How to Embroider: Ladder and Beaded Ladder Stitch- Video and Step by Step Tutorial

Ladder and Beaded Ladder Stitches

The ladder or invisible stitch is used to join two pieces of fabric or stitching together seamlessly. When beads are added it becomes a decorative edging. Use this DIY video and step-by-step tutorial to learn how to embroider the ladder and beaded ladder stitches.

What you'll need to create the ladder and beaded ladder:

• embroidery thread

• embroidery hoop

• cotton fabric

• embroidery needle

• embroidery scissors

• seed beads

Ladder and Beaded Ladder Stitches Video

Ladder and Beaded Ladder Stitches Step-by-Step Tutorial

Ladder Stitch

1. To start, bring the needle up from the inside of the fabric/stitching where it will connect along the crease.

2. Directly across from where the thread is coming out of the fabric/stitching, bring the needle in and out of the other fabric/stitching, along the crease. This stitch should be about 1/8 of an inch. Gently tug the thread through the fabric/stitching.

3. Now repeat on the other side. Directly across from where the stitch ended, bring the needle in and out of the fabric/stitching on the other side, making a 1/8 inch stitch.

4. Continue alternating sides with stitches and gently tugging the thread so that the fabric/stitching is connected, and the thread is not visible. 

Beaded Ladder Stitch

1. The ladder or invisible stitch is used to join two pieces of fabric or stitching together seamlessly. Adding beads to this stitch turns it into decorative edging. To start, bring the needle up from the inside of the fabric/stitching where it will connect along the crease. Slide a seed bead onto the thread.

2. Then, directly across from where the thread is coming out of the fabric/stitching, bring the needle in and out of the other fabric/stitching, along the crease. This stitch should be about 1/8 of an inch. Gently tug the thread through the fabric/stitching so that the bead is flush with the outer edge.

3. Now repeat on the other side. Add a seed bead onto the thread, then directly across from where the stitch ended, bring the needle in and out of the fabric/stitching on the other side, making a 1/8 inch stitch.

4. Continue alternating sides with stitches and gently tugging the thread so that the fabric/stitching is connected, beads are flush along the outer edge, and the thread is not visible.

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Looking for more helpful embroidery tips, supplies, and hands-on workshops?

Workshops

Join Melissa Galbraith of MCreativeJ for a hands-on workshop! Melissa makes hand embroidery easy with a wide variety of embroidery classes. Classes are beginner-friendly to advanced and will walk you through a wide variety of stitches, techniques, and designs.

Find all upcoming workshops at: https://www.mcreativej.com/upcoming-seattle-events

Embroidery Books

Want a great hand embroidery reference? Try one of Melissa's hand embroidery books! Each book is great for beginners and breaks down materials, stitches, techniques, and projects for you.

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