Step-by-step guide for Bar Lacing method as part of creative ways to tie shoe laces

Creative Ways To Tie Shoe Laces - Part II

Here's Part II of our four-part series celebrating the art of shoelace tying. Each segment will showcase five unique, stylish techniques to elevate your footwear with flair and originality. So be sure to check back for this weekly series! 


🔀 1. Bar Lacing (European Straight Lacing)

Vibe: Sleek, symmetric, and fashion-forward. Often seen on designer sneakers or minimalist dress shoes.

Description: Horizontal bars across the eyelets, with all excess lace hidden inside the shoe.

Steps:

  1. Start at the bottom and insert laces straight across, going under the eyelets.

  2. On one side, skip an eyelet and thread the lace upward inside the shoe, then out through the next hole.

  3. Take it straight across and into the opposite eyelet.

  4. Repeat the process, alternating sides, to form clean bars.


⛓️ 2. Corset Lacing

Vibe: Edgy and bold. Evokes gothic, punk, or avant-garde style—great for boots or fashion sneakers.

Description: Mimics the crisscross tightening of a corset with optional decorative loops or bows.

Steps:

  1. Lace straight across the bottom eyelets.

  2. Cross over diagonally and thread into the opposite eyelets.

  3. Add one or two extra loops around the crisscross sections before moving to the next eyelets.

  4. Tighten from the top and tie a decorative bow.


🪢 3. Double Back Lacing

Vibe: Athletic and technical. Offers a secure fit with a layered, complex look.

Description: Lace runs up and then doubles back halfway, forming a woven X-pattern with reinforced tension.

Steps:

  1. Lace straight across the bottom eyelets.

  2. Crisscross lace up 2 or 3 eyelets normally.

  3. Double the lace back downward, crossing over the previous laces.

  4. Repeat upward and downward steps until the top.


✴️ 4. Hexagram Lacing

Vibe: Mystical and artistic. Creates a six-pointed star across the tongue—great for high-top sneakers.

Description: Intricate interlocking star design using full-length laces.

Steps:

  1. Start with a base crisscross lace at the bottom.

  2. Bring each lace to the top eyelets and pull diagonally back down through lower ones.

  3. Repeat crosses to form a hexagram (like two overlapping triangles).

  4. Adjust tension carefully to keep the shape centered.


💫 5. Twist Bar Lacing

Vibe: Clean with a twist—literally. Ideal for when you want a subtle but creative detail.

Description: Looks like horizontal bars, but each has a visible twist for added texture.

Steps:

  1. Start straight across the bottom.

  2. At each eyelet pair, twist the lace once before feeding into the opposite hole.

  3. Continue this all the way up the shoe.

  4. Tie off normally or tuck ends in.


That concludes Part II of our four part series on tying shoe laces creatively!

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