Tying Your Shoelaces

The Simple Way (aka the “Bunny Ears” method):

1. Hold your laces: Imagine they’re two timid worms, one in each hand.
2. Cross the worms: Make them hug like long-lost friends.
3. Create the loops: Each worm curls up, forming a cosy loop, like they’re about to take a nap.
4. Cross and thread: One loop bravely dives through the hole beneath the other, creating a knotty embrace.
5. Pull tight: Give those loops a good tug, like you’re waking them from their slumber. Voilà! Your shoes are secure, ready to conquer the world (or at least the walk to the shops).

The Complicated Way (aka the “Ian Knot” – yes, it’s a real thing!):

1. Grip those laces: This time, imagine they’re feisty snakes, wriggling in your grasp.
2. The initial cross: Make the snakes intertwine, as if they’re engaged in a wrestling match.
3. Form the loops: With a flick of the wrist, create loops with both laces, like they’re suddenly trying to impress a nearby snake charmer.
4. The tricky bit: Now, this is where it gets wild. Pass both loops through the hole created by the initial cross. It’s like a double-snake handshake, requiring dexterity and a touch of magic.
5. Pull tight: Give those snakes a firm yank, as if you’re separating them from their intense embrace. Congratulations! You’ve mastered the Ian Knot, a knot so secure it could probably withstand a hurricane.

Why bother with the complicated way?

• Speed: The Ian Knot is surprisingly quick once you get the hang of it.
• Security: It’s less likely to come undone, saving you from those embarrassing “tripping over your own laces” moments.
• Show off factor: Impress your friends with your newfound knot-tying prowess.

Helpful hints for both methods

• Practice makes perfect: Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get it right away. Keep practising, and you’ll be a shoelace-tying master in no time.
• Use different coloured laces: This can make it easier to see what you’re doing, especially when learning a new knot.
• Tighten as you go: Don’t wait until the end to tighten the knot. Adjust the tension as you go along for a more secure fit.
• Have fun! Shoelace tying doesn’t have to be a chore. Experiment with different knots and styles, and enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done.

Now go forth and tie those laces with confidence!