Converse are back in fashion again and can give a fresh and trendy touch to many of your outfits. However, the idea of stringing the strings in an original way can often be a little intimidating. Generally it is necessary to make more than one attempt, especially the first few times, also because there is an almost infinite number of possible different schemes. Nonetheless, there are three classic ways of stringing strings: straight, crisscross or double. While they are simple, they are also a great starting point for learning the basics of how to tie Converse. In addition to being aesthetically beautiful, these three patterns are interchangeable and can refresh any old pair of All Stars.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Cross-Line Lacing
Step 1. Thread the laces through the two eyelets closest to the tips of the shoes
Watch the video to get it right and grab the Converse as shown in the images so as not to risk confusing top, bottom, left and right. The laces must enter the eyelets from below and come out from above. Once threaded, the strings will connect the two lower eyelets through a horizontal line. Slide them so that the two flaps you are holding are the same length.
This is the most traditional method of tying any kind of shoe. It is simple and guarantees a comfortable result
Step 2. Introduce the right end of the string, which we will call A, into the diagonal loop
To be clearer, you need to slip it into the second eyelet, starting from the bottom, of the right half of the shoe. This way the string will connect the two eyelets with a diagonal line. The lace must come out from the top of the eyelet at the bottom left and enter from below in the second at the bottom right. Slide it through the eyelet by pulling it up.
Step 3. Repeat with end B, passing it over section A
Take in your hand the end B of the lace, which currently comes out from the eyelet at the bottom right of the shoe, and introduce it into the one placed diagonally, that is the second, starting from the bottom of the left half of the shoe. Also in this case, the lace must connect the two eyelets with a diagonal line and must come out from the top and enter from the bottom. Slide it through the second bottom left eyelet by pulling it up.
Step 4. Continue crossing the two strings diagonally
Continue by alternately threading the two ends through one eyelet after the other, using the exact same method, until you reach the two holes closest to the ankle. At each step, slide the lace through the eyelet, from bottom to top, then thread it into the one placed diagonally (always from bottom to top). Remember to continuously alternate the strings.
Step 5. Pull both ends, after passing them through the last two eyelets
At this point you can put on the shoes and simply tie them with the classic bow knot you learned to do as a child. Alternatively, if you prefer the ends of the strings not to be seen, you can hide them under the flap of the Converse. If you wish, you can complete the pattern by replicating the horizontal starting line. In this case, after having threaded the strings in the last two eyelets, cross them and insert them respectively in the opposite one (located on the same row).
Method 2 of 3: Straight Lacing
Step 1. Thread end A into the second eyelet on the same side of the shoe as the lace comes from to create a horizontal line
The end A of the lace, that is to say the one that currently comes out of the last eyelet placed at the bottom left of the shoe, must be inserted in the penultimate hole of the same side, in practice the one immediately next to it. Note that the laces must enter the two eyelets from the top and come out from the bottom. Remember to check that the string does not twist around itself, especially if you are using the flat ones.
Step 2. Insert end A into the hole on the opposite side of the shoe
Pull the lace horizontally and insert it into the second hole, starting from the bottom, on the right side of the shoe. In practice, in what is on the same line as the eyelet from which the string currently comes out. Note that this time the lace will need to enter the eyelet from the top and come out from the bottom. Once this is done, you should see that it has formed a second horizontal line on the shoe.
Step 3. Pull end B up, skipping a row of eyelets
The end B, which is currently on the right side of the shoe, is pulled towards the heel and inserted into the third eyelet, starting from the bottom, of the right half of the shoe. The second hole on the same side should be occupied by end A. Again, remember to check that the strings do not curl or twist around themselves, especially if they are flat. If necessary, slide them between your fingers to adjust them.
Step 4. Insert end B into the opposite hole
Pull the lace horizontally, towards the left side of the shoe, then insert it into the third eyelet starting from the bottom, which is the one that is on the same line from which the string comes out. Once this is done, you should see that a third horizontal line has been created parallel to the others. Remember that also this time the lace will have to enter the eyelet from the top and come out from the bottom, basically inside the shoe.
Step 5. Continue applying this same pattern
End A will be inserted into the second, fourth and sixth pair of eyelets, starting from the bottom, while end B will be inserted into the third, fifth and seventh pair. When finished you should see a column of horizontal lines and no diagonal lines.
