How to Tie Shoelaces

Put the shoe in front of you, laces fully open on each side. Slide your thumbs under both laces near the top of the shoe and pinch each one between your thumb and forefinger. Now pull outward in opposite directions to pull the laces snug against the foot.

Getting this tight first matters. If the shoe is loose before you start the knot, it'll stay loose once you're done.

Cross the two laces over each other on top of the shoe to form an X. Pinch the center of the X with one hand. With the other hand, take the lace that's on top of the X, pass it underneath through the middle, and grab it on the other side.

Pull both ends outward to tighten. You've just made the starter knot that holds the bow in place.

Pick up one lace. Lift it up, push the middle of the lace inward toward the shoe, and pinch it between your fingers. You now have one loop in your hand - the first bunny ear.

Don't pinch the end of the lace. You want the fold in the middle so the ear has enough length to work with.

Pick up the other lace with your free hand. Bring it across the front of the bunny ear and wrap it once around, so the ear is now circled by the second lace.

Look for a small hole that forms right next to the bunny ear, where the wrapping lace crosses back on itself. You'll need that hole for the next step.

Feed the top of the wrapping lace through the small hole. Push it through until it starts peeking out as a second bunny ear on the other side.

Now grip one bunny ear in each hand and pull them apart, outward. The bow tightens into place. That's the basic shoelace knot.

A single bow loosens fast, especially on kids' shoes. To lock it in, cross the two bunny ears over each other to form another X, pass one ear underneath, and pull both sides tight.

Now the bow holds all day. To untie later, pull the loose tails and the whole thing unravels.