To relace a baseball glove: photograph the existing lacing, remove the old lace one section at a time, cut new full-grain rawhide lace to matching lengths, re-thread the web and heel following your photos, and set firm, even tension throughout before re-shaping the pocket. Budget two to three hours for your first glove. If the lace path is complex — a catcher’s mitt or a full re-lace — it’s often worth having it done professionally.
What you’ll need
- Full-grain rawhide leather lace (not flat lace — it stretches and snaps).
- A lacing needle or fid, and needle-nose pliers.
- A little leather conditioner to feed the lace smoothly.
- Your before-photos of the original lacing.
Step by step
- Photograph the lacing. Before you touch anything, take clear photos of the web, heel, and finger lacing so you have a map to follow when you re-lace.
- Remove the old lace. Work the old rawhide out one section at a time, keeping the pieces in order so you know the lengths and path for each run.
- Measure and cut new lace. Use full-grain rawhide lace. Cut each run slightly longer than the piece it replaces — you can trim, but you can’t add.
- Condition and thread. Lightly condition the new lace so it feeds smoothly, then re-thread following your photos, starting with the web and heel.
- Set the tension. Pull each run firm and even — tight enough to hold shape, not so tight it locks the hinge. Even tension is what makes a glove close cleanly.
- Re-shape and finish. Form the pocket, tie off the ends, and work the glove closed a few times so the new lace settles.
Where first-timers get stuck
- Uneven tension. The most common mistake — too loose and the glove stays floppy, too tight and it won’t close. Even is the goal.
- The web. Web lacing patterns vary by model and are the hardest to get right; your photos are essential here.
- Cheap lace. Flat or bonded lace fails fast. Full-grain rawhide is worth it.
When to leave it to a pro
A single broken finger lace is a reasonable DIY. A full re-lace, a catcher’s mitt, or a premium glove you don’t want to risk is worth having done right — a professional baseball glove relacing and restoration is $95, includes cleaning and conditioning, and comes back game-ready. See the honest math on relacing vs. buying new or the broader restore vs. replace decision.
Frequently asked questions
Can you relace a baseball glove yourself?
Yes, with patience and the right rawhide lace. Photograph the original lacing first, replace one section at a time, and set even tension. Budget two to three hours for your first glove.
What lace do you use to relace a glove?
Full-grain rawhide leather lace. Avoid flat or bonded lace — it stretches and snaps within a season.
How long does it take to relace a glove?
A first-timer should budget two to three hours. A pro does it faster and includes cleaning, conditioning, and re-shaping.
Is it hard to relace a glove?
The finger and heel runs are manageable; the web pattern is the tricky part and varies by model. Clear before-photos make it far easier.
Should I relace it myself or pay a pro?
A single broken lace is a fine DIY. For a full re-lace, a catcher’s mitt, or a premium glove, a professional relace (about $95) is usually worth it.