How to Ladder Stitch

Last Updated: February 17, 2023

A ladder stitch is used to complete a project that requires an open seam for turning or stuffing. It is often used to sew stuffed toys, pillows or lined hems. Begin sewing around most of the perimeter of the project with a sewing machine, and then finish the last one to four inches with a hidden ladder stitch.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Preparing the Area

1
Ensure your project is turned right side out. A ladder stitch brings two areas of the hem together to match a project that has been sewn inside out to create a hem. The area you use to turn the project right side out will be the area you will ladder stitch.
2
Smooth out the project. You may need to pop the corners out with a sewing needle through the entry point. You may also need to stuff the inside of the project before sewing up this last part of the hem.

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3
Fold the hem of the opening inward. You want it to match the seam allowance on both sides of the stitch. If it doesn’t stay turned inward very easily, you can iron the open section so that it will lay flat while it is turned in.
4
Pin the opening closed. If possible, hook your pin through the rough edge of the hem on the inside of the opening. It will be less likely to poke through and reveal your stitches later on.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Starting a Ladder Stitch

1
Thread your needle. You will want to double thread it for extra strength. Pull an eight-inch to one-foot section (20 to 30 cm) of thread through the eye of your needle.
- Then, pull it until the ends meet and the needle is in the middle. Knot it several times at the ends.
- Test the knot by pulling it between two fingernails. The knot should be tight and strong.
- Snip off the threads below the knot. Leave about one cm (0.4 in) of thread remaining.
2
Insert your needle inside the opening, continuing where the machine stitch ended. Pull it up through the machine stitch and ensure the knot is secure and hidden between the folds of the project before continuing.
3
Pinch the folds together. Make sure they are perfectly matched at the point where the machine stitch stopped. Think of the two folds as the right and the left side of “the ladder” the makes the stitch.
4
Insert your needle through the right side of the fold. It is important to always insert the needle through the inside edge of the fabric, where the hem was folded inward. It ensures that your stitch is hidden within the fold, rather than showing on the outside edge of the fabric.
5
Make a one half to one cm (0.2 to 0.4 in) stitch into the inside fold on the right side. Pull it through the center.
6
Make a small, equal stitch through the inside fold on the left side. Pull it through toward the center.
7
Alternate right and left stitches to form your steps up a “ladder.”^{[1]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Finishing a Ladder Stitch

1
Continue until you reach the end of the machine stitch on the other side of the fabric. Stitch into it to connect the stitches on either side.
2
Pull the thread taut when you reach the end of your open section. The thread should close your stitch and hide the ladder stitch you just made within the fold of the hem. Pinch the thread and fabric where it emerges so that you don’t lose any of the tension before you secure the stitch.^{[2]
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3
Knot the end of the thread by bringing your needle through the inside stitches and looping it. Thread your needle through the loop and pull it taut.
- Repeat several times to secure it.
4
Cut the end of the thread close to the fabric. Tuck the ends into the fold.
5
Done