How to Tie Shoelaces

A Primer for Absolute Beginners



Setting Your Foundation

Step One Cross the blue end over the yellow end.

The blue end is now on the right side. Step Two Wrap the blue end around

the front of the yellow lace. Step Three

Feed the blue end through the gap

to emerge at the front right side. Step Four

Pull both ends tight and you'll be ready

to move on to the shoelace knot.





Standard Shoelace Knot

Step One





Make the blue end into a loop

by simply doubling it back onto itself. Step Two





Take the yellow end and pass it around,

going behind the blue loop. Step Three





Wrap the yellow end around

the blue loop to end up in front. Step Four





Feed the yellow lace into

the hole that has just been made. Step Five





With the yellow lace now

through the hole, pull both loops tight. Step Six





Continue pulling on the loops

until the knot is firmly tied.



How to Fix Crooked Bows and Slipping Laces

Do your shoelaces always come undone? Do your shoelace bows sit vertically instead of across the shoe?

If so, you're probably tying a "granny knot." One simple change to your technique

will result in a balanced knot that sits straight and stays secure.



Balanced Knot Unbalanced Knot

Balance Your Knot

Left Over Right Right Over Left



If your shoelaces often go vertical, all you have to do is reverse your starting knot.

Do you normally begin with left over right? Try right over left instead,

then continue tying your knot the same as you always do.

Do you normally begin with right over left? Switch it up.

Creating an attractive, balanced shoelace knot is as simple as that.

This tutorial was created by Ian Fieggen, known as Professor Shoelace.

For even cooler, faster shoelace knots and advanced tying techniques,

please visit his website here: Ian's Shoelace Site