How to Bead a Simple Ladder Stitch

Materials Needed:

• Seed beads (size 11/0 or 8/0 are commonly used)
• Beading needle
• Beading thread (like Nymo or FireLine)
• Scissors

Instructions:

Step 1: Threading the Needle

1. Cut a comfortable length of beading thread (around 1 meter is usually good).
2. Thread your needle with the beading thread and leave a tail of about 6 inches.

Step 2: Adding the First Two Beads

1. Pick up two seed beads with your needle.
2. Slide them down the thread, leaving about a 6-inch tail.
3. Pass the needle back through both beads in the same direction as the first pass. This forms a loop that secures the beads side by side.

Step 3: Adding the Third Bead

1. Pick up another bead with your needle.
2. Pass the needle through the second bead (the last bead of the initial pair) in the opposite direction to how you strung it originally. This step positions the new bead parallel to the first two.

Step 4: Securing the Third Bead

1. Pass the needle back through the third bead in the same direction as your original pass. This step reinforces the bead and ensures the beads sit neatly next to each other.

Step 5: Continuing the Ladder

1. Repeat steps 3 and 4 for the length of your ladder stitch. Each time, add a new bead and pass through the previous bead, then back through the new bead to secure it in place.

Step 6: Reinforcing the Ladder

1. Once you reach the desired length, reinforce the entire strip by weaving the thread back through the entire row of beads once or twice more. This step strengthens your work.

Step 7: Finishing Off

1. To finish off, weave the thread through a few beads in the opposite direction to secure it.
2. Tie a few knots in between the beads to secure the thread, making sure to pass through a few beads after each knot to hide the thread.
3. Trim any excess thread.

Tips:

• Keep your tension consistent to ensure an even and neat appearance.
• If your ladder stitch is going to be the base for another stitch (like brick or herringbone stitch), make sure the ladder is not too tight; this will make it easier to pass the needle through the beads in the next steps.
• You can use a stop bead (a temporary bead at the end of your thread) to prevent beads from slipping off when you start.

Ladder stitch is a versatile technique and serves as a great foundation for many beadwork projects. With practice, you'll find it to be a quick and satisfying stitch to work with.

Try it by with 2 beads at a time.

Try alternating the amount of beads per row, this example is 2, 2, 3, 4, 3, 2, 2 for a different effect

Try it with different beads. This one is 4mm cube beads

This one uses bugle beads, a popular use for these are in fringe earrings.