Mercator Socks

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