This pattern includes a second PDF version that is formatted for knitters with low vision. It has black text, size 22 or larger text in a sans serif font, no italics, no columns, and fully-written directions. The chart is still included but is not needed to work the pattern. Many thanks to Gemma Thompson (gemmabelle here on Rav) and the Accessible Patterns group for their guidance in formatting patterns in a more accessible way.

In recent years, romance novel cover trends have shifted away from photographs and toward illustrated covers, especially in the contemporary romance subgenre. Some readers have welcomed this change, arguing that the older cover styles were tacky and embarrassing. Other readers dislike the illustrated covers because they think it makes it harder to tell whether a book is a romance and, if so, what the heat level of that romance may be.

Regardless of where you fall in that conversation, there’s no denying that the illustrated couple has a firmly established place in the list of common romance novel cover elements. Whether they’re minimalist and geometric, drawn in a whimsical caricature style, or created with painstaking accuracy, these illustrated couples have made their mark.

Sizes

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Finished sock dimensions: 6.25” (16 cm), 7.5” (19 cm), 8.75” (22 cm), 10” (25.5 cm), 11.25” (28.5 cm) circumference (Note: most people like their socks snug, so choose a finished sock size that is slightly smaller than your actual foot)

Materials

Fingering weight yarn, 260-420 yds (238-384 m)

Sample shown knit in Bad Sheep Yarn Basic Sock Fingering, 75% Superwash Merino, 25% Nylon, 462 yds (423 m) per 3.5 oz (100 g)

Gauge

4” (10 cm) square = 32 stitches x 40 rows in stockinette

Needles

One set of needles for your preferred style of small-circumference knitting in a size to match gauge listed above

Suggested needle size: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)

Tools

One stitch marker for beginning of round; optional additional markers between pattern repeats
Tapestry needle for weaving in ends

Skill Level

Intermediate. Techniques include decreases, knitting in the round