purlJam

# Easy Cuff-Down Worsted Weight Socks

**Difficulty Level:** Beginner  
**Finished Size:** Small (Medium, Large) - 18 (20, 23) cm foot circumference  
**Pattern makes one pair of socks**

## Materials

- **Yarn:** 200 (250, 300)g worsted weight yarn (Category 4)
  - *Recommended:* Machine washable wool blend for durability
- **Needles:** 4.5mm (US 7) double-pointed needles or 80cm circular needle for magic loop
- **Notions:** Tapestry needle, stitch markers, scissors

## Tension

**18 stitches and 24 rows = 10cm in stocking stitch**  
*Tension is crucial for proper fit - always knit a swatch!*

## Abbreviations

- **k** - knit
- **p** - purl  
- **k2tog** - knit 2 together (right-leaning decrease)
- **ssk** - slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
- **yo** - yarn over
- **sl** - slip stitch purlwise with yarn in back
- **st(s)** - stitch(es)
- **rnd** - round
- **RS** - right side
- **WS** - wrong side

## Pattern Instructions

### Cast On & Cuff

**Cast on:** 32 (36, 40) sts using long-tail cast on

**Distribute stitches:**
- **DPNs:** 8 (9, 10) sts on each of 4 needles
- **Magic loop:** 16 (18, 20) sts on each half of circular needle

Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist stitches. Place marker for beginning of round.

**Cuff (K2, P2 Ribbing):**  
Work for 20 rounds (approximately 8cm):
- *K2, p2; repeat from * to end of round

### Leg

Switch to stocking stitch (knit every round).
Work even for 40 rounds (approximately 17cm) or desired leg length.

*Tip: Try on as you go to check length preference*

### Heel Flap

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

**Set-up:**  
- Knit first 16 (18, 20) sts onto one needle for heel
- Place remaining 16 (18, 20) sts on holder for instep

**Heel Flap (worked over 16 (18, 20) sts):**

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

Repeat these 2 rows for 16 (18, 20) rows total, ending with a WS row.

*The slipped stitches create a strong, cushioned heel*

### Turn Heel

**Row 1 (RS):** K10 (11, 12), ssk, k1, turn
**Row 2 (WS):** Sl 1, p5 (5, 5), p2tog, p1, turn
**Row 3:** Sl 1, k6 (6, 6), ssk, k1, turn
**Row 4:** Sl 1, p7 (7, 7), p2tog, p1, turn

Continue in this manner, working one more stitch before the decrease on each row until all stitches are worked.

**Final count:** 10 (12, 12) sts remain

### Gusset

**Pick-up round:**
- With heel needle, pick up and knit 8 (9, 10) sts along left side of heel flap
- Knit across 16 (18, 20) instep sts
- Pick up and knit 8 (9, 10) sts along right side of heel flap
- Knit first 5 (6, 6) heel sts

**New stitch distribution:** 13 (15, 16) + 16 (18, 20) + 13 (15, 16) = 42 (48, 52) sts

**Gusset decreases:**

**Round 1:**
- Needle 1: Knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1
- Needle 2: Knit across instep
- Needle 3: K1, ssk, knit to end

**Round 2:** Knit even

Repeat rounds 1-2 until 32 (36, 40) sts remain.

### Foot

Work even in stocking stitch until foot measures 5cm less than desired total foot length from back of heel.

**Foot length guide:**
- Small: 20cm total
- Medium: 23cm total  
- Large: 26cm total

### Toe Shaping

**Rearrange stitches:** 8 (9, 10) + 8 (9, 10) + 8 (9, 10) + 8 (9, 10)

**Round 1:**
- Needle 1: Knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1
- Needle 2: K1, ssk, knit to end
- Needle 3: Knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1  
- Needle 4: K1, ssk, knit to end

**Round 2:** Knit even

Repeat rounds 1-2 until 16 (16, 20) sts remain.

**Final decreases:**
Repeat round 1 only until 8 sts remain.

### Finishing

Cut yarn leaving 30cm tail. Using Kitchener stitch, graft toe closed.

**Kitchener Stitch:**
1. Thread tail through tapestry needle
2. Hold needles parallel with working yarn coming from back needle
3. *Insert needle through first st on front needle as if to purl, pull through, leave st on needle*
4. *Insert needle through first st on back needle as if to knit, pull through, leave st on needle*
5. **Insert needle through first st on front needle as if to knit, pull through, slip st off needle*
6. *Insert needle through next st on front needle as if to purl, pull through, leave st on needle*
7. *Insert needle through first st on back needle as if to purl, pull through, slip st off needle*
8. *Insert needle through next st on back needle as if to knit, pull through, leave st on needle*

Repeat steps 5-8 until all stitches are grafted.

### Second Sock

Work exactly as first sock.

## Finishing Touches

- Weave in all ends securely
- Block lightly if desired (lay flat to dry)
- Wash according to yarn care instructions

## Beginner Tips

1. **Needle Management:** If using DPNs feels awkward, try magic loop method with one long circular needle
2. **Tension Consistency:** Keep yarn tension even - socks should have good stretch but not be loose
3. **Heel Reinforcement:** The slipped stitch pattern creates extra durability where socks wear most
4. **Fit Check:** Try on sock before starting toe decreases to ensure proper fit
5. **Second Sock:** Start the second sock immediately to avoid "second sock syndrome"

## Yarn Substitution Notes

This pattern works beautifully with:
- **Machine washable wool blends** (most practical)
- **Cotton blends** (good for warmer weather)
- **Superwash wool** (easy care, warm)

**Care Instructions:** Follow yarn label recommendations. Most worsted weight sock yarns are machine washable on gentle cycle.

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*This pattern creates cosy, thick socks perfect for wearing around the house or with boots. The worsted weight makes them quicker to knit than traditional fingering weight socks - ideal for beginners!*