How to Sew an Invisible Stitch

The invisible stitch, also known as the ladder, slip, blind, or hidden stitch is a commonly used hand sewing stitch. In this example, I’m using it to sew closed the opening on a pillow cover.

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Materials

Video

Instructions

Step 1: Iron or mark the fabric

Before you begin, it’s helpful to iron or hand press the fabric where you want the seam to be. This isn’t necessary, but the crease provides a guide so you sew in a straight line. Alternatively, you could mark where you want the seam to be with a fabric marker. Or just eyeball it as you go!

Thread the needle and make a knot at the end. I’m doubling up the thread for extra strength.


Step 2: Start stitching

Bring the needle up through one of the ironed edges so the knot is hidden. Then go to the opposite side and slide the needle through the top of the fold so you pick up a little bit of the fabric.

Next go directly across to the other side and do the same thing. Repeat this a couple more times.

The trick to this stitch is when you go from side to side, go straight across so the thread is perpendicular to the folds. The thread will start to like the rungs on a ladder. Then, when you pull the thread taut, the stitches will disappear.

Continue this process down the opening, pulling the thread taut every couple of stitches.


Step 3: Knot the thread

When you get to the end, pick up a bit of fabric like before. This time, bring the needle through the loop of thread so you form a knot.

Then repeat this, going through the knot you just made. Do this once more just to make sure it’s extra secure.

Finally, to hide the tail of the thread, go down through the knot, out the side of the fabric, and and snip the thread,
And that’s it, the stitches are just about invisible.


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