Who knew that there were multiple ways to do something as simple as tying shoelaces? Whether you're teaching a child how to tie their shoelaces, or are looking for a new technique for you to try yourself, all you need is patience and your favorite shoe.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using the "Circle" Technique
Step 1. Place the shoes on a flat place
Let the shoelaces hang on each side of the shoe.
If you're showing someone this technique, point the toe toward them so they can see the movement of your hand
Step 2. Tie a simple knot
Take both shoelaces, and place one laces on top of the other, then pull them tight. The two laces should form a knot in the middle of the shoe.
Step 3. Tie the knot one more time, but don't tighten it
Leave the second knot loose. Notice that a circle is formed from the vertices. Hold this hoop with your hands, and lay it on top of the shoe.
Step 4. Thread one shoelace into the loop
Make sure to get it out of the loop and over one of the sides. You can keep the rope loose, but make sure it doesn't slide out of the loop.
Step 5. Thread one more shoelace into the loop
The laces must be passed through the loop and one side of the shoe.
You should have two "rabbit ears" shaped circles on each side of the knot in the middle of the shoe
Step 6. Pull these two rabbit ears tight
Use your hands to pull the rabbit's ears tight until they lock.
- Your shoes should now be neatly tied. The longer you do this, the more you should be able to do this technique in no more than 25 seconds.
- This method is also a great choice for teaching children as a quick and simple technique.
Method 2 of 3: Using "Magic Finger" and "Ian's Knot"
Step 1. Place the shoes on a flat place
Let the laces hang down each side of the shoe.
If you're showing someone this technique, point the toe toward them so they can see your hand movement
Step 2. Tie a simple knot
Take both shoelaces and place one laces on top of the other, then pull them tight. The two laces should form a knot in the middle of the shoe.
Step 3. Move your right hand, and use your thumb and index finger to grip one of the shoelaces
Your fingers should be facing you.
- Make sure your little finger is also holding the shoelace.
- You should be able to make a half-rectangular shape (or a lobster claw shape) with your thumb and index finger, as you grip the laces.
Step 4. Move your left hand, and use your thumb and forefinger to grip the other shoelace
Again, your fingers should be facing you.
Don't forget your little finger. Make sure that this finger is also holding the shoelace. You should be able to make a half-rectangular shape (or a lobster claw shape) with your thumb and index finger
Step 5. Pull your fingers close to each other so that you feel the shoelaces tighten
Rotate your fingers so that they are facing each other.
- It will look like the two halves of a half rectangle or lobster claw are facing each other.
- Form an "X" with your shoelaces.
Step 6. Press the shoelace between your fingers, and pull it using your thumb and index finger
When you tighten the laces, you will have two "rabbit ears" on each side of the shoe, and a tight knot in the middle of the shoe.
This technique takes longer to learn and perform, but with enough practice, you should be able to tie your shoelaces this way in under a minute
Method 3 of 3: Using the "Bunny Ears" Technique
Step 1. Place the shoes on a flat place
Let the laces hang down each side of the shoe.
- If you're showing someone this technique, point the toe toward them, so they can see your hand movement.
- If you're teaching children this method, it might help to tie a small knot in the middle of one of the shoelaces.
- If you don't mind colored laces, you can also dye the bottom of the laces brown, the middle green, and the top brown. That way, when you guide them to make a loop out of shoelaces, it will resemble a tree by making sure the green part is at the top of the circle, like the color of the leaves on a tree.
Step 2. Tie a simple knot
Take both shoelaces and place one laces on top of the other, then pull them tight. These two laces will form a knot in the middle of the shoe.
Step 3. Make a loop with one of the shoelaces
Hold the laces between your thumb and forefinger and middle finger.
If you're using the "tree" trick, guide your child to form a circle with colored string so that the brown parts overlap, and the green parts become the top of the circle (leaves on the tree)
Step 4. Use your other hand to wrap the other rope around the circle
You can hold it over your finger and go around the circle.
Again, if you're using the "tree" trick, guide your child to loop the knotted shoelace around the "tree" trunk
Step 5. Use your free hand to pull the shoelace through the hole to form another loop
There should now be a hole between the looped shoelace and the wrapped shoelace. Pull the wrapped rope out through this hole.
Another way to explain it is by guiding your child to pull the knot through the hole to make another loop
Step 6. Hold both circles and pull them tight
By now your shoes should be securely attached.
- You can also guide your child to pull the knots and tops of the tree trunks in opposite directions until tightly.
- While this is the most traditional of the three in this article, it may not be the fastest to complete and the resulting knot isn't as tight as the previous two.
- Try each way of tying shoelaces to determine what works best for you.
Tips
- Remember that there is no right or wrong way to tie shoelaces. You can tie your shoelaces any way you like, as long as you're comfortable in your shoes and can walk without pain.
- Remember, practice will make it perfect. So keep practicing tying your shoelaces, and you'll eventually master the trick in no time.
