purlJam

# Easy Cuff-Down Worsted Weight Socks Pattern

These socks are perfect for beginners who want a quick and cosy project. Worked from the cuff down with a traditional heel flap, they offer the flexibility to try on the sock throughout the process to ensure a perfect fit. The worsted weight yarn adds extra warmth, making them ideal for chilly days.

## Materials
- **Yarn**: 100g worsted weight yarn (approx. 200 metres)
- **Needles**: 
  - 4mm (UK 8 / US 6) double-pointed needles (DPNs) or a long circular needle for the magic loop technique
- **Notions**: Stitch markers, tapestry needle

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

## Sizes
- **Small/Medium**: Foot circumference 20-22 cm (8-8.5 inches) [56 sts]
- **Medium/Large**: Foot circumference 23-25 cm (9-9.5 inches) [64 sts]

## Pattern Notes
- This pattern is written for knitting in the round using DPNs, but can be adapted for the magic loop method.
- Always try your sock on periodically to ensure the best fit.
- When working with DPNs, stitches are typically divided evenly across three needles, with the fourth as a working needle. For the magic loop, divide stitches evenly on both sides of the circular needle.

## Instructions

### Cuff
1. **Cast On**:
   - Small/Medium: Cast on 56 stitches.
   - Medium/Large: Cast on 64 stitches.
   - Join in the round, being careful not to twist, and place a marker to indicate the beginning of the round.

2. **Cuff Ribbing**:
   - Work in k2, p2 ribbing for 4-5 cm (1.5-2 inches).

### Leg
3. **Leg**:
   - Knit in stockinette stitch (knit every round) for 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) or desired length.

### Heel Flap
4. **Heel Flap** (worked over half of the total stitches):
   - Place first half of stitches (28 [32] for small/medium [medium/large]) on one needle for the heel flap.
   - Work back and forth in rows:
     * Row 1 (RS): *Slip 1, knit 1*; repeat from * to end.
     * Row 2 (WS): Slip 1, purl to end.
   - Repeat these two rows for 5 cm (2 inches) or 20 rows.

### Heel Turn
5. **Heel Turn**:
   - Continue with the heel flap stitches:
     * Row 1 (RS): Knit 16 [18], k2tog, k1, turn.
     * Row 2 (WS): Slip 1, p5, p2tog, p1, turn.
     - Repeat these two rows, working one additional stitch before the decrease until all heel stitches are worked and you have 16 [18] sts remaining.

### Gusset
6. **Gusset**:
   - With RS facing, pick up and knit 10 [12] stitches along the side of the heel flap. Place marker.
   - Knit across the instep stitches (remaining stitches not used in the heel flap and turn).
   - Pick up and knit 10 [12] stitches along the other side of the heel flap. Place marker.
   - Knit across half the heel stitches. This is now the new beginning of the round.

7. **Decreases**:
   - Round 1: Knit to 3 sts before first marker, k2tog, k1, slip marker, knit across instep, slip marker, k1, ssk, knit to end.
   - Round 2: Knit all stitches.
   - Repeat rounds 1 and 2 until you are back to the original number of stitches: 56 [64] sts.

### Foot
8. **Foot**:
   - Knit in stockinette stitch until the foot measures approximately 5 cm (2 inches) less than the desired total length.

### Toe
9. **Toe Decreases**:
   - Round 1: *Knit to 3 sts before marker, k2tog, k1, slip marker, k1, ssk*; repeat from * to end.
   - Round 2: Knit all stitches.
   - Repeat rounds 1 and 2 until you have 8 [8] stitches remaining on each needle for a total of 16 [16] stitches.

### Finishing
10. **Kitchener Stitch**:
    - Graft the remaining stitches using Kitchener stitch for a seamless toe. 

Repeat the entire process for the second sock to complete the pair.

Congratulations, you've knit your first pair of cosy worsted weight socks!