Slip stitch (ladder stitch) for invisible closing

Ladder stitch closes a turning gap invisibly: take small stitches inside each folded edge in turn, then pull the thread and the gap closes like a zip.

Pinny's tip
Matching thread really matters here; take a strand to the shop.

What you'll need

• Hand needle: fine sharps.
• Matching thread: the stitches are hidden but close.
• Iron: press the seam allowance in first.

Step by step

1. Press the seam allowances of the gap inwards to match the seam.
2. Knot the thread and bring it out inside one fold.
3. Cross straight to the other fold and take a small stitch, about 3 to 5mm (3/16 in), running inside the fold.
4. Cross back to the first fold, directly opposite, and take another small stitch.
5. After a few stitches, pull the thread gently and the edges close.
6. Finish with a knot and bury the tail inside.

Common mistakes

• Diagonal crossings. Cross straight across so stitches hide.
• Big stitches. Smaller is more invisible.
• Pulling too hard. Puckers the seam.

Watch it done

• How to Hand Sew a Slip Stitch (Ladder Stitch) SO EASY! by Cutesy Crafts on YouTube. Opens on YouTube; the video belongs to its creator.
• How to Sew a Ladder Stitch - Slip Stitch, Blind Stitch or Invisible Stitch Instructions by Melly Sews on YouTube. Opens on YouTube; the video belongs to its creator.
• How to Hand Sew an Invisible Stitch (Tutorial) by OnlineFabricStore on YouTube. Opens on YouTube; the video belongs to its creator.

Sources

All checked November 1, 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.

1. Tilly and the Buttons: How to Sew a Slipstitch (+ Video Tutorial!)
2. YouTube: How to Hand Sew a Slip Stitch (Ladder Stitch) SO EASY! (Cutesy Crafts)
3. YouTube: How to Sew a Ladder Stitch - Slip Stitch, Blind Stitch or Invisible Stitch Instructions (Melly Sews)
4. YouTube: How to Hand Sew an Invisible Stitch (Tutorial) (OnlineFabricStore)