How to do a ladder stitch (also know as a hidden stitch or invisible stitch video and photo tutorial!
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The ladder stitch or invisible stitch is one of those hand sewing stitches that is invaluable when mending holes in toys and sewing up the last little opening on newly sewn softies or even mending holes in clothing when you can’t sew from the inside of the garment (I have this tutorial for mending rips and holes in clothes as well if you have holes in your clothing). You’ll barely be able to see this stitch from the outside of what you’re sewing, especially if you use a matching thread colour. It’s just great! I cringe when I think of those first sewing projects where I used a whip stitch to sew up the opening! I made many fabric books for baby presents and the openings of the pages were all sewn up with a whipstitch! Ahhh! If you want to know what I’m talking about I’ll add a photo below showing you the difference of an opening sewn up with a whipstitch compared to a ladder stitch.
Ok….let’s get going with the tutorial then!
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How to do a Ladder Stitch or Invisible Stitch
Recommended Materials for Doing a Ladder Stitch or Invisible Stitch
- Item to be sewn up
- Matching thread colour
Here’s my recent tutorial where I used a ladder stitch to sew up the opening – A knot Bunny Lovey with FREE mini template.
Recommended Tools for Doing a Ladder Stitch or Invisible Stitch
- Hand sewing needle
- Snips or scissors (I love my snips!)
Watch the Video Tutorial for How To Do a Ladder Stitch
Watch it here on YouTubeif the video above does not load
You’ll want to see this nifty way to thread your needle first
or check out the tutorial for how to use a needle threader
Photo Instructions for How To Do a Ladder Stitch or Invisible Stitch
I’m left handed so the photos will show me working from left to right, but then it’s the same idea for a right-hander, just flip it.
Step 1
Thread your needle with the matching coloured thread ( I’m using a contrasting thread so you can see what I’m doing easily). I like to double the thread over and tie a knot at the end.
secure the thread to the inside seam at the end of opening. This will hide the knot away nicely.
Step 2
Start the ladder stitch by putting the needle through the seam about 1/8”-1/4” (3mm-5mm), ensuring you only go through one layer of fabric.
The seam allowance should be the same as you have allowed for the rest of your sewing project.
Step 3
repeat step 2 on the other side of the opening directly across from where the thread has come out of the first side of the opening.
The thread should be perpendicular to the seam.
Step 4
Repeat steps 2 and 3 until you reach the end of the opening, pulling the thread gently as you go to gradually close the opening up. I’ve done a few stitches before pulling the sides together gently just to show you what the ladder stitch looks like. You can pull the opening closed with each stitch you do.
So here’s a diagram of how the ladder stitch goes for left handers and right handers!
Step 5
Once you have reached the end of the opening secure the thread by stitching through one of the existing stitches in the seam or by stitching a secure stitch on the fabric in the seam.
Step 6
Push the needle down through the seam and out the side of the fabric. Try to work the secure knot down to hide it away in the seam.
Snip the end of the thread so hide the tails away inside your project.
This is what your ladder stitched opening will look like when you’re done!
You can just see my contrasting thread in the photo above, but if I used a matching thread you wouldn’t be able to see it at all!
I used the ladder stitch to sew up the opening for the sock monkey body and also to sew on the arms, mouth and tail. You’ll love the tutorial for how to make a sock monkey and you’ll be a pro at the ladder stitch for it now too!
I hope this tutorial has been super useful for you! It’s one that I’ve been meaning to make and share with you all for so long.
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Until next time….happy sewing!
Domenica
