There are three different directions in which you can stitch Bargello needlepoint: vertical, diagonal and four-way. I suppose there may even be a circular direction if you combine the three; but that’s a challenge for talented designers like [...]

The Bargello Needlepoint Christmas Bell Ornament uses three shades of gold metallic to depict a shiny hand bell—the kind used to play Christmas carols. A tiny plastic ring covered with gold thread makes the bell’s clapper come alive [...]

When I lived in Salt Lake City, UT, Needlepoint & Other Things was my local needlepoint shop. Tucked away in a quaint little shopping center in the East Milcreek area of Salt Lake City, this needlepoint store offers a great selection of fibers, hand painted canvases and accessories [...]

The remaining three FREE Bargello Needlepoint Christmas Series designs are scheduled for release beginning next Monday and for the two following Mondays. Each week, an original Bargello Needlepoint Christmas Ornament design by Althea DeBrule will be available for download to be stitched in time for the holiday needlepoint finishing season [...]

Although Bargello needlepoint does not need to be painted onto canvas because it’s easier to count the threads for stitch placement, you still may wish to paint your own design—especially if the Bargello stitch is one of several stitch techniques you plan to use. You’ll be surprised how acrylic paint, a straw, a few paint brushes, paper and some water will bring blank needlepoint canvas to life [...]

For a smooth and even finish to your Bargello needlepoint, consider using brass thumb tacks to mount your needlepoint canvas on stretcher bars to frame it for stitching. Although you don’t need a frame to stitch Bargello needlepoint, it does help when making small projects like ornaments, coasters or wallet inserts, or when you need both hands to make a specialty stitch for embellishment [...]

It has been said that the Christmas gift-giving tradition originated with the three wise men that came to find the Christ child at the first Christmas. To honor Christ’s birth they brought gold, myrrh and frankincense—gifts fit for a king. Since that time, the tradition of exchanging Christmas gifts has become one of the main highlights of the holiday season. Gifts are wrapped to heighten the receiver’s anticipation. Colorful wrapping paper, ribbons and bows adorn packages in all shapes and sizes. The Bargello Needlepoint Christmas Gift Ornament Pattern uses two shades of red to depict a foil ribbon pattern used in making popular Christmas gift wrap [...]

One of the special delights of vacationing on Martha’s Vineyard Island is visiting Henley’s Needlepoint & Fibers, a quaint Victorian style needlepoint store located in the heart of Edgartown [...]

Daylight has done it again with this unique lightweight and lightweight needle worker’s light-box. The Needlework Uplight by Daylight™ comes with an 8-watt tube that softly shines up through your needlepoint canvas so you can see the mesh clearly, easily locate your needle position and work in complete comfort on your lap or work table [...]

I must say that this needlepoint project is the most free-form one I’ve ever done. That’s just how I had to stitch it. Because it was going to be a memorial tribute for my friend Jeff who had been diagnosed with late stage colon cancer, I just couldn’t do too much pre-planning [...]

In a recent post, The Ridgewood Needlepoint Blog mentioned that Lee’s Needle Arts is closing after 40 years of doing business. Imagine my devastation at reading this news [...]

The Christmas tree has its roots in Germany. Over the centuries it has evolved into one of the most popular symbols of the Christmas holiday season. Christmas trees come in a variety of sizes and types. Evergreen and fir trees are used the most; but artificial trees made of tinsel, plastic and everything in between have taken the Christmas tree to new levels. The Bargello Needlepoint Christmas Trees Ornament will hopefully stir memories of past holiday times enjoyed with family and friends. Beginners and experienced stitchers will find this Bargello needlepoint project quick and easy to make. The finished design is approximately 4” square [...]

I love visiting needlepoint shops and have found some wonderful Bargello stash treasures in shops of all shapes and sizes. Recently, I’ve been meandering down memory lane, reminiscing about the needlepoint shops I’ve stumbled upon in my travels. I used to travel extensively, and most times the trips only became bearable because of the anticipation I would feel just thinking about the local needlepoint shops (and tea rooms) I would visit. So, here’s to all those needlepoint shop owners who lovingly toil to make our visits fruitful and fun [...]

Quilters are famous for using templates to cut out fabric shapes for a quilting project. Templates keep the measurements exact so that the pieces join precisely as designed. The same can be said when using a template with Bargello needlepoint. It helps the needlepointer create a unique design starting with an outline and then filling it with stitching.

It was a warm and sunny day, and just after coming home from church I got an urge to stitch some Bargello needlepoint. I put dinner in the oven, inserted my favorite Sci-Fi DVD, sat in my easy chair and started to relax. Within a few minutes, I knew that relaxation would not be complete without finding a quick and simple Bargello project to stitch for the afternoon [...]

Most children associate needlepoint with mothers, grandmas, and aunts—all female relatives; but fathers love Bargello needlepoint too! On June 21st this year, we will celebrate Father’s Day—a time to remember all fathers everywhere. Why not give your dad a piece of hand-stitched Bargello needlepoint [...]

THIS DESIGN IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE

Although it isn’t clear who started the tradition, legend has it that lighted candles were placed on Christmas trees to remind people of the starry night when Christ was born. Benjamin Franklin is credited with taking the tradition to new heights by decorating his Christmas trees with colorful electric lights. Today, Christmas lights come in all sizes, shapes and colors including storybook character theme lights. But, the best Christmas lights are the traditional old-fashioned ones depicted in this Bargello Needlepoint Christmas Light Ornament design [...]

I love using silk thread to stitch Bargello needlepoint. It’s my fiber of choice—no matter the design. I’ve used silk to make Bargello pillows, box covers, wallet inserts—just about anything you can stitch. Now, I must admit that wool is better for items that get a lot of wear and tear like Bargello needlepoint rugs, napkin rings, etc; but if you’re planning a decorative project that will not be handled a lot, then silk may just be the thread for you [...]

Introducing the Bargello Needlepoint Christmas Series, six Bargello needlepoint Christmas ornament designs to stitch in time for the holiday needlepoint finishing season. Each Monday for the next six weeks an original Bargello Christmas design by Althea DeBrule will be available for download. You will have one week to stitch each design and get ready for the next one in the series. The first three designs are described in this post [...]

When speaking of Bargello Needlepoint heirlooms, most people talk about needlepointed dining or Queen Anne chairs and ottomans that they’ve seen in a museum. Some have even been lucky enough to have these kinds of items handed down through the generations as part of an estate. But, a Bargello needlepoint heirloom doesn’t have to be a collector’s item or museum piece. It can be any item stitched with a Bargello design that will be treasured by others in the future [...]

Florentine Embroidery is easily graphed because of its geometric nature. Bargello designs involve counting stitches; especially for repeat patterns and ones that are centrally balanced (one side of a design mirrors the other).