This Bargello pattern reminds me of the smocking on my daughter’s dresses when she was a little girl. It is designed to teach the use of a variation of the Hungarian Bargello Filler Stitch and the traditional Bargello Needlepoint Stitch. Found on pp. 46-48 in Traditional Bargello by Dorothy Phelan, it has a 4-1 step.… [Continue Reading]
This colorful Bargello flame stitch design reminds me of continuous ripples. What makes this Bargello pattern on pp. 44-45 in Traditional Bargello by Dorothy Phelan unique, is the variation in step. It has 1-1, 2-1, 2-1, 4-1 and 6-1 step rows. Careful attention must be paid to color placement as well as the change in… [Continue Reading]
You may well wonder what Bargello needlepoint has in common with Japanese Embroidery. The answer is that many needlepointers also enjoy stitching Japanese Embroidery and many needlepoint designers use Japanese Embroidery techniques in creating stitchable works of art. Unlike other forms of embroidery, Japanese Embroidery has evolved over 1700 years and is distinct for its… [Continue Reading]
The Flame Stitch pattern is never outdated. Dorothy Phelan created this variation on pp. 42-43 in Traditional Bargello. She designed it for an eyeglass case and includes pattern chart and instructions. The 4-1 step provides complete canvas coverage and allows for a wide variety of color schemes. I used Silk n’ Ivory threads in two shades… [Continue Reading]
While stitching bargello needlepoint, I always have a cup of freshly brewed hot tea on a tray table next to my needlepoint floor stand; but have refrained from using lemon slices for fear that a drop of juice might accidentally drip on the canvas and damage the needlepoint. Recently, my sister introduced me to True… [Continue Reading]
New book…new Bargello designs! This pattern is a variation of the Hungarian Bargello Filler Stitch. It is stitched in blocks of three with one stitch over 4 canvas threads, followed by one over 8, and then another over 4 threads. After stitching several advanced Bargello designs, this simple pattern, found on p. 19 in Traditional… [Continue Reading]
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 Janet Perry and Barbara Bergsten. It’s great to know that we can anticipate a continuous and endless… [Continue Reading]
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… [Continue Reading]
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… [Continue Reading]
Get Your Copy of The Bargello Needlepoint Christmas Ornament Series