Ladder Stitch

Ladder stitch is a fundamental beadweaving technique that creates a strong and flexible base for more advanced stitches like brick stitch and herringbone stitch. Using a needle, thread, and seed beads, this stitch forms a neat row where each bead is stacked side by side, resembling the rungs of a ladder. Learning how to ladder stitch is an essential skill for bead weaving, as it provides stability and structure to designs.

This technique is commonly used as a foundation for intricate beadweaving stitch patterns or as a standalone element in simple yet elegant jewelry pieces. A ladder stitch diagram will be provided later on this page to help visualize how the beads align and connect. Mastering ladder stitch opens up endless creative possibilities in bead weaving.

First, using your needle pick up three seed beads of color A and three seed beads of color B. After all six beads are added, take your needle and sew back through the three color A seed beads from the opposite side and then through the three color B seed beads again.

NOTE: For the purposes of this instruction on ladder stitch, we will use rows of three miyuki seed beads in two different colors. However ladder stitch can be done with rows of a single seed bead, bugle beads, cube beads, delica beads, etc.

Want to see ladder stitch in action? Follow along with Potomac Beads’ Better Beaders episode that highlights this essential bead weaving technique. If you’re a visual learner, this video tutorial makes it easy to understand how ladder stitch works, helping you perfect your technique with step-by-step guidance. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your skills, this episode is a great way to build confidence in beadweaving. Watch now and start mastering ladder stitch with ease!

The Better Beader episodes from Potomac Bead Company are your go-to resource for mastering beading stitches and choosing the right materials for your projects. Explore essential beading stitch patterns like peyote, herringbone, and brick stitch, while learning how to select the best threads for strength and flexibility.

These episodes also offer expert tips on threading needles, determining how much thread to use, and replacing worn tools. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced beader, Better Beader provides practical techniques and creative solutions to help you perfect your craft. Start your journey today!