I do the ladder stitch too but I have over the years used the vinyl hexagons and you can sort of stitch more toward the back side edge. But your stitch will always show some what, even if you use the really fine silk thread. I know some who uses thread that matches. Sometimes I am able to color the white thread using Pigma markers to get a close match so the thread doesn't show as much. Just have to try various techniques and see what works best for you. Good Luck !