Welcome back to Bead Weaving 101.
In this post, we are exploring one of the most basic bead weaving stitches, Ladder Stitch, as we continue the review of the Bead & Button Bead Stitching Handbook.
The tutorial portion of this post will be in video form, but first let’s talk about what Ladder stitch is and how it is used in bead weaving and jewelry design.
Ladder Stitch
The name Ladder stitch, was given, because the bead work looks like the rungs of a ladder when stitched.
Ladder stitch is most commonly used as a foundation stitch. This means it is used to build a base of beads for use with other stitches.
There are two main bead weaving stitches that need a ladder base start:
- Herringbone Stitch
- Brick Stitch
However, Ladder stitch is often used within a design to increase, or extend areas of the bead work. For example, You can use ladder stitch when you need to extend out from the center or to create another layer of work.
In today’s tutorial, I demonstrate the traditional Ladder Stitch technique using a single bead per stitch first, and then, using two beads per stitch.
There are two alternative methods for Ladder stitch technique in the handbook,
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Tools and Materials
- Color A Bead 8/0 Delica
- Color B Bead 8/0 Delica
- Stop Bead
- Beading Needle – Size 10 Pony
- Beading Thread – 8 pound Fireline Black Satin
- Ultra Thread Zap
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You can use any size or color beads you prefer. You can even use just one color.
The beads do not have to be Delica beads but this stitch works really well with them. Round seed beads work just fine and the technique is exactly the same.
The Technique
And those are the Ladder Stitch Basics.
In the next Ladder Stitch post, we will take a look at some alternative methods for working in Ladder Stitch and how to use the stitch in a round.
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