Ian Knot

Quick Preview:

Before we begin, here's a small GIF animation of my Ian Knot to prove that it really is the world's fastest.

Step 1:

Begin with a regular Left-over-Right Starting Knot.

Step 2:

Make both ends into “loops” by simply doubling them back onto themselves. Hold the left (yellow) lace around the left thumb and forefinger, using the other fingers of the left hand to hold the lace taut. Hold the right (blue) lace between the right thumb and forefinger.

Step 3:

Twist both loops anti-clockwise so that the left (yellow) loose end is at the front and the right (blue) loose end is at the back. The right middle finger pushes the right (blue) loose end to the back.

Step 4:

Cross the loops with the left (yellow) loose end in front. The left thumb pushes the left (yellow) loose end over to the right, while the right middle finger continues to push the right (blue) loose end all the way between the left thumb and forefinger to end up inside the left loop.

NOTE: The diagram at left shows somewhat exaggerated crossed loops. They are really more “alongside” each other, which is difficult to illustrate.

Step 5:

Each hand uses the two fingers inside its own loop to grab the loose end of the other hand's loop. The left thumb and forefinger grab the right (blue) loose end, while the right thumb and middle finger grab the left (yellow) loose end.

Step 6:

Each hand releases its own loop and pulls the loose end of the opposite loop through its own. Take care not to pull the ends all the way through, as this will form a “knot” instead of a “bow”. In fact, this is a quick way to tie a “Starting Knot” (although the finger movements must be reversed left/right to balance the finished knot).

Step 7:

Pull both loops tight to complete the knot. With practice, I can now tie my shoelaces in about one third of the time of a conventional knot!