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One thing that's worth noting about the classic bow shoelace knot is that no-one seems to know how to do them. The right way to do it is with the bow knot refle
by dri_ft 10y ago
One thing that's worth noting about the classic bow shoelace knot is that no-one seems to know how to do them. The right way to do it is with the bow knot reflected relative to the base knot below it, like a reef knot, rather than oriented the same way, like a granny knot. I never knew this until a few years ago and since I've started doing it, I've stopped needing to double-knot my laces - they're secure enough for me with a single knot done properly. I always try to explain this to people when I get a chance, and no-one else seems to know about it, either.
I see there's a page about this on the site: http://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/grannyknot.htm http://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/grannyknot.htm
- leephillips 10y agoTrue that almost no one knows how or why, but about 50% get it right by chance. I had the same experience as you.
- henrikschroder 10y agoI was taught how to tie my shoelaces by my granny, and sure enough, I was doing granny knots, and I was frustrated with some shoes, because the shoelaces would just come undone, and you'd have to double-tie the knot or something. Until, at the ripe old age of 32, when a friend tipped me about Ian's shoelace site, and I finally learned how to tie my shoelaces properly. It's a great example of not knowing what you don't know, because shoelaces, right?
- pbhjpbhj 10y agoSame here, noted how someone tried their leaves as it looked peculiar. Realised I was effectively tying grannies, changed the direction of my second loop; far more secure. To me it's fascinating as it's something taught at a very early age, something used nearly every day, yet something a lot people seem to do "wrong" (inefficiently) by habit or ignorance. But now my kids know and can suffer less unties, so that's good. Similar thing for me, the "use a food packet as a bowl" trick (eg for crisps/potatoe chips).
- hudibras 10y agoNo joke, here's a TED talk on the subject: https://www.ted.com/talks/terry_moore_how_to_tie_your_shoes https://www.ted.com/talks/terry_moore_how_to_tie_your_shoes