The way I learned to lace wheels began simply with: Find a spoke that's 2:00 heads-up on the far-side of the hub. I did. I do. Under the tutelage of a guy named Merrill in Oregon, I built my first wheel from scratch right the first time. Later did I find the words of Jobst and Sheldon - both of which were in agreement with Merrill.

I build my favorite way - 3-cross & laced. I have built other configurations. But I never like them as much. And this is what I mostly have seen on the best vintage bicycles.