What type of stitch is a ladder stitch?

A ladder stitch is a hand stitch specifically designed for closing hems invisibly, making it particularly useful in finishing garments and other sewn items where a clean, professional look is desired. This stitch allows the fabric to remain folded in a way that minimizes the visibility of the stitching, thus ensuring that the seam appears nearly undetectable from the outside.

In the context of sewing techniques, the ladder stitch is often used for hems in linings or for closing seams where the goal is to keep the stitches hidden while providing a sturdy closure. It is especially useful in hand sewing applications, where finesse and precision are required to achieve an aesthetically pleasing finish.

The other options describe different types of stitches that serve various functions, but they do not accurately represent the unique purpose of the ladder stitch. The choice highlighting decorative seams focuses on embellishing rather than finishing seams invisibly, while the machine stitch mentioned pertains to securing fabric edges, which is distinctly mechanical in nature and does not convey the delicacy of the ladder stitch. Similarly, the temporary basting stitch is used for holding layers together before the final sewing is done, contrasting with the permanent and invisible closure achieved by the ladder stitch.