Lacing Boat Shoes: Needle Technique Explained

Lacing boat shoes with a needle can be a daunting task, but it is possible to do it in less than 15 minutes. The process involves using a lacing needle, which is usually around 4 3/4 inches long and 1/8 of an inch wide, and is designed to fit through the eyes of a boat shoe. The needle is threaded with a shoelace, which can be secured by twisting or taping. The lace is then pushed through each eyelet of the shoe, with the back of the shoe flattened to make it easier. This method can be used to relace boat shoes, giving them a new lease of life, or to add a personal touch with coloured laces.

Taper the lace's end and place it into the needle

Taper the end of the lace using a pair of scissors. The lace should be tapered to a point where it is thin enough to fit into the eye of the needle. You can use the Sperry relacing kit for this step. Then, place the tapered end of the lace into the eye of the needle. You can twist and thread the lace into the needle and tape over the lace if needed. The key is to screw the tip of the lace into the needle nice and tight. This will ensure that the lace does not slip out of the needle as you begin to thread it through the eyelets of the shoe.

Thread the needle inside out in the first eyelet

Threading the needle is the most crucial step in lacing boat shoes. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to thread the needle inside out in the first eyelet:

First, cut the end of the shoelace strip at an angle. This will make it easier to thread the lace into the needle. The TOFL Boat Shoe Lacing Needle, for example, is 4 3/4 inches long and 1/8 of an inch wide, so you will need to cut the lace accordingly.

Next, twist and thread the lace into the needle. Depending on the type of lace you are using, you may need to tape over it to secure it in the needle. If you are using leather laces, you can screw the lace into the needle. However, if you are using regular shoelaces or string, you will need to tape the lace to the needle. Make sure that the tip of the lace is screwed in or taped securely before proceeding to the next step.

Now, you are ready to begin lacing your boat shoe. Start by threading the needle with the lace inside out through the first eyelet of your boat shoe. It is recommended to flatten the back of the shoe to make it easier for the needle to go through. Once the needle and lace are through the first eyelet, you can continue lacing by pushing the needle through each subsequent eyelet.

By following these steps carefully, you will be able to successfully thread the needle inside out in the first eyelet and continue lacing your boat shoes neatly and securely.

Push the needle through each eyelet

To push the needle through each eyelet, begin by lacing through the inside of the bottom eyelet on one side. Then, push the needle through each eyelet, flattening the back of the shoe to make it easier for the needle to go through.

The TOFL Boat Shoe Lacing Needle is 4 3/4 inches long and 1/8 of an inch wide, making it easy to fit through most eyelets of a boat shoe when lacing. The thickness of the leather is all you pull through the holes. You don't double the thickness like you would with the hook method, which may cause tearing or pull the eyelet out.

To attach the leather lace to the lacing tool, cut the end of the strip at a sharp angle to get it into the needle and to stay in. Massage the tunnel for the lacing as you draw the needle and lacing through.

Flatten the back of the shoe to ease the needle's passage

Flattening the back of the shoe is a crucial step in easing the needle's passage when lacing your boat shoes. This step ensures that the needle can pass through the eyelets smoothly and efficiently. Here's a detailed guide on how to flatten the back of your boat shoe to simplify the lacing process:

Begin by holding your boat shoe in one hand, firmly but gently, to avoid creasing the shoe. Use your other hand to locate the back of the shoe, which is the part of the shoe that curves inwards towards the heel. This is the area you will be flattening.

Using your thumb and fingers, gently but firmly press the back of the shoe towards the sole. You should feel the material of the shoe giving way and creating a flatter surface. This step is important as it creates a straighter path for the needle to pass through the eyelets.

Once you have flattened the back of the shoe, maintain this flattened position by holding it in place with your fingers. Now, take the needle and carefully insert it into the bottom eyelet on the inside of the shoe, as instructed in the previous steps.

With the back of the shoe flattened, you should notice that the needle glides more easily through the eyelets. Continue to push the needle through each eyelet, keeping the back of the shoe flattened as you work your way up. This will make the lacing process much smoother and reduce the risk of the needle getting stuck or damaging the eyelets.

Remember to work slowly and carefully, as rushing this process may result in accidental pokes or damage to the shoe. Take your time and ensure that the needle passes through each eyelet smoothly, thanks to the flattened back of the shoe.

By following these steps, you will find that lacing your boat shoes with a needle is a much more manageable task. This technique ensures that the needle can pass through the eyelets without unnecessary resistance, making the process more efficient and reducing the risk of errors.

Twist and thread the lace into the needle, taping if needed

To begin threading the lace into the needle, cut the edge of the shoelace at an angle to make it easier to thread. Then, twist and thread the lace into the needle. Depending on the type of lace, you may need to tape over it to secure it in the needle. For example, if you are using leather laces, you can screw the lace into the end of the needle. If you are using a shoelace or string, you will need to tape the lace to the needle.

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