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Mega "Ian Knot" Shoelace Knot
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This is a more secure variation of my Ian Knot: Make a double-loop with both ends and
simultaneously pull them through each other. The result is super-secure, though nowhere near as fast as the "Ian
Knot".
It's worth mastering the regular Ian Knot before attempting this variation!
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Step 1:
Tie a Starting Knot as shown, then make two "bunny ears" as per step (1) of the regular
Ian Knot. Start a little higher than for the regular Ian Knot, making the bunny ears longer
than usual.
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Step 2:
Now, make each side into a double loop. The left (yellow) double-loop is formed by swinging the left thumb
and forefinger around the back of the secured end (ie. not the loose end), thus wrapping a second loop of lace around
your fingers. The right (blue) double-loop is formed by swinging the right thumb around the front of the secured end.
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Step 3:
Like the regular Ian Knot, where the two loops are swung around to cross over each other,
this next move crosses the two double loops over each other, resulting in four overlapping loops. The left
(yellow) double loop swings around the front whilst the right (blue) double loop swings around the back.
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Step 4:
Again, this move is identical to that of the regular Ian Knot, where each hand uses the
fingers inside its own double loop to grab the loose end of the other hand's double loop. Take care
to only grab the loose ends, not any of the other three sides of the double loops.
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Step 5:
This step, again identical to that of the regular Ian Knot, sees each hand releasing its
own double loop and pulling the loose end of the opposite double loop through its own.
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Step 6:
When pulled tight, the result is a perfectly symmetrical knot (like the regular Ian Knot)
with a complex triple-wrap of lace around the middle, making it super secure.
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Technical Details
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How much more secure?
To quantify the security, let's consider the amount of tension required to pull the loose ends so that the knot
comes undone. To keep the comparison simple, lets consider that the Standard Shoelace
Knot requires 1 unit of tension to untie:
In other words, the Mega Ian Knot is around 3 times as secure as typical "regular" shoelace knots and around
1-1/2 times as secure as typical "secure" shoelace knots.
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Security versus difficulty
This knot came about by way of extensive experimentation with my regular Ian Knot (as did
the Double Ian Knot, Crossed Ian Knot and several
other unsuccessful variations). It is indeed the most secure knot that I've developed.
However, unlike the elegant simplicity of the "Ian Knot" (which can be tied almost instantly), this knot only gains
its extra security at the expense of being a fair bit more difficult to tie.
If you just want a simple, secure shoelace knot, there are other easier alternatives. The
Surgeon's Shoelace Knot or the
Turquoise Turtle Shoelace Knot are each probably more like the knot you're already
using, which would make them easier to learn, yet they both provide more than enough security (ie. they stay tied
all day).
If instead you're after the ultimate shoelace knot, and are willing to take the time to practice, the "Mega
Ian Knot" is for you. In fact, one visitor's 7 and 9 year old kids have taught this knot to their friends!
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This page last updated: 28-Aug-2008. Copyright © 2005-2008 by
Ian W. Fieggen. All rights reserved.
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