Help from the Workroom - Ladder Stitch

One of the most versatile stitches I have ever come across is Ladder Stitch. It has brought a smile to many a face, as the stitches disappear in to the seam. It is definately one you should have in your sewing box!

Ladder Stitch is great for invisibly repairing a split in a seam and is my stitch of choice for sewing the sides of curtains and blinds. Upholsterers use this stitch for re-closing seams and knitters use a similar stitch called Mattress Stitch when sewing up their knitting. The joy of this stitch is that it is worked from the right side of the fabric, so you can easily match any patterns or stripes.

Once you have the seam allowance pressed back and the folded edges are lying next to each other, take the needle with a knotted thread and slip the needle under the fold, bringing the needle out right on the edge of the fold.

Now holding the thread at a right angle to the fold, place the needle in to the opposite fold - to the right of the thread.

Repeat this each time you make a new stitch. Moving the thread across to the opposite fold, at a right angle each time.

As you become more experienced in knowing at what point to place the needle, you can refrain from holding the thread at a right angle. It is just to get you in to the habit of making the stitch slightly behind from where the thread appeared on the opposite fold. If you place the needle ahead of this point, the stitching will show.

This is a great stitch with a multitude of applications including sewing up seams in cushions and stitching up mitres on curtains. It is more versatile than a slip stitch and creates a stronger seam.

In the next 'Help from the Workroom' I will show you how to make a great little pin cushion that slips on to your wrist!