zlacker

I'm not sure whether that's how I tie my laces or not as I use the "fastest" method which is demonstrated by Matt Parker on Numberphile here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPIgR89jv3Q

I think they're the same, but the method is now purely muscle memory for me and the diagrams on Ian's page don't look familiar.

Edit: Looking around Ian's site, they are different. The method I (and also Matt Parker) use is the "Ian Knot": https://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/ianknot.htm

>>ndsipa+(OP)
Ian's knot is also the one I use, the secure knot is more resilient, but the fact that Ian's knot works despite being so fast and looking like a magic trick never fails to make me smile, it's an instant of glee every time I tie my shoes.

>>ndsipa+(OP)
Matt is also doing the 'trefoil' left-over-right.

What's wrong with you people!!!! That's why your laces keep coming undone!!! The trefoil should be right-over-left.

lol

But it does look magical, I'll have to try it, switching the forward/backward loops due to my right-over-left trefoil.

>>maskli+u
The problem is that I've now forgotten how to tie a normal shoelace knot. It's similar to how I can't remember an oft-used password unless I can use a keyboard and see what my fingers are typing.

>>jackne+K1
I get confused by the terminology (is that my left, or coming from the left etc) but I presume you mean the preliminary cross-over of the laces. One way leads to a less secure knot and the other way should be secure - I don't have issues with laces undoing.

>>ndsipa+h2
Yes, if you do the initial cross-over right-over-left, then a normal 'bunny' knot, with the 'passive loop' on the right, it's secure.

They have to match. From all the "you're doing it wrong" posts and videos I can only assume that everyone (else) is learning left-over-right for the initial twist, and then right-loop for the main bow, which of course slips.

>>ndsipa+X1
I didn't learn till I was a teen(I was taught several times, but have never been a fan of non-sandals so always forgot within a day or two).

Then I found what it actually is, it's a doubly slipped square knot, a square knot is right over left and left over right, and slipped versions are usually just finishing with a loop that goes back the way it came, so I can figure it out from the much easier to memorize verbal description.