: *Knit to 3 stitches before marker, k2tog, k1; slip marker, k1, ssk*; repeat for the other side.
   - Round 2: Knit all stitches.
2. Repeat these two rounds until you have 16 (24, 32) stitches remaining.
3. Use kitchener stitch to graft the remaining stitches closed.

## Finishing
- Weave in any loose ends using a tapestry needle.
- Give your socks a gentle wash and block to shape, as desired.

Congratulations on completing your first pair of worsted weight socks! Enjoy the warmth and comfort of your handmade creation.