How to Knit a Ladder Stitch

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The ladder stitch is sometimes called the mattress stitch. It is an ideal stitch to join the edges of two fabrics, such as joining the seams of an armhole onto the body of a sweater. The ladder also occurs as a run or unraveling in the fabric that may need repair.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

  • Two knitting needles
  • Knitted fabric with unjoined edges
  • Tapestry needle
  • Crochet hook

Learn the Ladder Stitch

Step1
Have the right sides of the pieces facing up.
Step2
Work in one stitch from the edge of the fabric.
Step3
Between the first and second stitches on one piece, go under the running yarn. Do this with a tapestry needle and matching yarn.
Step4
Repeat the previous step on the other piece.
Step5
Continue working from side to side.
Step6
Pull the yarn to close the seam every four to six stitches.

Correct an Unraveled Knit Ladder

Step1
Find the dropped stitch.
Step2
Insert a crochet hook through the front of the dropped stitch.
Step3
Find the strand and hook it.
Step4
Pull the strand through the stitch and you will have a new stitch one row up.
Step5
Continue in this way to the top of the ladder.

Correct an Unraveled Purl Ladder

Step1
Find the dropped stitch.
Step2
Insert a crochet hook through the back of the dropped stitch.
Step3
Find the strand and hook it with the crochet needle.
Step4
Pull the strand up through the stitch to form a new stitch a row up.
Step5
Re-insert the hook repeatedly to continue making stitches until the top of the ladder is reached.

Tips & Warnings

  • Working from the right side of the fabric makes it much easier to line up the pattern.
  • Consider using wood or bamboo needles instead of aluminum of plastic. Wood needles are much easier to work with.
  • Find instructions for the ladder stitch and other basic stitches on such websites as Annie's Attic (see Resources below).
  • The ladder stitch is often one of many stitches found in a knitting pattern.
  • Consider joining a knitting group or class to get the support needed for questions or challenging techniques.
  • As with any knit stitch, it is best to practice, practice, practice! With continued practice, this and any other stitch will become second nature.
  • Not all ladder stitches are done with knitting needles. Some ladder stitches are found in crochet patterns.
  • As with any knit pattern, be sure to use the recommended weight and type of yarn.

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eHow Article:  How to Knit a Ladder Stitch

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