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.

While romance novels rightly focus on the developing relationship between the main characters, all the additional characters provide much-needed context, move the plot forward, and add some extra entertainment value. Sometimes, you can even tell that one of the side characters is being set up for a love story of their own down the line.

I especially love when that character in a historical romance is a Scandalous Sidekick. Unlike the Reformed Rake or the Scientific Spinster, who tend to be mostly (though not always) confined to one gender or another, Scandalous Sidekicks pop up with frequency across the gender spectrum. You’ll usually find this character hanging out with a straight-laced main character. They crack racy jokes, wear shocking fashions, engage in sometimes-undignified pursuits (like gambling and smoking and attending underground boxing matches, quelle horreur), and encourage the main character to take out-of-character risks that ultimately lead them to find happiness and love. When the Sidekick gets their own book and finds love, too? Oh, that’s sublime.

This final pattern in the 2024 Golden Honey Sock Club features a twisty-turny cable with fun lace details on an otherwise plain sock, which is much like the presence of the Scandalous Sidekick in their otherwise-sedate main-character best friend’s life. It adds a little spice to something that would be rather bland without it. These socks are knit from the cuff down with a classic 2x2 cuff, heel flap and gusset, and wedge toe. They are graded to five sizes for a wider range of fit.

Sizes

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Finished sock dimensions: 6.5” (16.5 cm), 7.5” (19 cm), 8.5” (21.5 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, 280-440 yds (256-403 m)

Sample shown knit in Sew Happy Jane Joyful Fingering, 75% Superwash Merino, 25% nylon, 463 yds (424 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 to mark cabled column on sides of socks

Tapestry needle for weaving in ends

Skill Level

Intermediate. Techniques include decreases, increases, knitting in the round, cabling, stockinette grafting