Felted Shoelaces

I saw some cool knit shoelaces online and thought it was a cool idea. However, most of them were all curly and twisty. I wanted some that were straighter and smoother, so I opted to felt some instead.

Crochet a chain long enough for your shoes. I used this site to determine an appropriate length, though you could also measure the laces that you're replacing.

If you don't know how to chain stitch, I have an instructable for that. It's super easy and quick once you get the hang of it.

Fill your sink with a few inches of the hottest water that will come from your tap. I recommend using gloves to protect your hands from the heat.

Wet the chain and apply some dish soap.

Roll the chain around in your hands with plenty of soap and water. Occasionally re-wet the lace and apply more soap as needed. Continue to do this until you can't see the stitches in the laces.

Rinse and squeeze until there is no more soap in the lace.

Roll the lace a bit at a time like you're rolling out a clay snake. This will make stray fibers cling to the lace and make it more smooth and uniform.

You'll see the thickness taper off at the ends to where there was only one strand of yarn. Cut off the excess at the end of the laces about a half inch from where the stitches start. Leaving a half inch of single strand will allow you to easily thread the laces into your shoes eyelets.

Lace up and take your new refashioned shoes out for a stroll!