I have found a few hints for stuffing dolls and plushies along the way. Today I will be hitting the how to embroidery with the ladder stitch to close your dolls and plushies.

The ladder stitch is a basic movement of the needle going back and forth on the edge of the fabric- catching just a bit of each side.

When pulled tight the thread will kind of gather the edges together, almost looking like it was a true seam.

 Basic Quilting Supplies 

• Rotary cutter or a new sharp blade
• Cutting Mat
• Quilt Ruler
• Sewing Machine – This brother is my favorite!
• Iron here
• Thread
• Bobbins
• Scissors
• Seam Ripper – Not my favorite thing to do!

Tips & Tricks When Sewing The Ladder Stitch

* Use a stronger thread.  I use a hand quilting thread which is a bit thicker than regular thread. It has handle the pull or gathering against it and won’t snap and make you say choice words.

* Place the opening needed for turning {this is where you close using the ladder stitch} somewhere a little hidden.  I like to choose under the arm, just above the leg first. The top of the head is an ok spot too– but it might have a curve to watch out for.

* Keep your stitches small and close together.  Anywhere this is a little hole, your stuffing will sneak out. No one likes a furry stitch!

* Iron down the opening with the seam allowance tucked under.  This will help you find the right fold to stitch and make your life sooooo much happier when stitching!

Ladder Stitch:

Mistakes To Avoid When Using The Ladder Stitch

1. Uneven Stitches
Try to keep your stitches small and evenly spaced—large or uneven ones will be more visible and may not hold the fabric securely.

2. Pulling the Thread Too Tight
Over-tightening can cause puckering in the fabric. Gently pull the thread just enough to close the gap smoothly.

3. Using the Wrong Thread Color
A contrasting thread can stand out against your fabric. Choose a thread that blends in for an invisible finish.

4. Forgetting to Knot the Thread Securely
Always start and finish with a secure knot. This keeps your stitches from coming undone over time.

5. Skipping the Practice Step
If you’re new to the ladder stitch, practice on scrap fabric first. It’ll help build confidence before working on your final project.

The Ladder Stitch In Action

For more embroidery stitches you should check this embroidery page out.

If your fingers are taking hit with the needle end— check out how you use a thimble video~

My Other Favorite Stitches Include:

• Chain Stitch
• Whip Stitch
• Sampler stitches.

If you are ready to give the ladder stitch a try and sew some dolls and plushies- Hop on over to my shop to search my patterns. There is a variety of style, size and characters.

Additional Doll & Animal Resources

• Sewing Projects for Shark Week
• 18 Free Bunny Patterns to Sew
• Paddington the Bear Free Pattern
• Super Hero Dolls and Shuffle Quilt Pattern

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a ladder stitch?
A: It’s a hand-sewing technique that creates an invisible seam—perfect for closing openings in dolls, plushies, pillows, and other soft projects.

Q: Do I need special thread for a ladder stitch?
A: Regular sewing thread works just fine. For best results, use a thread color that matches your fabric.

Q: Can beginners learn this stitch easily?
A: Yes! It’s beginner-friendly with just a little practice. The key is to make even stitches and keep a steady hand.

Q: Will this stitch hold up over time?
A: Yes, when sewn securely and knotted well at the end, ladder stitches are strong and durable.

What kind of stitches are your favorite when sewing dolls and sewing stuffed animals?

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