The Ladder Stitch is another pretty method of working bars or double lines often used in ornamental embroidery. Trace first the outlines as seen in illustration below; mark also the cross stitches between the outlines, so that the first touch the outlines only at both ends. Cover each line with a narrow Button-hole stitch, made over a cord or outline, the loop sides toward each other. Then connect the lines at regular intervals with an Overcast Stitch, or with a fine Outline stitch, placed straight across in ladder fashion. Some embroiderers prefer to use the overcast stitch or double overcast stitch in place of the button-hole stitch.
The material between the rungs of the ladder is then carefully cut away.
This stitch is used in lace work, as well as in heavier forms of embroidery.