Perry’s Shoelace Knotting

I suspect this is really only an introduction to shoelace knots since the subject seems to be largely neglected (until now anyway). So what you get here are three methods of tying the standard knot, plus three alternative knots. One of the alternatives (the Freedom Knot) is ideal if you suffer from 'shoelaces coming undone syndrome', and the other (the Ultra Freedom Knot) is the ultimate in shoelace security. Finally, 'Perry's Perpetual' is good if you have some footwear where the laces aren't critical and you don't want to tie them every time you put them on.

I've tried to make the instructions clear, but feedback is welcome if you have problems or constructive suggestions to make.

There are also shoelace knots beyond those discussed here - see the acknowledgements page for a couple, plus links to the originators of two of the knot variants given here.

On to the knots ...

The Standard Knot

First, I've included what I regard as the normal method of tying the standard knot. Then I give what can be seen as an easier method that might be useful, for example, to people just learning to tie their own laces. Before moving onto other knots I also show Ian Fieggen's quick tying method.

The other thing to say now is that I'm right handed and tie knots in a particular way. It's fine to modify the methods given here providing the topology of the knots isn't altered. For example, (using knotting parlance) the standard shoelace knot is a reef ('square' in the USA) knot with two draw loops. It doesn't matter how you get there as long as the arrangement is correct. If you change the method make sure the end point is the same.

Standard Knot - normal method

So, the normal method for the standard knot. The underlying knot is shown here as a 'left over right, right over left' pattern. If you want to vary this (such as at step 6, bringing the lace forward rather than back), then make sure steps 2 and 6 follow this pattern. If you don't do this already, you may be using a Granny Knot (e.g. based on a 'left over right, left over right' pattern). This Granny Knot variant isn't as good as the standard knot, so try changing it before resorting to more complicated solutions to unruly laces.

Standard Knot - simple method

This sequence is slightly more symmetrical and therefore easier to learn. The key is to make sure the loops (step 2) are long enough to tie the second overhand knot (in step 4), but short enough to leave the draw loops intact and available for untying.

Standard Knot - quick method

With a bit of practice, this method becomes easier and quicker than the normal or simple methods. It comes from Ian Fieggen (another shoelace connoisseur - see acknowledgements). Getting the hang of this can take a bit of practice, but once you've seen how the knot falls into place it becomes straightforward.

The Freedom Knot

Freedom Knot

Just as the standard shoelace knot is the well-known reef/square knot with added draw loops, the Freedom Knot is based on another knot that is well documented in knotting circles.

The Surgeon's Knot is a useful upgrade to the reef knot when joining cord, being less liable to come loose. The Freedom Knot then, is a Surgeon's Knot with twin draw-loops. If you have laces that tend to fall apart however tight you tie them, then this is the knot you probably need. If you have trouble following the instructions here (and even if you don't), this knot is so good it has its own web-site (see acknowledgements).

The key to tightening this knot is allowing (if not encouraging) the laces to twist as it is pulled together. Step 7 shows the how the laces are entwined across the top, and it is this part of the knot that needs to be allowed to re-arrange itself. This tends to be more successful if the knot is tied fairly loose to start with.

For further security, a modification suggested to me (see acknowledgements) is to tuck the ends of each lace through the opposite securing loop, thus locking each end twice as much. This shoelace knot is so good I've called it the Ultra Freedom Knot and given it its own page here. Since the starting point for this is the standard Freedom Knot, you'll have to learn this first.

Perry's Perpetual

Perpetual Knot

Finally (unless I find another worthy contender), here is a different type of shoelace knot. This is based on the principle of 'tie once, use many'. As for all the other knots here, this is a variant of another standard knot - the Blood Knot. This is typically used to join slippery cord, particularly fishing line and is one of the strongest joining knots (or 'bends' if you're fussy about terminology) around.

The general idea is to create a slip knot that grips the laces sufficiently in normal use, but which can be loosened by pulling the knot and allowing the loops to slide though. Tightening is achieved by pulling on the loops - one side of each loop tightens the knot (giving more grip), and the other side tightens the laces.

Although this form of knot is more complicated to tie and needs some trial and error before the right balance between loop size and loosening capacity is achieved, it never needs tying again. It also consumes more lace than other knots, so can't be used unless there is a generous amount of lace available. Use the Perry Predictor on the lacing page to see how long your laces would need to be.

The amount of grip can be increased by adding wrapping turns before threading the lace ends through the centre (steps 11 and 12). Here, the instructions show two turns per lace, with step 14 showing a three turns per lace knot before final tightening.