purlJam

# Easy Cuff-Down Worsted Weight Socks

**A beginner-friendly sock pattern worked from the cuff down using traditional heel flap construction**

## Pattern Information

**Difficulty Level:** Beginner  
**Construction:** Cuff-down with heel flap  
**Finished Size:** Adult Medium (with size variations provided)  
**Finished Foot Circumference:** 20 cm (8") unstretched

## Materials

**Yarn:** 150-200g worsted weight (10 ply) yarn  
*Sample knitted in machine-washable wool blend*

**Needles:** 4.5mm (US 7) double-pointed needles (DPNs) or circular needles for magic loop method

**Notions:** 
- Tapestry needle for grafting
- Stitch markers (optional)
- Scissors

## Tension

**18 stitches and 24 rows = 10cm (4") in stocking stitch**

*Tension is critical for sock fit - knit a swatch and adjust needle size if necessary*

## Sizes

**Small/Child:** 48 stitches - 18cm (7") foot circumference  
**Medium/Adult:** 52 stitches - 20cm (8") foot circumference  
**Large/Men's:** 56 stitches - 22cm (8.5") foot circumference

*Instructions are written for Medium with variations for other sizes in brackets [Small, Large]*

## Special Techniques

**Magic Loop:** Method for knitting small circumferences on long circular needles  
**Kitchener Stitch:** Grafting technique to close toe seamlessly  
**Short Rows:** Creating shape by working partial rows

## Pattern Instructions

### Cast On & Cuff

Cast on 52 [48, 56] stitches using long-tail cast on.

Distribute stitches evenly on 4 DPNs: 13 [12, 14] stitches per needle.

Join for working in the round, being careful not to twist. Place marker for beginning of round if desired.

**Cuff Ribbing:**
Round 1: *K2, p2; repeat from * around
Repeat Round 1 for 5cm (2")

### Leg

Work in stocking stitch (knit every round) for 15cm (6") or desired length to ankle.

### Heel Flap

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

**Setup:** Place 26 [24, 28] stitches on two needles for heel. Leave remaining 26 [24, 28] stitches on hold for instep.

**Row 1 (RS):** *Sl1, k1; repeat from * across heel stitches
**Row 2 (WS):** Sl1, purl to end

Repeat Rows 1-2 for 26 [24, 28] rows total, ending with a WS row.

*The slipped stitches create a sturdy heel and make picking up stitches easier*

### Heel Turn

**Row 1 (RS):** K15 [14, 16], ssk, k1, turn
**Row 2 (WS):** Sl1, p5 [4, 6], p2tog, p1, turn
**Row 3:** Sl1, k6 [5, 7], ssk, k1, turn
**Row 4:** Sl1, p7 [6, 8], p2tog, p1, turn

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

You should have 16 [14, 18] heel stitches remaining.

### Gusset

**Setup:** With needle holding heel stitches, pick up and knit 13 [12, 14] stitches along left side of heel flap.

Work across 26 [24, 28] instep stitches.

Pick up and knit 13 [12, 14] stitches along right side of heel flap, then knit 8 [7, 9] heel stitches.

**Stitch count:** 68 [62, 74] stitches total

Place marker for new beginning of round (centre of heel).

**Gusset Decreases:**
**Round 1:** K to 3 stitches before instep, k2tog, k1; work across instep; k1, ssk, k to end
**Round 2:** Knit around

Repeat Rounds 1-2 until 52 [48, 56] stitches remain.

### Foot

Work even in stocking stitch until foot measures 5cm (2") less than desired finished length.

*For average adult medium, work until foot measures 20cm (8") from back of heel*

### Toe Shaping

**Round 1:** K1, ssk, k to 3 stitches before halfway point, k2tog, k2, ssk, k to last 3 stitches, k2tog, k1
**Round 2:** Knit around

Repeat Rounds 1-2 until 20 [16, 24] stitches remain.

Knit to halfway point. Break yarn, leaving 30cm (12") tail.

### Finishing

Graft toe closed using Kitchener stitch:

1. Thread tail through tapestry needle
2. Hold needles parallel with working yarn on right
3. Insert needle through first stitch on front needle as if to purl, pull through, leave stitch on needle
4. Insert needle through first stitch on back needle as if to knit, pull through, leave stitch on needle
5. Continue alternating: front needle knitwise (remove), purlwise (leave); back needle purlwise (remove), knitwise (leave)

Weave in all ends securely.

## Second Sock

Work exactly as first sock.

## Size Adjustments

**For narrower feet:** Use smaller needles or fewer stitches
**For wider feet:** Use larger needles or more stitches
**For longer legs:** Work additional rounds before heel
**For different foot lengths:** Adjust length before toe shaping

## Care Instructions

Hand wash in cool water with wool detergent. Lay flat to dry, reshaping while damp. Do not wring or twist.

## Troubleshooting Tips

**Holes at heel pickup:** Pick up an extra stitch between heel and instep, then decrease away in next round

**Loose stitches:** Keep consistent tension, especially when changing needles

**Wrong stitch count:** Count stitches at end of each section before continuing

**Toe too pointy:** Work fewer decrease rounds for a rounder toe

## Notes

- This pattern creates a pair of socks (make two!)
- The cuff-down method allows you to try on as you work
- Heel flap construction is very durable and beginner-friendly
- Worsted weight yarn creates warm, cozy socks perfect for wearing with boots or as house slippers

**Abbreviations:**
k = knit, p = purl, sl = slip, ssk = slip slip knit, k2tog = knit 2 together, p2tog = purl 2 together, RS = right side, WS = wrong side, DPN = double-pointed needle

*Pattern tested and verified for accuracy*