How to Sew a Slip Stitch (Ladder Stitch)

By
Stacy Fisher
Stacy Fisher, Writer
Stacy Fisher

Stacy Fisher is an expert on crafting, sewing, and frugal finds, sharing her knowledge of hands-on DIY creations, finding freebies, and budgeting. Stacy was a guest on "The Dr. Oz Show" and featured in Woman's World Magazine. She has nearly two decades of writing and editing experience.

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Updated on 11/28/23
A completed slip stitch

Stacy Fisher 

Project Overview
  • Total Time: 15 mins
  • Skill Level: Beginner

The slip stitch in sewing, also called a ladder stitch or an invisible ladder stitch, is a useful hand-sewing stitch that's used to close a seam for a variety of uses. When done correctly, you shouldn't be able to see the stitch once it's finished. So you should use the slip stitch when you want a discreet stitch that can close an opening your sewing machine can't reach. It makes use of the hems on both the inside fabrics to hide the stitch while sewing the opening closed.

Slip stitches can be used to close new seams or to repair a seam that has come apart. You're most likely to use a slip stitch to close a lining, mend a seam, hem a garment, attach a binding, apply appliqué, and close a pillow cover, just to name a few. It's a great stitch to know and once you learn it you'll be using it everywhere. Once you understand the process, this stitch is fairly quick and easy for most sewers. After you use it, no one will be the wiser that there once was an opening there. Like most hand stitches, it takes a little practice to get it perfect.

Scissors, needle, thread, and fabric on a table
Stacy Fisher
How to Hand Sew Basic Stitches

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Sewing needle
  • Scissors
  • Iron and ironing board

Materials

  • Fabric
  • Matching thread

Instructions

  1. Thread Your Needle

    Since a good ladder stitch can't be seen, you'll want to choose a matching thread to ensure that. Here I've used a contrasting thread so you're able to more easily see my stitches. A matching thread will seem to disappear if you do the slip stitch correctly.

    Before you can slip stitch, you'll need to thread your needle. Double the thread, and tie a knot at the end. Having the double thread makes the thread more secure and less likely to break while sewing and in the future when there's wear and tear on the garment or seam. Snip the thread under the knot if needed, so you have about 1/4-inch thread tail. Don't worry, the tail will get hidden inside the seam or can be trimmed shorter when you're all finished with the stitches.

    A threaded needle
    Stacy Fisher

  2. Prepare Your Closure

    Getting the closure ready is a step that some people skip, but it's the secret to getting an invisible slip stitch.

    Take your item to slip stitch, and fold the fabric inside the closure to match your seam. Press with an iron or finger press to make a nice even fold on both sides of the fabric. Cut away any loose threads of frayed fabric that are close to where you will be stitching.

    You want a nice clean area that lays flat. This makes it so much easier once it's time to start stitching.

    A piece of fabric with folds on the inside
    Stacy Fisher

  3. Hide Your Knot

    Just like how you want to hide your thread during a slip stitch, you also want to hide your knots. You'll need a knot at the beginning and end of the stitch. To start the slip stitch, you're first going to hide your knot. This secures the thread while keeping it out of sight.

    Starting on one side of the closure, insert your needle inside one of the folds, being careful not to come through the outside of the fabric.

    Bring your needle back out through that fold toward the middle of the closure. Pull the thread through until the knot is hidden in between one of the folds. 

    Hiding a knot
    Stacy Fisher

  4. Start Your Slip Stitch on One Side

    Now that the knot is hidden, it's time to start stitching and get that opening closed.

    Bring the needle to the opposite fold of where your knot is, and insert it into the fold. Then, bring the needle out of the fold a 1/4 inch or less away from where you just inserted it. Be sure not to catch any of the outside fabric when you make your stitch.

    Pull the needle and thread through to complete your first stitch. 

    Starting a slip stitch
    Stacy Fisher

  5. Sew the Slip Stitch on the Opposite Side

    Repeat the slip stitch you just completed on the opposite fold, in the area that's straight across from where you just stitched. 

    Using a slip stitch
    Stacy Fisher

  6. Keep Making Slip Stitches

    Continue making slip stitches in the same manner, working back and forth between the two folds. Keep making slip stitches until you get close to the end of the other side of the closure. The closer your stitches are the more secure your seam is going to be.

    You'll notice the thread goes back and forth between the folds, looking like ladder rungs. This is why the slip stitch is also called the ladder stitch. 

    Showing a slip sttich
    Stacy Fisher

  7. Knot Your Thread

    Once you've reached the end of your closure, it's time to knot your thread and secure it.

    Grab a small amount of fabric inside the fold with your needle, and pull your thread through just a bit, not all the way. You'll now have a thread loop that you can use to make your knot.

    Insert the needle through the loop, and pull through to create a knot.

    Make one more knot in the same way to secure your stitching.

    A small knot to end the slip stitch
    Stacy Fisher

  8. Finish Your Slip Stitch

    Trim the thread close to the knot. If you peek inside the closure, you might be able to see your stitches. This is fine and why you should choose a matching thread (unlike this demonstration, which used contrasting thread to show the stitches). 

    Give the closure a final press. This will make it nice and crisp and hide any stitches that might be peeking through.

    Inside a slip stitch
    Stacy Fisher