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.

The second archetype in this year’s Golden Honey Sock Club is the Reformed Rake. “Rake” is short for “rakehell,” an old-fashioned slang term for someone (usually a man) who leads a scandalous, dissolute, aimless life. In historical romances, you’ll usually find a rake spending his evenings in gaming hells and his mornings sleeping off a hangover. He may have fought a duel or two, and he’s definitely overspent his allowance. He’s full of subtle quips and is probably a lot of fun to hang out with for a while, but don’t expect him to show any discipline or commitment to anything—or anyone.

My favorite rakes, though, are the ones who end up discovering that there’s more to life and more to themselves. Whether they find joy in work that has been thrust upon them, steadiness in caring for younger siblings who end up needing them, or love with the last person they ever expected to settle down with, the reformed rakes always make my heart thaw just a bit.

These socks are knit from the cuff down and graded to five sizes. They feature braided cables that symbolize the rake’s journey toward finding himself and some eyelets that help let the light in. 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” (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 Fiber MacGyver Merino Twist, 80% Merino, 20% nylon, 400 yds (365 m) per 3.5 oz (100 g)

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
Cable needle (optional)
Tapestry needle for weaving in ends

SKILL LEVEL

Intermediate

Techniques: cabling, decreases, knitting in the round, stockinette stitch grafting