Instructions for a ladder stitch, invisible stitch for closing an opening

1) Thread a needle and make a knot at the end.

2) Fold the seam allowances of the opening inwards. Insert the needle into a seam allowance on the inside of one end of the opening and sew 2–3 short stitches to anchor the thread.

3) Stick the needle outwards at the last stitch of the machine seam.

4) On one side of the opening stick the needle directly into the fold and out again after about 2mm (1/8").
Proceed in the same way on the opposite open edge/fold, stick the needle in and out again after 2mm (1/8").
Pull the thread through, but do not tighten it yet.
[Illustration: blue number = stick in  |  black number = come out  |  red = thread]

The closer the stitches are to each other, the nicer the seam will turn out.

Continue sewing for approx. 2 cm (3/4"), then pull carefully on the thread to close the opening up to here.

Continue sewing the "ladder" as described above and carefully tighten the thread every 2 cm (3/4") until the opening is completely closed.

5) Sew a very short stitch and pull the needle through the loop to make a knot.
Push the needle back into the seam and make another knot.

Finally, stick the needle back into the seam and bring it out as far away as possible at another point of the project.
Pull lightly on the thread and cut it off.

Depending on the piece and fabric, press the seam so that the thread settles nicely into the fabric.

Done!