The Mercator Socks are worked toe-up in 2x2 rib and showcase an intriguing heel construction built on parallel and perpendicular lines, inspired by the latitude and longitude grid of the Mercator projection.

A narrow ribbed heel flap integrates seamlessly into the design, while the changing direction of the ribbing enhances the fit, creating a fabric that naturally contours to the foot.

The pattern has been test-knit and professionally tech-edited.

Gauge

36 stitches and 44 rows = 10 cm/4 inches in stockinette stitch.

Techniques

• Judy’s Magic Cast On
• Purl and Knit m1 increases
• ssk, ssp, k2tog and p2tog decreases
• picking up stitches
• Jeni’s Surprisingly Stretchy Bind Off (or any stretchy BO of your choice)

Difficulty Level

This pattern is designed for advanced beginners and intermediate knitters.
You should be comfortable maintaining a simple rib motif and picking up stitches. Charts (with corresponding written instructions) are provided to guide rib placement during increases.

Sizing

Choose the size closest to your widest feature, aiming for 10% of negative ease in width. The foot and leg lengths are adjustable. For foot length, aim for 10% negative ease to no ease, depending on your fit preference.

Foot/Leg: 48, 56, 64, 72, 80 sts/ 13.3, 15.6, 17.8, 20, 22.2 cm / 5 3/8, 6 1/4, 7 1/8, 8, 8 7/8 inches

Because of the sock construction, the 80-stitch size is not recommended for foot lengths smaller than 25 cm / 10 inches (with 10% negative ease, approximately EUR 43 / US Women 10 / UK 8.5 / US Men 9 / UK 8.5).

Materials

The socks are worked toe-up, allowing the leg length to be adjusted to suit the yarn available. Plan on approximately 100 g (400 m) of fingering sock yarn for a standard leg length.

Consider splitting your yarn into two balls, or ensure the first sock uses no more than half.

Needles

2.25 mm / US 1 needles for the sock body or the needle size needed to achieve gauge.

The pattern is written to be needle-agnostic. Use your preferred method to knit small circumferences, but note that if you are using small circulars, you will need an alternative method to work the toe.

Notions

• Tapestry needle
• Stitch markers