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# Easy Cuff-Down Worsted Weight Socks Pattern

These beginner-friendly socks are perfect for those new to sock knitting, using the classic cuff-down method with a traditional heel flap. This pattern is written for worsted weight yarn, making these socks warm and quick to knit. You can try them on as you go to ensure a perfect fit!

## Materials

- Yarn: Worsted weight yarn, approx. 200g total for a pair of socks.
- Needles: 
  - Double-pointed needles (DPNs) 4.5mm or a 4.5mm circular needle for magic loop method.
- Stitch markers
- Tapestry needle for finishing

## Tension (Gauge)

- 20 sts and 28 rows = 10 cm (4 in) in stockinette stitch

## Sizes

- Small (Child): 56 sts, 18-19 cm (7-7.5 in) foot circumference
- Medium (Women's): 64 sts, 20-22 cm (8-8.5 in) foot circumference
- Large (Men's): 72 sts, 23-24 cm (9-9.5 in) foot circumference

## Abbreviations

- k: knit
- p: purl
- k2tog: knit 2 together
- ssk: slip, slip, knit (a decrease)
- sl: slip
- st(s): stitch(es)
- DPNs: double-pointed needles

## Instructions

### Cuff

1. **Cast On:** Using the tubular cast on method or your preferred stretchy cast on, cast on 56 (64, 72) sts. Divide stitches evenly across 4 DPNs or onto two for using the magic loop method. Join in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches. Place a marker to indicate the beginning of the round.

2. **Ribbing:** Work k2, p2 ribbing until piece measures 4-5 cm (1.5-2 in) from cast on edge.

### Leg

3. **Leg:** Continue in stockinette stitch (knit all stitches) until the leg measures 15-20 cm (6-8 in) from cast on edge or desired length.

### Heel Flap

4. **Setup for Heel Flap:** The heel will be worked flat over half the total stitches: 28 (32, 36) sts. Work heel flap in rows back and forth on these stitches.

5. **Heel Flap Pattern:**
   - Row 1 (RS): *sl 1, k1*; repeat from * to end.
   - Row 2 (WS): sl 1, p to end.
   - Repeat these 2 rows until the flap is approximately 5 cm (2 in) or you have worked 14 (16, 18) RS rows.

### Heel Turn

6. **Heel Turn:** 
   - Row 1: k until 9 (10, 12) sts remain, k2tog, k1, turn.
   - Row 2: sl 1, p5, p2tog, p1, turn.
   - Row 3: sl 1, k to 1 st before gap, k2tog, k1, turn.
   - Row 4: sl 1, p to 1 st before gap, p2tog, p1, turn.
   - Repeat Rows 3 and 4 until all heel stitches are worked.

### Gusset

7. **Gusset:** 
   - Setup: Pick up and knit 11 (13, 15) sts along the edge of the heel flap. Knit across the top of the foot stitches, pick up and knit 11 (13, 15) sts along the other edge of the heel flap. You now have more than your original stitch count on the needles.
   
8. **Gusset Decrease Rounds:**
   - Round 1: Knit all stitches.
   - Round 2: K to 3 sts before the top of foot, k2tog, k1, work across top of foot sts, k1, ssk, k to end.
   - Repeat Rounds 1 and 2 until you have 56 (64, 72) sts total.

### Foot

9. **Foot:** Continue in stockinette stitch until the foot measures approximately 5 cm (2 in) less than your desired total foot length.

### Toe

10. **Toe Decreases:**
    - Round 1: *K to 3 sts before marker, k2tog, k1, repeat from * around.
    - Round 2: Knit all stitches.
    - Repeat Rounds 1 and 2 until you have half of your original co sts left: 28 (32, 36) sts.
    - Then, repeat Round 1 only until 8 sts remain.

11. **Finishing:** Break yarn leaving a long tail, and graft stitches using Kitchener stitch.

## Finishing Touches

- Weave in all ends using the tapestry needle.
- Block if desired.

Congratulations! You've just knit your first pair of worsted weight socks. Enjoy the warmth and comfort!