{{Short description|Invisible seam closing stitch}} {{About|the invisible seam closing stitch|the decorative ladder stitch|Hemstitch}} [[File:Ladder stitch.svg|thumb|Ladder stitch]] A '''ladder stitch''', or '''mattress stitch''', is a [[Stitch (textile arts)|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 [[Polyester Fiberfill|stuffed]] items, such as [[pillow]]s, [[mattress]]es, down coats or [[stuffed toy]]s, 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.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wikihow.com/Ladder-Stitch|title=How to Ladder Stitch|website=wikiHow|language=en|access-date=2019-12-22}}{{UGC|date=March 2023}}</ref>

== Surgical suturing == [[File:Subcuticular suture.svg|thumb|Running subcuticular suture]] Ladder stitching can also be used in surgery [[Surgical suture|sutures]] to close an incision in the skin. In this context it is called a '''running subcuticular suture''' or '''running subcuticular closure'''.<ref>{{cite video|title=Surgeon Explains How to Apply Stitches|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-yWx772qFU&feature=youtu.be&t=541|time=9:01|type=Video|publisher=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]]|via=YouTube|language=en|date= November 27, 2019|access-date=2020-02-01}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|last=Kantor|first=Jonathan|title=The Running Subcuticular Suture|date=2017|url=https://accessemergencymedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?bookid=2076&sectionid=156454625#1172925201|work=Atlas of Suturing Techniques: Approaches to Surgical Wound, Laceration, and Cosmetic Repair|publisher=McGraw-Hill Education|access-date=2023-03-05}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|first1=Julian|last1=Mackay-Wiggan|first2=Desiree|last2=Ratner|url=https://www.medscape.com/answers/1824895-32083/what-are-indications-for-the-running-subcuticular-suture-technique|title=What are indications for the running subcuticular suture technique?|website=Medscape Pediatrics|date=July 10, 2018|access-date=2019-12-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191222105111/https://www.medscape.com/answers/1824895-32083/what-are-indications-for-the-running-subcuticular-suture-technique|archive-date=December 22, 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>

== References == <references/>

[[Category:Sewing stitches]]

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