Tear in clothes? Learn the ladder stitch!
An open seam, tear in clothing or shop hook can be reasons why you stop wearing a beloved garment. It doesn't look so pretty. Buy a replacement? No way, don't! Teach yourself the ladder stitch and you can fix these kinds of mishaps yourself from now on. We explain how to do it!
Tools
- needle
- iron thread*
- scissors
Instructions
- Thread your thread through the needle and tie a knot at the end. Insert the needle from the back to the front of the fabric and pull firmly to make sure the thread stays in place. If necessary, you can make a thicker knot or just tie the thread on the inside.
- When sewing up an open seam, make sure you precisely insert your needle into the fold of the fabric each time, cross straight over to the other side, again into the seam, come back up with your needle about four mm below it and cross again to the other side. As if making a ladder.
- Have you reached the end of your open seam? Then gently pull on your thread, you'll pull the stitches you made. The edges of the fabric will pull together and if all goes well, you won't see any more of your stitches!
- Insert your needle to the inside and stitch off.
Notes
*Because you have to tighten the thread, it is important to use a strong yarn, such as iron thread, so that your thread doesn't snap when you tighten it. Iron thread is often found wrapped on such a star and is extra strong.