How to Crochet the Ladder Stitch Pattern

Materials & tools you'll need

Step 1 — Gather materials and set up the foundation chain

The ladder stitch is constructed in sets of 6, so your foundation chain must be divisible by 6. A starting chain of 24 works well for practising the stitch — that's four sets of 6. Once you have your base chain length, add 7 additional chains at the end for turning, giving you a total foundation chain of 31 for a 24-stitch project. Create a slip knot, form the full foundation chain, and keep your tension even throughout. A consistent foundation makes it much easier to work cleanly into the correct chains in row 1.

Step 2 — Work row 1

Begin row 1 in the 13th chain from the hook. Work a single crochet into that chain: insert the hook, yarn over and pull up a loop so you have two loops on the hook, then yarn over again and pull through both loops. Chain 3, then work a second single crochet into that same chain stitch. Chain 5, then skip the next 5 chains.

In the following chain, work a single crochet, chain 3, and another single crochet into that same stitch — this is the core repeat of the ladder stitch. Chain 5, skip the next 5 chains, and repeat across the row. At the very end of the row, finish with one single crochet in the last stitch. This first row establishes the spaced chain-3 anchor points that every subsequent row will build from.

Step 3 — Work row 2

Chain 7 and turn your work. Skip all the chains you just created and insert your hook directly into the first chain-3 space from the previous row. Work a single crochet into that space, chain 3, then work another single crochet into the same chain-3 space. Chain 5, then move to the next chain-3 space and repeat — single crochet, chain 3, single crochet. Continue this pattern across the entire row, working into each chain-3 space in turn. The chain-7 turning chain and the chain-5 bridges between repeats create the open, ladder-like rungs that give this stitch its name.

Step 4 — Continue the pattern

The ladder stitch is built entirely by repeating row 2. Start each new row with a chain of 7, turn, and work single crochet, chain 3, single crochet into each chain-3 space from the previous row, with a chain 5 between each repeat. Finish each row with a single crochet into the large chain space at the end. With every row the braid-like ladder pattern grows taller and more defined — after several rows you'll clearly see the interlocking rungs that characterise this stitch. Continue until your project reaches the desired size.

Step 5 — Work the final row and finish

To straighten out the top edge cleanly, work a slightly modified final row. Chain 7 and turn. Work one single crochet into the first chain-3 space, then chain 5. Move to the next chain-3 space and work one single crochet, chain 5. Repeat this across the row — single crochet, chain 5 into each chain-3 space — without the extra chain-3 and second single crochet that appear in the regular rows. Finish with one last single crochet into the large chain space at the end of the row. This simplified final row levels off the top edge neatly. To finish, trim the yarn, pull the tail through the last loop to fasten off, then thread a yarn needle and weave all loose ends in securely before trimming.

Frequently asked questions

What materials are needed to crochet the ladder stitch?
You'll need Bernat Handicrafter cotton in weight 4, a 4mm crochet hook, scissors, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends.

How do I work row 1 of the ladder stitch pattern?
Begin in the 13th chain from the hook. Work a single crochet, chain 3, then a second single crochet into that same chain. Chain 5, skip the next 5 chains, and repeat — single crochet, chain 3, single crochet in the same stitch, chain 5, skip 5 — across the row. Finish with one single crochet in the last stitch.

How do I work subsequent rows of the ladder stitch?
Chain 7 and turn at the start of each row. Insert your hook into the chain-3 space from the previous row and work a single crochet, chain 3, then another single crochet into that same space. Chain 5 and repeat into each chain-3 space across the row. Finish with a single crochet into the chain-5 space at the end. Repeat this row until the project reaches your desired size.

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