Ladder stitch, also called slip stitch or invisible stitch, hides the thread inside the folds of the fabric. The stitches across the gap look like the rungs of a ladder until you pull them tight, and then they vanish.
| Strength | Medium |
|---|---|
| Visible on the right side | Almost invisible |
| Stitch length | ⅛–¼ in (3–6 mm) stitches inside the folds |
| Level | Easy |
| Good for | Closing the gap in pillows, stuffed toys and linings; invisible repairs. |
How to sew ladder stitch
- Fold both seam allowances in along the opening and press.
- Bring the needle up from inside one fold, so the knot is hidden.
- Go straight across to the other fold and take a small stitch inside it, parallel to the edge.
- Go straight back across and take a small stitch inside the first fold.
- After a few stitches, pull the thread gently: the "ladder rungs" disappear and the edges close.
Tips
- Make the crossings straight across, not diagonal; diagonal stitches show.
- Use a thread that matches the fabric.
- Bury the end: knot, push the needle into the seam and out a few inches away, pull and snip.