How To Sew A Ladder Stitch By Hand? Sewing A Ladder Stitch

“Do you know how to sew a ladder stitch by hand?” Grandma asked.

Can You Do A Ladder Stitch By Hand?

Yes, you can do a ladder stitch by hand. The technique is kinda like saddle stitch.  If you know all kinds of stitches with pictures and names then you would know what I’m talking about.

It’s a handy hand-sewing technique perfect for closing seams on stuffed animals, and fixing split seams. It’s invisible like back backstitch. The ladder stitch gets its name because the stitches look like rungs on a ladder.

When you pull the thread tight, the stitches pull the fabric together and practically disappear, especially if you use thread that matches your fabric.

That’s why it is even used to repair damaged clothes. So, if you are wondering how to fix darning holes then you can use this.

How To Sew A Ladder Stitch By Hand?

To sew a ladder stitch you need to follow 5 steps.

1. Pop The Corners Of Fabric
2. Make The First Ladder Step
3. Grab ¼ Inch Fabric
4. Keep Doing Ladder Stitch
5. Pull The Thread And Finish the Ladder Stitch

To pop the corners, use a sewing needle to carefully push out the corners from the inside. This helps to create sharp, well-defined corners. Gently push the needle into the fabric corners from the inside to ensure they are fully turned out and sharp. Then fold the edge of the corner with 2 fingers. just like you do in the hemming stitch.

If the project is something that needs filling, like a pillow or stuffed animal, make sure to stuff the inside evenly and to your desired firmness before closing up the final part of the hem.

Make the frist ladder stitch, poke the needle through the edge of the seam allowance, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch from the end of the opening where the seams are turned in. Pull the thread through until it stops at the knot. It has to look like a pick stitch.

Move to the opposite side of the opening and insert the needle close to where you started, grabbing about 1/16 to 1/4 inch of fabric. This will connect the 2 sides. Make sure the needle enters directly into the fold, creating a zipper-like effect with the thread. You can use the hand sew buttonhole technique here.

Next, make a knot, pull the needle through, and move to the opposite side again. Just like you would do in running stitch. Insert the needle right in front of where the thread came out of the fold, and grab another 1/16 to 1/4 inch of fabric on the opposite fold. Keep repeating this process to close the seam.

Now you just need to keep doing ladder stitch maintaining the right gap. a stitch length of 1–3 millimeters. Going longer than 3 millimeters can make the fabric pucker. Smaller stitches blend better, making them nearly invisible, especially alongside machine stitching.

Smaller stitches are less noticeable and blend seamlessly into the seam. This works like a tacking stitch. However, if you’re working on a corner or an area that needs to withstand more wear and tear, you can use larger stitches, like 1/4 inch or 5 millimeters.

Pull the thread tight when you reach the end of the open section. This will close the seam and hide the ladder stitches within the fold of the hem. Pinch the thread and fabric where it comes out to keep the tension before you secure the stitch.

-Ok then how to finish a ladder stitch?

Next, make a knot by bringing the needle through the inside stitches and creating a loop. Thread the needle through the loop and pull it tight. Repeat this a few times to ensure it’s secure.

Finally, cut the thread close to the fabric and tuck the ends into the fold for a neat finish.

And that’s it! That’s how to sew a ladder stitch by hand.

The diagram shows the steps for sewing a ladder stitch, illustrating how to close a seam invisibly by stitching between the folded edges of fabric.

Image Source: @myscrappyideas

It’s a good idea to use a strong thread, like a quilting weight thread, to prevent it from snapping during the process. For extra strength, double thread your needle.

-Ok what needle is best for ladder stitch Grandma?

It’s perfect for finishing off stuffed animals or pillows after you’ve stuffed them and turned them right-side out. Hemming stitch also can be used on those but ladder stitch is the most found.

You can also use it to fix split seams on clothes without the stitches showing much, so it looks neat. It’s great for hemming too, giving a smooth, almost invisible finish that blends nicely with the fabric.

Whether you’re sewing by hand or blending sections from hand-sewn to machine-sewn, the ladder stitch is a go-to for making your sewing look clean and professional.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ’s)

Final Talk

Well, I have shown you how to sew a ladder stitch by hand. Now it’s your turn to do the ladder stitch and show me what you have got. Start sewing and if you face any problems. Don’t hesitate to reach out to sewinginspo.