Size 3 or 4 double-pointed needle set (2.25-to 2.75 mm)   (I use a set of 5 needles; you can use 4 needles.)

2 ornamental buttons: Traditionally, horn buttons are used. You can also use pewter buttons.   A heart-shaped button of horn is shown in the picture.

Optional: strips of suede leather, ribbons to be sewn behind ornamental button.

 Method:

Cast on 60 stitches. DO NOT close the tube, but knit back and forth in 2X2 knit and purl rib for about 3 inches. This makes the ornamental fold down cuff.  Now, close the tube and knit for 4 or 5 more inches; cuff is finished.

 On to the heel: Put half the stitches on hold on two needles (or one, if you use 4 and not 5 needles.)  Put the other 30 stitches on a needle and knit back and forth for about 20 rows;

 Row 1: K1, Sl, repeat; end on K1

Row 2: Purl

repeat, end ready to do a Purl row.

 Turn heel:

 P across until you have 11 sts remaining, P2tog and turn. Slip that first st and work across in  pattern till you have 11 sts remaining. SSK, turn, slip 1. Purl back across till you get to the stitch before the "gap," P2tog, turn, slip 1. Work back across in the slip pattern st until you get to the st before the gap on this edge, SSK, turn and slip 1. Continue in this manner until all the edge sts are eaten up - after you do the last SSK you should have 10 sts on the needle and be ready to pick up the sts for the first side of the gusset.

 Pick up 19 sts down the heel flap. Knit across the 30 instep sts in plain knit. Pick up the next 19 stitches on the other side of the flap for the gusset. K 1 round plain.

 Then, knit up 17 of the first 19 stitches on the first gusset needle, k2tog, k1, knit across the 30 instep stitches, then on the next gusset needle k1, ssk, knit to end; one decrease round finished.

 Alternate the plain and decrease rounds until you are back to 60 total stitches. Knit down to 2 1/2 inches before desired foot length (my foot is 9 inches long so I stop at 6 1/2 inches.)

 Now, knit the toe:

Round 1. Knit to end of first (gusset or sole) needle: k2tog k1, then on instep, k1 ssk, knit to 3 stitches before end of the 30 instep stitches; k2tog k1. Then on the next gusset (sole) needle, k1, ssk, knit to end.

Round 2 knit plain.

repeat until 8 stitches remain on instep and 4 on each sole needle. Graft together using Kitchener stitch:

put the 8 sole stitches on one needle

put the 8 instep stitches on another needle. Break off knitting wool, leaving at least a foot of yarn.

 Now, slip front stitch as if to knit, slip off, slip next front needle stitch as if to purl, leave on needle. Slip back needle stitch as if to purl, slip off, slip next backstitch as if to knit, leave on. Repeat this as a mantra until all the stitches are grafted.

 WARNING!!! When knitting the second sock, arrange the cuff so the button will fall on the outside of your ankle (mirror image). Otherwise you will have two left or two right socks.

Finishing:

 Weave in ends, sew on button and block.  These socks are typically worn with hiking boots, even under printed Dirndl skirts and dresses. A bandana-style kerchief with a cowbell is often worn around the neck.