Learn the invisible hand stitch, also known as slip stitch or blind stitch, with this easy ladder stitch tutorial. Achieve neat and tidy seams every time with this simple hand-sewing technique.
Prep Time2 minutesmins
Active Time5 minutesmins
Total Time7 minutesmins
Course: Sewing
Cuisine: International
Keyword: how to sew a ladder stitch, ladder stitch, ladder stitch tutorial
project with open seamslike toys, pillows, baby mobile etc
thread
Instructions
Start by pressing the seams in, as per your projects' seam allowance. Make sure you press them nice and crisp.
Thread the needle with double thread.
Tie the ends into a double knot and trim the little loose tails.
Grab one of the edges of the open seam and insert the needle under the seam, from the wrong side of the fabric.
Push the needle out, pulling the thread completely through until the knot is nicely concealed inside the seam.
Push the needle directly across from the starting point at which your thread emerges and grab about 1/8" of the edge of the seam, just where the fabric folds.
Pull the thread through completely but leaving the thread a little loose between the two edges of the seams. This will help you see where to push the needle directly on the opposite side.
Go to the opposite site, directly from the second point at which the thread emerges and repeat the step.
After 2-3 stitches you will notice your stitch is in a ladder pattern.
At this point, pull the thread completely, to hide it between the two crisp edges then smooth out the seam with your fingers until the seam appears completely blind.
Repeat all steps until you reach the end of your opening.
To nicely hide the end knot, start by picking up a tiny section of the opposite seam with your needle, slightly just below the folded edge.
Pass the needle and thread through a loop and tighten to form a knot. Repeat for reinforcing the knot.
Push the needle right through the seam towards the center of your project.
Then pull the needle out, through the object.
Pull tight so the knot you made above is nicely hidden inside the seam.
Then trim the thread as close to the fabric as possible, without snipping through the fabric. At this point the finishing knot should be nicely concealed inside the seam and the thread ends concealed inside the object.