This article is about the invisible seam closing stitch. For the decorative ladder stitch, see
Hemstitch.
Ladder stitch
A ladder stitch, or mattress stitch, is a
stitch which can be used to invisibly close seams from the outside of the garment or item. It is primarily used to close seams on
stuffed items, such as
pillows,
mattresses, down coats or
stuffed toys, where, after the stuffing is added, there is no access to the back of the
fabric. It can also be used to repair split seams on these items or garments, or to alter clothing.[1]
Running subcuticular suture
It can also be used in surgery
sutures to close an incision in the skin. In this context it is called a running subcuticular suture or running subcuticular closure.[2][3][4]
^Kantor, Jonathan (2017),
"The Running Subcuticular Suture", Atlas of Suturing Techniques: Approaches to Surgical Wound, Laceration, and Cosmetic Repair, McGraw-Hill Education, retrieved 2023-03-05