To create unique lacing patterns, start with flat laces one size longer than usual and try bar lacing, ladder lacing, lattice lacing, checkerboard lacing with two colors, or star lacing. Bar lacing is the easiest clean look, ladder and lattice add structure, checkerboard shows off two colors, and star lacing makes the boldest statement. Patterns that weave or cross back use more lace, so size up one length.
See step-by-step guides for 10 unique lacing techniques and the star lacing pattern.
Unique lacing patterns at a glance
| Pattern | Look | Difficulty | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bar | Clean horizontal bars | Easy | Usual size |
| Ladder | Interlocked rungs | Medium | One size longer |
| Lattice | Woven center window | Hard | One size longer |
| Checkerboard | Two-color grid | Hard | Two laces |
| Star | Star shape across the tongue | Medium | One size longer |
| Zipper | Locked, zipper-like crossings | Medium | One size longer |
Bar lacing
- Run the lace straight across the bottom eyelets from the outside in.
- Take one end up inside one eyelet and straight across; take the other up inside two eyelets and straight across.
- Alternate to the top.
Ladder lacing
- Run the lace straight across the bottom eyelets from the outside in.
- Bring each end straight up through the next eyelet on the same side.
- Cross each end over and tuck it under the vertical section on the opposite side, then feed it in through the next eyelet up.
- Repeat to the top.
Lattice lacing
- Start straight across the bottom pair.
- Skip two eyelets as you cross up each side, then come back down to fill the gaps.
- Weave the ends over and under the crossings to form a woven window in the middle.
Checkerboard lacing
- Bar lace the first color across every eyelet pair.
- Weave the second color up and down through the bars, over one and under the next.
- Tuck both sets of ends inside the shoe.
Zipper lacing
- Criss-cross the first pair as usual.
- At each crossing, loop each end under the opposite lace before threading up to the next eyelet.
- Repeat to the top for a locked, zipper-like look.
Star lacing
Star lacing weaves the lace back and forth across the tongue to form a star shape and works best on shoes with 6 or more eyelet pairs. Follow the full steps in how to lace a star pattern.
Tips for clean patterns
- Use flat laces so patterns lie flat and read clearly. Rope laces grip best in ladder lacing.
- Lace both shoes the same way, or mirror them.
- Size up one length for weaving patterns.
- Finish with metal aglets for a premium look.
FAQs
How do you create unique lacing patterns?
Use flat laces one size longer than usual and try bar, ladder, lattice, checkerboard, star, or zipper lacing.
What is the easiest unique lacing pattern?
Bar lacing is the easiest unique pattern and gives a clean, flat look.
Do I need longer laces for lacing patterns?
Patterns that weave or cross back, like ladder, lattice, and star lacing, usually need laces one size longer.
What laces work best for lacing patterns?
Flat laces work best for most patterns because they lie flat, while rope laces grip best in ladder lacing.
Laces for every pattern
Flat and rope laces in every color and length from 30" to 72".
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