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Diagram with numbers indicating order of stitch to close opening by hand for ladder stitch sewing

How to sew the PERFECT Ladder Stitch | Invisible Stitch | Hidden Stitch by hand. A Beginner’s Guide

Posted on December 17, 2020August 31, 2021 by minminutes
Table of Contents
  • What is a Ladder Stitch?
  • Ladder Stitch (Invisible Stitch): What is it Used for?
  • What do I need to Sew a Ladder Stitch?
  • Perfect Ladder Stitch Success Tips
  • How to Do a Ladder Stitch (Invisible Stitch)
    • Starting the Ladder Stitch
    • Sewing the Stitches
    • Pull and Close Stitches
  • One Final Tip for Sewing the Ladder Stitch (Invisible Stitch)
  • How to Finish off the Ladder Stitch (Invisible Stitch)

What is a Ladder Stitch?

A Ladder Stitch (in sewing) is also known as an Invisible stitch, Hidden Stitch, Blind Stitch, and Slip Stitch. It is a type of hand stitch where you sew on the right side of the fabric so the stitch is basically invisible.Hence the names Invisible Stitch, Hidden Stitch, and Blind Stitch. (Remember that you normally sew on the wrong side of the fabric and turn the fabric to the right side so the stitch and seams are hidden on the inside.)

On the other hand, the name Ladder Stitch is also used because the stitch resembles a ladder shape when you run the stitches in and out of the fabric pieces that are joined together.

In a nutshell, the Ladder stitch mimics the stitches usually done on the wrong side of the fabric, except you are doing it from the right side of the fabric.

Ladder Stitch (Invisible Stitch): What is it Used for?

The Ladder Stitch (Invisible Stitch) is a versatile stitch used to close a seam by hand from the outside. Common uses include:

MENDING AND REPAIRS

Have a hole in your favorite jeans or shirt? A ripped seam on the lining of a tailored suit? A child’s beloved stuffed toy has a hole? Use the Ladder stitch to easily mend these common problems. Even if you only sew out of necessity, there are SO MANY uses for this stitch that it is definitely a MUST-KNOW for your sewing repertoire.

PLUSH TOY

Use the Ladder stitch to close the hole of stuffed plush toys so it is invisible from the outside.

For more information about how to sew Plush Toys, check out A (Easy!) Guide to Making Your Own Custom Plush | Free Pattern

PILLOWS/CUSHIONS

The Ladder Stitch is also perfect for finishing off a pillow or cushion.

LININGS

The Ladder Stitch is often used to close linings in bags or clothing.

BIAS BINDING

Whenever you use a bias binding to finish the edge of a project (i.e, edge of baby blanket, neckline or armhole), you can use the Ladder Stitch to finish attaching the binding. This will give your project a beautiful, couture finish.

APPLIQUES

You can use the Ladder Stitch to hand sew an applique to any project.

What do I need to Sew a Ladder Stitch?

Shows Materials - Scissors, thin needle, and matching thread needed to do Ladder Stitch
  • Scissors (I like these embroidery scissors)
  • Sharp, Thin Needle
  • Matching Thread

Perfect Ladder Stitch Success Tips:

  1. Before you start, press the edge of the seam so that it’s sharp and crisp. You can do this with an iron or by pinching the edge of the seam tightly with your nails. Having a crisp edge makes it easier to do a perfect ladder stitch as you will be running your needle and thread through this edge over and over.
  2. Use a sharp, thin needle – Sharp needles will poke through the fabric easily. A thin needle is so the needle doesn’t leave large, unsightly holes in the fabric. Remember, the goal of the ladder stitch is invisibility. Shhh…you don’t want anyone to know that you’ve actually hand-sewed that part of the fabric.
  3. Use good quality thread that is durable. It’s no fun when the thread breaks while you are sewing. Or, the mending comes apart because the thread snapped and came out! Also, make sure the thread is not thicker than your fabric because otherwise the threads will show. Regular all purpose thread is sufficient for most projects.
  4. Choose thread color that matches. When it isn’t possible to find an exact match, use the closest color that is slightly darker than the fabric. If your fabric is multicolored, choose the most prevalent color on the fabric.
  5. Make small, evenly spaced stitches. The closer your stitches are, the more invisible they will be. Aim for 1/4″ or less between the stitches if you are sewing thin fabric. For thicker fabric your stitches may be closer to 1/2″ apart.
  6. Focus on thread tension. The thread should be tight enough to close the gap between the two piece of fabric. However, if you pull the stitches too tight, the fabric will bunch together and you won’t get a nice seam.
Left side shows a double threaded needle. Right side shows a embroidery floss threaded needle. How do you do inside out stitch tutorial.

