Ladder Stitch How-To

The ladder stitch is vital in creating wrap bracelets. In this video, you'll learn how to use the ladder stitch to create a simple single-wrap bracelet.

Making more than a single wrap?

For each additional wrap around your wrist, you'll need to add 15 inches of leather cord and 7-8 feet of beading thread. Bracelet sizes are subjective, so we're using a common size of 7.5" in the chart below. We recommend testing your project often by wrapping it around your wrist to see how it feels.

Single wrap (7.5"): You'll need 30 inches of cord plus 7-8 feet of thread

2 wraps (15"): You'll need 45 inches of cord plus 14-16 feet of thread

3 wraps (22.5"): You'll need 60 inches of cord plus 21-24 feet of thread

4 wraps (30"): You'll need 75 inches of cord plus 28-32 feet of thread

5 wraps (37.5"): You'll need 90 inches of cord plus 35-40 feet of thread

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1

Eventually this will become second nature to your hands. You are essentially creating a figure eight around your cord with a bead in the middle. Take your threaded needle coming from the top of the cord on the left string through your bead under the cord on the right looping back around that cord and string back through your bead. Then pass your needle under the cord on the left and loop around the cord in preparation for the next bead.

Step 2

Begin and end your ladder stitch wrap bracelet with 1-2 smaller beads to allow for a smoother transition. This should increase the longevity of your piece as there won't be so much tension on the thread and cords. I used one 4mm round bead at the beginning and end of this piece.