How to Tie the "Ian Knot" for Dress Shoelaces [Easy-to-Follow Guide with Video!]

This article explains how to tie the Ian Knot, complete with a video.

The Ian Knot is versatile and can be used for hiking boots, sneakers, and running shoes, not just the dress shoes featured in this article.

While the Ian Knot may seem difficult, it's actually very simple once learned, allowing you to tie your laces in an instant—much faster than a standard bow knot.

It's a convenient knot to know for when you're in a hurry!

How to Tie the "Ian Knot" for Dress Shoelaces

We also cover this content in the video. Please refer to it as well.

How to Tie the Ian Knot: Step-by-Step

Let's get right into how to tie it.

1: Wrap the white lace around the red lace.
2: Make a loop with each lace. The white lace should be crossed underneath, and the red lace should be crossed over the top to form the loops.

3: Place the red loop on top of the white loop.
4: Grab the overlapping laces from between their respective loops.

5: Pull the laces you grabbed through the space between the loops.
6: Tighten the knot securely, and you're done.

If You Find the Ian Knot Difficult, Just Remember This

If you're having trouble, focus on mastering the key points in "Step 2".

【Point 1】

In "Step 4", when you pass the lace through the loop, you will be passing the blue-highlighted part of the loop from "Step 2". Note that this blue part is the side connected to the end of the lace. (It is not the side connected to the central knot.)

【Point 2】

Pay attention to how you cross the laces when making the loops. At the yellow circles, the left (white) lace crosses underneath, while the right (red) lace crosses over the top.

By making the loops in "Step 2" with these points in mind, you'll be able to tie a clean Ian Knot.

Next, we'll go over some common mistakes, which should also be helpful.

If the Ian Knot Becomes Vertical

If your knot ends up vertical, you need to review "Step 3".

If you place the left loop on top and pass the laces through, the knot will become vertical.

Instead, you will succeed if you place the right loop on top.

If Only One Loop Forms

If only one loop is forming, you need to review "Step 2".

When making the loops, if you cross both the left and right laces over the top, one of the laces won't engage properly, resulting in a single loop.

By crossing the left lace underneath and the right lace over the top, you will create a clean Ian Knot.

If No Knot Forms at All

If no knot is forming at all, you need to review "Step 2".

This is where you make the two loops, but if you do not cross the laces within each loop, no knot will form.

You can tie a proper Ian Knot by crossing each lace to form a loop—left side under, right side over.

Does the Ian Knot Come Undone?

Have you ever heard that the Ian Knot is secure, only to find that it comes undone? Let's explain why.

The Difference Between the Ian Knot and a Bow Knot

Many websites claim that "the Ian Knot is more secure than a standard bow knot," but the fact is, the final knot is identical. Only the tying process is different.

In other words, since the Ian Knot and the bow knot are the same, their security is the same.

The Ian Knot was apparently invented by a man named Ian Fieggen, hence the name, but its main advantage seems to be that it's a faster way to tie a bow knot. And indeed, it is faster than the standard method.

The Ian Knot is a quick way to tie a bow knot, not a more secure one. If you're looking for a secure knot, we recommend the Berluti Knot.

Let's compare the final knots of the Ian Knot and a standard bow knot.

As you can see, the final knot is the same.

Looking at how the laces are intertwined, it's also the same.

Summary of the Ian Knot's Pros and Cons

Now that we understand the final knot is the same as a bow knot, let's summarize the pros and cons of the Ian Knot.

【Pros of the Ian Knot】

• It allows you to tie a bow knot faster than the standard method.

【Cons of the Ian Knot】

• A bit tricky to learn.
• The security is no different from a standard bow knot.

While the Ian Knot has the advantage of being a fast way to tie a bow knot, it isn't a particularly secure knot.

If you're looking for a secure knot, we recommend the extremely secure Berluti Knot. Please refer to the article below for the Berluti Knot.

How to Tie the "Berluti Knot" for Dress Shoelaces [Easy-to-Follow Guide with Video!]

Finally: Other Shoelace Knots

[With Videos!] A Guide to Tying Dress Shoelaces [Secure Knots, etc.]

How to Tie the "Berluti Knot" for Dress Shoelaces [Easy-to-Follow Guide with Video!]