Make Your Own Elastic Shoelaces

DIY Elastic Shoelaces.  I love elastic shoelaces.  The look of laces + the ease of slip-on.  Last summer I'd bought myself  a pair of fancy-pants sneakers that had them and I wore those things EVERY day. Purely because of those laces.  They were just so easy to get on and off while carrying bags, kids, etc.

Then my 2yr old got these cute high tops for her birthday and I ended up having to retie them every 10 min.  And they got grungy immediately from being stepped on constantly. GRRR.  So I thought about how I could duplicate those easy, breezy, elastic laces on her shoes and came up with this idea.  Easy, fast and no more lace-related hassles!!

Supplies Needed:
- Fold Over Elastic (aka FOE).  This comes in several widths usually 5/8in and 1 in. I used 1 inch since that's what I had on hand.  Depending on the size of the holes, the 5/8 make be easier to use.
- Basic notions (sewing machine, pin, soluble/disappearing marking pen, scissors)

If you're not familiar with Fold Over Elastic this stuff is incredibly useful & versatile.  I've got more info on what it is HERE and loads of tutorials and project ideas using it HERE. Now here's the deal on making elastic laces with it --

First you loosen the shoelaces slightly and then mark the laces about 1 inch from the outside of the top lace holes:

Then unlace the shoe and measure the distance between the markings and cut two pieces of FOE that length:

Fold the elastic lengthwise and trim the ends to a point (this makes it easier to feed through the lace holes):

Mark the center of the FOE and center that at the base and begin to feed the folded elastic through the holes like so:

Continue feeding folded elastic through until both ends meet inside:

With right sides of the ends facing pin elastic open:

Stitch together & backstitch over a few times for strength and then trim close to stitching:

Pull elastic to fold over the seam and evenly adjust laces.  Now they're ready to wear:



Being folded means the elastic has some give, but won't get too floppy with wear.  It's ideal for small kids' shoes since it takes the constant threat of tripping and needing to be retied off a busy mom's hands (as if there isn't enough for Mom to do!).

It's also a great way to add some personality & color to any shoes since FOE comes in a rainbow of colors and prints.  I plan to freshen up more shoes with my stylin' FOE stash, how about you?

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