lacing

Lacing refers to the act of threading a flexible material through aligned openings to join, secure, or decorate two pieces of material. It is used in a wide range of contexts, including footwear, clothing, sporting equipment, and decorative textile arts. The technique relies on cords, strings, or slender strips such as leather or synthetic laces that are guided through eyelets, holes, or loops and then anchored by tying knots or by aglets to prevent fraying.

In footwear, lacing controls fit and support, with common patterns such as the criss-cross (lateral-to-medial crossing) and the straight-lacing pattern. Lace materials vary from cotton and polyester to waxed nylon and leather. Laces can be shortened or replaced to adjust tension, and are often interrupted by eyelets, hooks, or speed-lacing systems in boots and sneakers.

In clothing, lacing is used in corsets, bodices, and decorative elements on garments. Lacing patterns influence both function and aesthetics, from functional corsetry to lattice decorative panels. In sports and equipment, lacing secures items such as gloves, bags, and protective gear.

In craft and historical contexts, lacing is also a technique in the broader family of lacemaking and cordwork, and has been practiced for centuries across many cultures. Maintenance involves inspecting laces for wear, replacing frayed segments, and keeping laces clean to prevent damage to the fabric or components they support.