The ladder foundation is easier for beginners and less fiddly than the foundation thread. It is suitable for square and rectangular motifs.
1. Using the circular thread foundation, make 3 stitches (or knots) on the thread. This is your first row (left-to-right).
2. Working from right to left, insert the needle in the first loop, wrap the thread around the needle, and make a stitch in each loop.
3. Work back and forth on these two loops until you have a ladder.
4. When the ladder has as many rows as you need stitches for the width of your motif, turn the ladder 90 degrees and work the next row of stitches on the side of the ladder.
Remember not to flip the work over. The front of the ladder is always facing you. The first row worked down the side is a left-to-right row.