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Ian Knot, Ian's Fast Shoelace Knot
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I tie my shoelaces with an "Ian Knot", the World's Fastest Shoelace Knot: Make a loop with both ends and
simultaneously pull them through each other to form an almost instant knot. Don't confuse this with the very
similar looking
Two Loop Shoelace Knot - the technique is quite different and much
faster. It's a truly revolutionary way to tie your shoelaces!
Please don't be put off by these detailed instructions - even the
Standard Shoelace Knot looks tricky when illustrated! Give it a try; you'll find it's easier than it looks.
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Step 1:
Tie a Left-over-Right
Starting Knot as shown, then hold the laces as pictured. The right (blue) lace is held
between the right thumb and forefinger whilst the left (yellow) lace is held
around the left thumb and forefinger, using the other fingers of the left hand to hold the lace taut.
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Step 2:
This move creates two loops, one with the loose end behind, the other with the loose end in front. Use the middle
finger of the right hand to push the loose end of the right lace behind, whilst the left hand simply rotates
forwards to swing its loop across to the right.
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Step 3:
This next move crosses the two loops over each other. Use the left thumb to push its loose end over to the right,
whilst the right middle finger continues to push its loose end all the way between the left thumb and forefinger to
end up
inside the left loop.
Note that the diagram at left shows somewhat exaggerated crossed loops. They are really more "alongside" each other,
which is difficult to illustrate.
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Step 4:
This tricky move requires each hand to use the two fingers inside its
own loop to grab the loose end of the
other hand's loop. Use the left thumb and forefinger to grab the loose right end, then the right thumb and
middle finger can grab the loose left end.
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Step 5:
This move sees each hand releasing its own loop and pulling the loose end of the opposite loop through its own.
Take care
not to pull the ends all the way through, as this will form a "knot" instead of a "bow". In fact, this is a
quick way to tie a starting knot (though the finger movements must be reversed left to right or else it forms a
Granny Knot).
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Step 6:
This final step simply completes the knot by pulling the loops tight. With practice, I can now tie my laces in
about
one third of the time of a conventional knot!
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Note that you do not have to follow my instructions to the letter. So long as you retain the "core" of the
technique, you are welcome to use whatever finger movements are most comfortable for you.
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Finished Knot
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The finished "Ian Knot" is identical to either the
Standard Shoelace Knot or the
Two Loop Shoelace Knot. Because it was tied much more quickly and symmetrically, the
laces suffer less wear and tear and thus last longer. |
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NOTE:
If your finished knot comes out crooked, it's probably because you tie your
Starting Knot the opposite way to mine. This will result in an un-balanced "Granny Knot", which both sits
crooked and comes undone more easily. See my
Slipping Shoelace Knots page for more information.
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