Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming ladders for venetian blind assemblies comprised of elongated spaced vertical cords and a plurality of longitudinally spaced transverse cross pieces extending between the cords. The apparatus includes a frame, a ladder guide mechanism at one end of the frame including means for spacing the cords apart. Adjacent the guide mechanism is a gathering block having an opening through which the cords engage in close side-by-side relation. Adjacent and downstream of the gathering block is stapling means for securing the vertical cords together. Further downstream of the stapling station is measuring means in the form of an elongated measuring stock or tape so that as the ladder material is advanced through the apparatus, the operator may position the front end at a selected point along the measuring tape and make a visual determination of the of the desired length of a given ladder assembly.