Threading Boat Shoe Laces: A Step-By-Step Guide

Boat shoes are a popular type of footwear, but relacing them can be a tedious task. Many people have shared their methods for threading boat shoe laces, ranging from using a doll needle to bending a paper clip. Some companies, such as Sperry, offer relacing kits that include leather laces and a lacing needle. These kits provide a convenient solution to the challenge of relacing boat shoes and can be purchased for a reasonable price. With a bit of creativity and the right tools, it is possible to give your tired boat shoes a new lease of life.

Using a doll needle

Step 1: Prepare the Needle and Lace

Before you begin, ensure you have the correct length and thickness of lace for your boat shoes. The doll needle should be able to fit through the eyelets of your shoes easily. Cut the end of your lace at a sharp angle to fit through the eye of the needle. You may need to experiment with different laces to find the right size that works with the needle.

Step 2: Attach the Lace to the Needle

Take the tapered end of your lace and insert it into the eye of the needle. You may need to screw or push the lace into the needle, depending on its design. Ensure that the lace is attached securely and won't slip out as you thread it through the eyelets.

Step 3: Start Threading the Lace

Begin threading the lace by starting at the bottom eyelet near the front of your shoe. Pass the needle through the inside of the eyelet and work your way to the back of the shoe. Continue threading the lace through each eyelet until you reach the frontmost bottom eyelet on the other side.

Step 4: Remove the Needle and Finish Lacing

Once you've reached the other side, remove the needle from the lace. Then, thread the lace through the frontmost eyelet above it. Do the same for the other side. Cross the laces and thread them into the eyelets on opposite sides. Pull the laces tight and adjust as needed.

Step 5: Final Adjustments

Trim any excess lace if needed. Ensure that the laces are tight and secure, and you're done! You've successfully threaded your boat shoe laces using a doll needle. Now you can enjoy your freshly laced boat shoes, and remember to give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done!

Bending a paperclip

To thread your boat shoe laces, you will need a paperclip and your new laces.

First, bend the paperclip so that one end is straight like a needle, and the other end can be tied to the lace. You can use pliers to help you bend the paperclip, but be aware that this will weaken the metal and you will not be able to restore it to its original shape.

Now, tie the lace to the bent paperclip. Next, use the paperclip to guide the lace through the eye of the needle and pull it through. Finally, secure the lace by tying a knot.

You can also use a doll's needle, a shoelace needle, or a safety pin to thread your boat shoe laces.

Using a wire coat hanger

To thread boat shoe laces using a wire coat hanger, you'll first need to un-twist the coat hanger so that it becomes one long wire. You can then tape one end of your new lace to one end of the wire. Next, push the wire through one of the lace holes, and then through to the other side of the shoe. Once the wire is out of the other hole, you can detach the lace and tie a double knot to secure it.

Using a shoelace needle

Step 1: Prepare Your Needle and Lace

Before you begin, make sure you have the right tools. You'll need a shoelace needle, specifically designed for leather laces, and a new lace that fits the needle. The needle should be long and thin enough to fit through the eyelets of your boat shoes. Check the product specifications to ensure compatibility.

Step 2: Taper the End of the Lace

Using a pair of sharp scissors, carefully taper one end of your new lace. This step will help you insert the lace into the needle and ensure a smooth threading process.

Step 3: Insert the Lace into the Needle

Take the tapered end of your lace and place it into the eye of the shoelace needle. Some needles may require you to screw or twist the lace into the needle, while others may have a hollow end for insertion. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific needle.

Step 4: Secure the Lace (Optional)

Depending on your needle, you may want to wrap the lace and needle connection with tape. This step is optional but can help prevent the lace from slipping out of the needle as you work.

Step 5: Begin Lacing

Now you're ready to start lacing! Start by pushing the needle through the inside of the bottom eyelet on one side of your boat shoe. Flatten the back of the shoe to ease the process. Continue pushing the needle through each eyelet, following the path of the previous laces.

Step 6: Finish Lacing and Remove the Needle

Once you've reached the outside of the last eyelet at the bottom, carefully remove the needle from the lace. Finish by crossing the laces through the last eyelets and tying a knot of your choice.

Tips and Tricks:

• If you're having trouble finding a lace that fits your needle, consider tapering the lace to a thinner profile.
• Practice good needle maintenance by keeping it clean and storing it safely when not in use.
• Always check the compatibility of your needle and laces before starting the project.
• If you're a beginner, consider practising on an old pair of shoes or spare laces to perfect your technique.

Using a short length of strimmer plastic line

To thread boat shoe laces using a short length of strimmer plastic line, you can follow these steps:

Firstly, take your new boat shoe laces and the short length of strimmer plastic line. Strimmer line is a flexible and durable material that can easily be threaded through the eyelets of your boat shoes. Cut a short length that is easy to handle and manoeuvre.

Next, you will need to attach the strimmer line to your new lace. You can do this by tying a simple knot with the two, ensuring it is secure and will not come undone. Alternatively, you could use a small amount of strong adhesive tape to attach the two together.

Now that you have your lace and strimmer line attached, you are ready to begin threading. Starting at the bottom of the shoe, push the strimmer line through the inside of the first eyelet, ensuring it comes out of the corresponding eyelet on the other side. You may need to use a thin, sturdy object to help push the strimmer line through, being careful not to damage the eyelets.

Continue to thread the strimmer line and lace through the eyelets, ensuring you follow the correct path for boat shoe laces. This typically involves going through the inside of the bottom eyelet and then the outside of the next eyelet, creating a loop around the shoe.

Once you have reached the final eyelet, push the strimmer line and lace through, and then detach the two. You can now tie your new laces in your preferred style.

Frequently asked questions