#ladderstitch

[wasofivory]

#bookbinding #handmadebook #copticstitch #ladderstitch Still trying to figure this one out 😙 https://www.instagram.com/p/CNkhbmPD8v0/?igshid=1se6e1ythmavc

[shereerobinsonknit]

✨ Jelly Fish Tanks ✨will be dropping online soon! 😍 they are mildly sparkly so transition well from day to night, super stretchy with a cotton yarn running through to keep you cool 👯💃🏾👯✨ All handmade by me! ⭐️🌞⭐️🌞⭐️🌞⭐️🌞⭐️🌞⭐️🌞#handmadeknitwear #knittedtank #knittedvest #ladderstitch #lurex #elastic #yarnporn #iamnotamodel

[hanjipandesigns]

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I can't express how much this stitch still pleases me, every single time! 😂💖 #handsewn #ladderstitch #handmadetoy #sewing #pink #easilypleased

[bramblepatchcrafts]

Creating a traditional ladder stitch

Ladder stitch is the first row foundation used to create other stitches such as herringbone or brick stitch. It can also be used by itself with a variety of beads to create a wide range of styles and looks. There are a few different variations for creating ladder stitch however, in this tutorial i will be showing you how to create a ladder stitch the traditional way. So grab yourself a cuppa and lets go!

      Materials you will need

Beading thread (I have used purple so it stands out)

A size 12 beading needle or a wide eye needle

A pair of sharp scissors or snips

Seed beads or 4mm beads (I have used 4mm so they stand out)

Step 1 - Cut a length of thread and thread your needle. Roughly a length from your hand to your elbow.

Step 2 - Using your needle, pick up two beads and pass them onto your thread.

Step 3 - Pass your needle and thread back through the first bead you strung, creating a circle with your thread. Your beads should now be lying flat in position.

Step 4 - Pass your needle and thread back through the second bead you strung and pull your thread firmly.You are now in position to pick up another bead.

Step 5 - Pick up a third bead and pass your needle and thread through the second bead strung, creating a circle with your thread.

Step 6 - Pass your needle and thread back through the last bead you strung.

Step 7 - Continue picking up beads creating a “loop de loop” pattern with your thread until you have reached the desired length. You may find your ladder feels a little bit slack, you can reinforce your beadwork by weaving your needle and thread back through if you desire following the thread you have already woven.

From this point you can either carry on with your needle and thread to start creating brick stitch or herringbone stitch. Or, you can tie-off your bead work.For now I will show you how to tie-off.

     How to tie-off your beadwork

Step 1 - Pass your needle under a piece of thread in your beadwork and pull slowly until a small loop is formed.

Step 2 - Pass your needle through this loop and pull tight. The knot you have just created is called a half hitch knot. 

Step 3 - Thread your needle back through the entirety of your beadwork to secure your thread end. The knot you have just made should disappear inside the bead as you thread through, hiding it from view. Once threaded cut your thread being careful not to catch your beadwork as you do. Repeat this process with your remaining tail thread end.

There you have it! Your very first traditional beaded ladder stitch! I hope you have enjoyed the tutorial. Be sure to drop me a message if you have questions or need any advice.

      Notes

A size 12 beading needle is usually suitable for both 4mm beads and most sizes of seed beads. I have used a wide eye needle in this tutorial. This is my prefered choice because its nice and thin, very easy to thread and the thread will stay in place once threaded. Be sure to experiment with different needles to find one that’s best for you.

There are so many types of beading threads out there to choose from, so it can be overwhelming at first. Don’t let the choice put you off, after trial and error you will find one that suits you best. I use a brand called Fireline for most of my projects. It is more expensive but I have found the quality and ease of use to be worth spending the extra pennies. Another good brand is Nymo. You can just use whatever you have lying around the house. I started off learning using cotton yarn, its not suitable for wearing jewellery but fine to practice with. :-).

You will find a number of seed bead sizes to choose from. My favourite size to work with are size 11 however, you can use any size to create a ladder stitch. The most commonly used sizes are 6, 8 and 11. The higher the number the smaller the bead.