Ladder Stitch

Ladder Stitch is a kind of embroidery stitch used on plain-and even weave fabrics. It has a ladder-like appearance, hence the name, and it is used as a border stitch or to fill a long, narrow shape of varying width.

This stitch should always be worked on fabric stretched in an embroidery hoop or frame to prevent it form distorting the fabric.

When the stitch is worked in a straight line, guidelines may need to be drawn on the fabric, unless the fabric threads can be counted, to keep the line straight. The rungs of the ladder can be placed close together to achive a solid effect or can be spaced apart to give the stitch a more lacy appearance.
It is worked downwards along two parallel lines and consists of a sequence of crossing stitches, which form the rungs, and loops, which build up to create a plaited edge on each side of the row.

A rounded thread, such as pearl or soft cotton, gives a raised appearance to the plaited edges.

• This stitch may be used to fill shapes of varying widths, but it is shown worked between parallel lines.
• Bring the thread through a (A), insert the needle at (B) and bring it out at (C).
• Insert again at (D) and bring out at (E).
• Pass the needle under the first stitch at (F) and through the double stitch at (G).
• Continue in this way, the needle passing under two stitched at each side to form the braided edge.