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. Many thanks to Gemma Thompson (gemmabelle here on Rav) for her guidance in formatting patterns in a more accessible way.

Since March of 2020, I’ve read nothing but romance novels. I found that, in the midst of all the chaos and sadness of the pandemic, I needed a guarantee that things would work out for the good characters I loved, that the bad guys would get their just deserts, and that the author wouldn’t kill off one of the main characters.

So, I decided to honor the genre that helped me survive the last three years. This is the first pattern in a quarterly sock club where each design will be named for some of my favorite romance novel tropes. The Duke Who Gives It All Up is named for one of my very favorites—the person who walks away from power, fame, or gobs and scads of money because they realize those things aren’t what truly make them happy. If you want book recommendations, I’ve got a few for this one!

These socks are knit from the cuff down and graded to five sizes. Between the four panels of lace, stockinette columns expand the circumference in the larger sizes. A heel flap and gusset provide an adjustable fit, while the socks are finished with a classic wedge toe.

SIZES

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Finished sock dimensions: 6.5” (16.5 cm), 7.5” (18 cm), 8.5” (20 cm), 9.5” (24 cm), 10.5” (26.5 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, main color 260-420 yds (238-384 m), contrast color 1 mini skein for a maximum of 115 yds (105 m) (sizes 1-3) or two mini skeins for a maximum of 230 yds (sizes 4-5)

Sample shown knit in Bad Sheep Yarn Fingering, 75% Superwash
Merino, 25% Nylon, 462 yds (423 m) per 3.5 oz (100 g), colorways
Something Smutty (main color) and Gray Area (contrast color)

GAUGE

4” (10 cm) square = 32 stitches x 41 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: increases, decreases, knitting in the round, stockinette stitch grafting