Step 6. Pull the strings and fasten them
Slide end A through the top right hole and end B through the top left hole. Slip your feet into the Converse and tie them with a standard bow knot. If you want to prevent the ends of the laces from dangling on the sides of the shoes, you can hide them under the tongue.
Method 3 of 3: Double String Lacing
Step 1. Choose the appropriate strings
The required length depends on the number of eyelets on the shoes. To tie the Converse in this way you will need two strings of different colors, but of equal length. The ideal is that they are flat and rather thin. Each eyelet will need to accommodate two strings, so it is important that they are fine and flat, regardless of length.
- This lacing pattern is also applicable on Converse with an odd number of eyelets, but will be more symmetrical if the holes are even number.
- If you need to tie two pairs of eyelets, use strings that are approximately 70 cm long.
- If you need to tie three pairs of eyelets, use strings that are approximately 80 cm long.
- If you need to tie four pairs of eyelets, use strings that are approximately three feet long.
- If you need to tie five pairs of eyelets, use strings that are about three feet long.
- If you need to tie six pairs of eyelets, use strings that are approximately 110 cm long.
- If you need to tie seven pairs of eyelets, use strings that are approximately 120 cm long.
- If you need to tie eight pairs of eyelets, use strings that are approximately 135 cm long.
Step 2. Line up the two strings
Arrange them on top of each other with precision. Looking at them they should look like a single string, twice as thick as normal. This technique is similar to the crossover technique explained in the first part of the article and uses the same general pattern. It is a style much appreciated by Converse fans, because it is fun, decorative and easily customizable. Pulling and tying two laces at the same time is a little more difficult than using only one; this is something you should consider before choosing this method.
Step 3. Thread the laces through the last two eyelets, the ones closest to the toe of the shoe
You must make sure that color 1 is the one in sight. The other lace, that of color 2, must be hidden under the first one. In this case, the strings must be threaded through the eyelets from the bottom upwards. At the end of the passage, the two strings will have to dangle on the sides of the Converse.
Step 4. Cross the ends A diagonally upwards
Thread them into the second eyelet on the right, starting from the bottom. Make sure that the two strings are well overlapped, so that now the visible one is color 2 (while color 1 remains hidden below). You should see a diagonal line connecting the opposite holes in the first and second row of eyelets. Note that also this time the laces will have to enter the eyelet from the bottom and come out from the top.
Step 5. Cross the ends B diagonally upwards
Thread them into the second eyelet on the left. To complete the other half of the pattern, also in this case the color 1 will have to remain hidden under the color 2, so make sure that the strings are overlapping in the correct way. The two eyelets will be connected by another diagonal line, forming a cross with the one in the opposite direction. Also this time the laces will go through the eyelet from the bottom up.
Step 6. Flip the strings over and repeat the previous two steps
This time the two strings will have to overlap so that color 1 is at the top (and therefore will be visible), while color 2 will remain hidden below. Alternate the two ends to cross the laces, first threading end B into the third eyelet on the right, starting from the bottom, and then end A into the opposite one, on the same row.
Step 7. Continue with this pattern until you have completed the eyelets
Continue to reverse and cross the strings. Each "x" that forms on the tongue of the shoes should be of a single color, as well as different from the color of the "x" that follows it and the one that precedes it.
Step 8. Slip on the Converse and tie them with a simple knot
At this point it doesn't matter which color is superimposed on the other; simply pull the laces that come out of the eyelets closest to the ankle of the foot and fasten them. Once tied, both colors will be visible. If you have trouble tying the two strings together or don't want the bow to be too showy, you can tuck one color under the tab and tie the others only.
Advice
- Be careful not to twist the strings. Each time you pull them through an eyelet, gently iron them with your hands. In some cases, to be able to fix them you may have to remove them and put them back on again.
- Keep trying until you succeed. Sometimes you may find yourself with one end of the strings too long and one too short to be able to tie them. In this case take them off and start over.
- Change your style every week or every month. Choose a different look to always be original and trendy.
- Purchase strings of various colors. You can also choose them in fluorescent shades, for example green, pink, yellow or orange.
Warnings
- Before you buy a pair of strings, make sure they have not been treated with chemicals that are hazardous to health. Read the information on the label to find out more.
- Be patient. If this is your first time trying to tie Converse following a particular decorative pattern, you may encounter some difficulties. Be careful not to twist the strings, stay calm and take your time.
