Sew a Ladder Stitch

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Introduction

A ladder stitch, or closure stitch, is a sewing technique that allows you to close a tear without leaving the stitching visible.

The trick is to make the stitches as small and as even as possible. This technique works for repairing almost any type of tear.

What you need

Step 1 Sew a Ladder Stitch

Sew a Ladder Stitch, Sew a Ladder Stitch: step 1, image 1 of 3

Sew a Ladder Stitch, Sew a Ladder Stitch: step 1, image 2 of 3

Sew a Ladder Stitch, Sew a Ladder Stitch: step 1, image 3 of 3

Thread your needle and tie a knot in the end.
We're using contrasting thread for visibility, but when it comes time for your repair, you'll want to use matching thread.
Drive the needle from the back of the material, just before where the tear starts.
Pull the thread taut.

Step 2

Take a small stitch, going in and out of the material, on one side of the tear only.
Pull the thread taut.

Step 3

Take a small stitch, going in and out of the material, on the other side of the tear, directly opposite of the stitch you just took.
Pull the thread taut. This should cinch the material together.
If your material bunches, try taking smaller stitches, while ensuring that you line up the stitches on either side of the material.

Step 4

Continue stitching, switching from side to side as described in step 2 and 3 of this guide, pulling the thread taut after each stitch.
Stitch until you come to the end of the tear.

Step 5

Sew a Ladder Stitch: step 5, image 3 of 3

One the last stitch, drive the needle through both sides of the fabric, taking as small of a stitch as possible.
Slowly pull the thread. As you pull, a loop will form. Draw the needle through this loop, and pull the thread taut.
Repeat this step, taking a tiny stitch, drawing the needle through the loop, and pulling taut.
Ensure that the stitches are tight, and cut any excess threads.