Yes, you can employ a ladder stitch for apparent seams. The ladder stitch is conventionally used to create an imperceptible seam, but it can also be utilized to sew visible seams. The key is to ensure the stitches are uniform and closely spaced, which will help minimize the visibility of the stitching. Additionally, you can use a thread color that harmonizes with the fabric to further diminish the visibility of the stitches.
If you seek a stitch that’s utterly imperceptible, you may wish to consider employing an alternative stitch, such as a whip stitch, which is more suited for imperceptible seams.