Make sure the thread you use isn’t thicker than the fabric. Right side shows white embroidery floss which is too thick. Left side shows double threaded all purpose thread which is perfect for Ladder Stitch.

Shows evenly spaced stitches required to make a perfect ladder stitch. How do you make an invisible ladder stitch tutorial.

Make even, small stitches (no more than 1/4″ wide) when doing the ladder stitch so it will look invisible.

Thread being pulled too tightly leads to puckered seam. How do you sew a hidden stitch by hand tutorial.

Don’t pull your thread too tight or else your seams will pucker .

How to Do a Ladder Stitch (Invisible Stitch):

Start by threading a thin, sharp needle with matching thread. In the photo tutorial I am using red thread on yellow fabric so you can see better.

Shows single threaded needle on left and double threaded needle on right. How do you make a hidden stitch tutorial.

You can either use a single or double thread. I prefer double threading my needle so the thread doesn’t come out during sewing. Make a knot at the end of the thread

Starting the Ladder Stitch:

Shows an opening that needs to be closed from the outside. How do you do an invisible stitch by hand tutorial.

Start with the hole you need to close.

How to Ladder stitch first stitch needle pocking through fabric

Poke needle through the edge of the seam allowance, about 1/8 – 1/4″ from the end of the opening (where the seams are turned in). Sew from RIGHT side of the opening to the LEFT side of the opening (for right handed people).

Sewing the Stitches:

Pull the thread through so it stops at the knot (1). Then take the thread to the other side of the fabric and poke the needle about 1/4″ through the edge of seam allowance (2) and (3).

Pull thread through.

Now take the needle and poke it through the first side of the fabric (where you started the stitch). (4) and (5). Keep the stitches about 1/4″ apart.

Pull thread through.

Repeat the process.

Pull and Close Stitches:

See how the stitch resembles a ladder, hence the name “Ladder Stitch“. Now pull the thread to close the opening.

There! See how invisible that looks? If you used matching thread it would look even better.

One Final Tip for Sewing the Ladder Stitch (Invisible Stitch)

When sewing the ladder stitch, it’s easier if you hold the two sides of the opening very close together as you stitch the seams closed. First, this helps you visualize how the opening should look once it’s closed. Secondly, it helps you to know where to poke the needle as you stitch from one side of the fabric to the other.

The photos below show how to do the ladder stitch with the seams of the opening very close together:

How to Finish off the Ladder Stitch (Invisible Stitch):

Once you’ve closed the entire seam, it’s time to finish off the ladder stitch.

Shows needle poking through end of opening closed with ladder stitch.

Poke the needle back through the fabric from (pretty much) where the last stitch came out.

Show thread being looped once around needle. How to do a ladder invisible stitch.

Take the thread and loop it around the needle once.

Show thread being looped twice around needle. How to finish and knot a ladder invisible stitch.

Then loop it around the needle again.

Shows thread being pulled through two loops. How to finish and knot invisible ladder stitch.

Pull needle through the two loops.

Shows knot at the end of invisible ladder stitch.

Tighten the thread and you have your knot.

Needle poking back through knot of invisible ladder stitch.

Poke the needle back through the fabric right next to the knot

Thread coming out 1-2" from end of knot of invisible ladder stitch.

Poke out the needle from the fabric a little distance away (1-2″) from the knot.

Scissor trimming off excess thread of invisible ladder stitch.

Now snip off the excess thread and you are finished!

Ready to put to use what you just learned? Try these projects finished off with the ladder stitch.

DIY DARTH VADER HOODED TOWEL
Insulated Water Bottle Holder
DIY MICKEY MOUSE HOODED TOWEL
How to Make a Plush Toy
DIY MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO HOODED TOWEL
DIY Bar Stool Cushion

Other Basic Sewing Skills You May be Interested in.

How to Easily Thread a Needle Featured Image
How to Easily Thread a Sewing Needle: 10 Tips and Tricks
Basting Stitch Featured Image
How to Sew Basting Stitches
Basic Hand Sewing Stitches Featured Image
19 Essential Hand Sewing Stitches Every Sewist Should Know

Don’t forget to Pin this image to save it for later!

