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.

I love no subgenre of romance so much as I love historical romance, and one absolutely delightful category of histrom cover features a hero in his shirtsleeves—no jacket, no hat, no cravat, maybe not even a waistcoat. But not just any old white dress shirt will do, you see. His shirtsleeves need to be voluminous, like sails ready to carry our hero off to undiscovered lands. Who knows? Maybe he’ll sail right into the love story he never dared to dream of.

The swirling cables and decreases in these socks are meant to mimic the strong breeze that fluffs our hero’s white linen shirt. These socks are knit from the cuff down and graded to five 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: 6.25” (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, 280-440 yds (256-403 m)

Sample shown knit in KnitPicks Stroll Effects, 75% Fine Superwash Merino Wool, 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 cabling, decreases, knitting in the round, stockinette grafting.