Structured Lacing
Double Helix Lacing: Step-by-Step Shoelace Tutorial
Double Helix Lacing gives your shoes a clever twisting pattern inspired by the spiral shape of DNA. Instead of the usual criss-cross Xs, the laces follow a repeating diagonal route, creating a neat series of parallel lines that seem to twist their way up the shoe.
It looks wonderfully intricate, but thereβs a simple rhythm behind it. Once youβve mastered the first couple of rows, just repeat the same movement all the way to the top. For maximum impact, try a contrasting lace colour - it really makes the Double Helix pattern pop.
Difficulty
β
β
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Medium
Time
5β10 mins
Best for
Trainers and casual shoes with evenly spaced eyelets
Lace length
120β140cm per lace
A DNA spiral that glides - Double Helix Lacing turns simple diagonal lines into a clever twisting pattern as they travel up the shoe.
Watch the video tutorial
Overview
Watch Lindsay demonstrate Double Helix Lacing from start to finish. This decorative technique creates a repeating twisted pattern across the shoe, giving the impression of two strands winding around each other. Take your time with the first few eyelets and, once the sequence clicks, the rest of the pattern follows naturally.
- Difficulty: Medium
- Time required: 5β10 mins
- Best for: Trainers and casual shoes with evenly spaced eyelets
- Lace length: 120β140cm per lace
The Story Behind This Style
Double Helix Lacing gets its character from one of the most recognisable shapes in science - the twisting form of a double helix.
As the laces travel up the shoe, the repeating diagonal sections create the impression of strands winding around one another. Itβs geometric, beautifully ordered and just complicated-looking enough to make someone wonder how you did it.
Thatβs part of the fun of this style. What appears intricate from a distance is really a repeating sequence of simple movements.
And itβs another perfect example of what the Lace Library is all about: the shoe hasnβt changed, the eyelets havenβt changed and the laces havenβt changed - only the route they take has.
One small change, and suddenly the whole shoe has a different personality.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow each step to create this lace pattern.
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Step One: Start at the Bottom
Thread the lace straight across the bottom eyelets, feeding both ends from the 'outside' to the 'inside'. Pull the ends through until they are roughly the same length.
2
Step Two: Create Your First Diagonal
Take one end of the lace diagonally across the shoe and feed it through the next eyelet on the opposite side. This creates the first slant of your Double Helix.
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Step Three: Bring the Other Lace Across
Take the other end and bring it across in the same direction, feeding it through the next available eyelet. Keep the lace flat as you pull it through.
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Step Four: Repeat the Pattern
Continue moving each lace across the shoe in turn. The visible sections should all begin to lean in the same direction, rather than forming the usual criss-cross Xs.
5
Step Five: Keep the Helix Turning
Work upwards, alternating between the two lace ends and repeating the same movement. Youβll now start to see the distinctive twisting Double Helix pattern appearing.
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Step Six: Keep the Lines Parallel
Continue the pattern towards the top of the shoe. Keep your tension even and straighten each section as you go so the diagonal lines remain neat and parallel.
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Step Seven: Finish at the Top
Complete the final section and bring both lace ends out through the top eyelets. Give the laces a little adjustment so the pattern is even from bottom to top.
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Step Eight: Tie Your Bow
Tie the lace ends into your usual bow and your Double Helix Lacing is complete. A bright contrasting lace makes those repeating diagonal lines really stand out.
The History of This Style
Double Helix Lacing takes its name from one of the most recognisable shapes in science: the double helix structure of DNA.
The term βdouble helixβ describes two strands that wind around one another in a spiral. The structure of DNA was famously described in 1953, and that distinctive twisting shape has since become an instantly recognisable symbol of genetics and science.
This lacing style borrows from that visual idea rather than traditional shoe-lacing history. As the repeating diagonal sections travel up the shoe, they create a sense of movement and rotation - almost as though the pattern is twisting its way upwards.
Itβs a lovely example of how modern decorative lacing can take inspiration from somewhere completely unexpected.
Did You Know?
The famous DNA double helix makes approximately one complete turn every 10.5 base pairs.
Your shoelaces obviously aren't carrying any genetic information π - but repeat the same diagonal movement carefully up your shoe and you get that same wonderful impression of an organised, repeating twist.
From genetics to footwear - inspiration really can come from anywhere.
Shop Laces That Work Beautifully
Choose a lace colour and style that helps this pattern look its best.
Laceologist's Style Tip
Double Helix Lacing loves contrast. Pair a bright lace with a dark shoe - or a darker lace with a pale shoe - to make those repeating diagonal lines really stand out. Keep each section flat and evenly tensioned as you work; the neater and more parallel the lines, the stronger the helix effect.
Lindsay, Chief Laceologist
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to some of the most common questions about this lacing style.
Is Double Helix Lacing difficult?
It looks more complicated than it is. The first couple of rows take a little concentration, but once you understand the repeating movement, the same pattern continues all the way up the shoe.
Why is it called Double Helix Lacing?
The name comes from the twisting double helix shape associated with DNA. The repeating diagonal sections give the laces a similar sense of movement as they travel up the shoe.
What shoes work best for Double Helix Lacing?
Trainers and casual shoes with evenly spaced eyelets work particularly well. A simple shoe shape also helps the lacing pattern take centre stage.
Do I need longer shoelaces?
Not necessarily. A standard lace should work for many shoes, although the exact length you need will depend on the number of eyelets and the width of your shoe.
What colour laces work best?
Contrasting colours are fantastic for Double Helix Lacing. Bright yellow on black, for example, makes every part of the pattern clearly visible. For something subtler, choose a lace closer to the colour of your shoe.
Can I actually wear my shoes with Double Helix Lacing?
Absolutely. Although it has a decorative look, you can still tie the laces normally at the top. Just make sure you've adjusted the tension so the shoe feels comfortable before tying your bow.
Happy Lacing!
And there you have it - Double Helix Lacing!
A little bit of repetition, a little bit of geometry and even a little bit of science - all from one pair of shoelaces.
Try it with a bold contrasting colour to really show off that twisting pattern, or keep the colours subtle for a more understated look.
However you wear yours, have fun experimenting because sometimes changing the whole personality of a pair of shoes really is as simple as changing the way you lace them.
I'm Lindsay, Chief Laceologist at Love Your Laces.
Until next time... Happy Lacing!