18 thoughts on “How to sew the PERFECT Ladder Stitch | Invisible Stitch | Hidden Stitch by hand. A Beginner’s Guide”

  1. Kay says:
    June 26, 2021 at 3:23 am

    Thank you for showing this step by step. I know I can mend my jacket the right way now.

    Reply
    1. minminutes says:
      June 29, 2021 at 10:56 pm

      You are very welcome!

      Reply
  2. Mary says:
    July 29, 2021 at 7:21 pm

    Thank you for the great pictures and explanation. There are videos of some “miracle “ stitches but they go so fast it is difficult to figure them out. This was one that I was I was interested in. Thank you for taking out the mystery of how to do this.

    Reply
    1. minminutes says:
      July 31, 2021 at 10:36 pm

      Hi Mary!

      You are so very welcome! I’m so glad you found this tutorial useful. This is one of my favorite hand sewing stitches and I use it all the time!!

      Reply
  3. Lynn Crawford says:
    August 13, 2021 at 1:36 am

    I honestly believe this is the best picture tutorial I’ve ever viewed. I will be saving this & using for my sewing projects & can’t wait to see what other ideas you have for viewing. Thank you!

    Reply
    1. minminutes says:
      August 14, 2021 at 3:32 am

      Hi Lynn!

      Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m so glad you found this tutorial useful as the ladder stitch is one of my favorite hand sewing stitches and I use it all the time! Many of the sewing projects on this site is finished off with the ladder stitch. I also have a tutorial for 19 Essential Hand stitches that you may find useful as well. Happy Sewing 🙂

      Reply
  4. Lesley Lee says:
    October 26, 2021 at 10:25 am

    I was told you could use ladder stitch to take in jeans just on the hips, is this correct and if so how is it done ?

    Reply
    1. minminutes says:
      October 27, 2021 at 11:43 pm

      Yes! You can use the ladder stitch to pretty much sew anything and everything! To take in jeans, first pin the amount that needs to be taken in at the hips. To make this easier, have the person wear the jeans inside out and pin the correct amount that needs to be taken in at the hips (on both left and right side). Have the person take off the jeans, then turn the jeans to the right side. You can then proceed to stitch up amount that needs to be taken in (“marked” using pins) with the ladder stitch following the tutorial. I hope that makes sense. Let me know if you have any more questions!

      Reply
  5. Marcie says:
    December 29, 2021 at 7:28 pm

    Thank you so much, I’m teaching my daughter to sew & this is the perfect tutorial for this must know stitch! Great pictures and simple clear instructions. Keep them coming!

    Reply
    1. minminutes says:
      January 1, 2022 at 5:06 am

      Hi Marcie,

      Thank you so much for our kind words! And I’m so happy (and excited) to hear that you are teaching your daughter to sew!

      Reply
  6. Audra says:
    December 31, 2021 at 4:23 pm

    Thank you so much for this tutorial! It was easier to follow than others I found.

    Reply
    1. minminutes says:
      January 1, 2022 at 5:06 am

      Hi Audra,

      I’m so glad you found this tutorial helpful and easy to follow!

      Reply
  7. Karen says:
    May 3, 2022 at 4:44 pm

    This is a great tutorial…thank you for sharing!

    Reply
    1. minminutes says:
      May 4, 2022 at 4:00 pm

      Hi Karen,

      You are so welcome! I’m so glad you enjoyed the tutorial and yes, it is one of my favorite stitches and I use it all the time for everything!

      Reply
  8. Gillian says:
    May 11, 2022 at 12:06 pm

    Thank you for such clear instructions. Loved learning how to make knot at the end too. I’m 78 and still learning! xx

    Reply
    1. minminutes says:
      May 17, 2022 at 3:50 am

      Hi Gillian,

      You are so welcome! And I’m so glad that you learned how to make the knot at the end. I actually learned how to do that from my father who learned it from my grandmother! Also thank you for the reminder that we need to never stop learning, doesn’t matter our age.

      Reply
  9. Dianne says:
    July 26, 2022 at 8:37 pm

    Excellent tutorial! Clear, detailed, comprehensive instreuctions. Thank you!

    Reply
    1. minminutes says:
      July 28, 2022 at 8:51 pm

      Thank you Dianne, so glad you found the tutorial helpful!

      Reply

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