Football laces take a beating over time. When they become badly frayed, it's necessary to re-lace the ball. Looking at the laces, you notice the pattern consists of straight-over ties across the seam and a strand that runs the length of the seam. A closer look shows the ties are doubled and the center strand runs between the double layers. Football laces come in a single strand that is about 47 inches long and made from vinyl or synthetic fabric. Synthetic laces are wider and easier to lace because the center strand is one course instead of two.
Step 1
Deflate the football fully by inserting a needle valve in the inflator hole on the ball. Place the ball on a table with the seam and laces facing up.
Step 2
Cut the top laces and double strands with the points of sharp scissors. Pull the lacing out of the eyes on the seam by hand.
Step 3
Lace the football starting at one end of the seam and working toward the other. Place the synthetic lace atop the seam so that one end overhangs one end of the seam by three inches. The three-inch section is the short end of the lace; lace the ball starting at the opposite end of the seam.
Step 4
Insert the point of a lacing awl through the first pair of holes at the opposite end of the seam making sure the point is under the strand of lace that's along the seam. Thread the long end of the lace into the eye of the awl. Retract the awl and pull the long end of the lace fully through the first pair of holes.
Step 5
Push the point of the lacing awl through the first set of holes again, making sure the point is above the center strand. Thread the long end of the lace into the eye of the awl and retract the awl. Pull the long end of the lace fully through.
Step 6
Repeat the lacing pattern at the remaining pairs of holes along the seam, making sure the first threading is below the center strand and the second is over the strand. Pull the laces tightly by hand as you go.
Step 7
Inflate the football using the needle valve attached to a ball pump. Cut the short and long ends of the lace one inch from the laces. Tuck each end firmly under the center strand using the point of the awl.
Tips and Warnings
- Seams and lacing patterns vary among manufacturers. Use a similar football as a reference to duplicate a particular lacing pattern.
Things You'll Need
- Synthetic football lace
- Needle valve
- Scissors
- Lacing awl
- Ball pump
Member Comments