Shoelace knot
Encyclopedia
The shoelace knot is a knot which is commonly used for tying shoelaces.
The shoelace knot is designed for quick release and easily comes untied when either of the working ends is pulled. During the tying of the knot, the farther the loops are pulled, the shorter the working ends become. The shoelace knot is a doubly slipped reef knot
, the original being far harder to undo. The shoelace knot differs from the reef knot by having the working ends pushed back through the knot, creating the loops which allow the knot to be untied so easily.
The two loops are sometimes referred to as "bunny ears", especially when the knot is being taught to young children.
The shoelace knot is designed for quick release and easily comes untied when either of the working ends is pulled. During the tying of the knot, the farther the loops are pulled, the shorter the working ends become. The shoelace knot is a doubly slipped reef knot
Reef knot
The reef knot or square knot is an ancient and simple binding knot used to secure a rope or line around an object. Although the reef knot is often seen used for tying two ropes together, it is not recommended for this purpose due to potential instability of the knot.A reef knot is formed by tying...
, the original being far harder to undo. The shoelace knot differs from the reef knot by having the working ends pushed back through the knot, creating the loops which allow the knot to be untied so easily.
The two loops are sometimes referred to as "bunny ears", especially when the knot is being taught to young children.
Techniques
All techniques start with a starter knot; the starter knot is a simple half-hitch.- The simplest method of tying a shoelace is by forming two loops and tying those loops in a half-hitch.
- The most common method of tying a shoelace is by forming a loop, then circling the first loop with the other piece of string and finally pushing the bight of that string through the knot to form the second loop.
- A faster method of tying a shoelace is the "Ian knot", named by its inventor Ian Fieggen. Two loops are formed and pulled through each other simultaneously to form a Tom fool's knotTom fool's knotThe Tom fool's knot is sometimes considered a Handcuff knot but is somewhat inferior for this purpose to the knot which usually bears that name. It is a good knot with which to commence a slightly fancy sheepshank. It is also used as a trick knot due to the speed with which it can be made.-Tying:It...
.