These are knitted flat, and stitches are picked up along one side edge to make the ribbed band for the button holes. I used lovely chunky buttons (between 2.5 cm and 4 cm in diameter), but if you want to use smaller ones I would recommend knitting the side ribbing without the buttonholes and just pushing the buttons through the stitches so they don’t pop open.

There is no shaping to the leg warmers, but you can choose where to position the buttons to achieve an overall tapered effect. I have fairly substantial calves! (40 cm around at the widest point) and these fit me snugly but not tightly. If your calves measure more than this you might want to cast on with 29 stitches instead of 28. You can also add an extra row or two to the side ribbing if you need to.

Those with skinnier pins can either adjust the position of the buttons, or cast on fewer stitches. but go easy on any adjustments. The leg warmers will stretch a little, and a stitch here or there can make quite a big difference with super chunky yarn!