Use Brass Thumb Tacks for Needlepoint

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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]

Bargello Needlepoint Silks

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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,… [Continue Reading]

Create Needlepoint Designs on Canvas Using an Inkjet Printer

inkjet printer fabric sheets

I came across this post on the Craft Stew blog and decided to follow the link to see what I could find out about printing needlepoint with an everyday garden variety inkjet printer. The detailed and quite thorough article written by Judy Heim is a MUST READ. Although I tend to prefer hand-painted needlepoint designs,… [Continue Reading]

Barbara Bergsten Stitch Diagrams

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Like most bargello needlepointers, I’m always on the look out for clean, clear and easy to follow stitch diagrams. I have found Barbara Bergsten Designs Stitch Diagrams to be some of the best ones online. Here’s what I like about them: They are produced in a two-color format that allows you to distinguish stitch patterns… [Continue Reading]

Contemporary Bargello Needlepoint by AMH Design

amh stitchable journal

Looking for needlepoint kits for journals and photo albums? Then you must visit the AMH Design Contemporary Needlepoint site. These designs provide clever ways to spruce up a back-to-school notebook and the kits make great presents for writers or journalists. You can choose from a regular kit with a printed pattern or one with charted… [Continue Reading]

Snazzy Bargello Borders

bargello borders

Got a simple needlepoint project that needs a little pizazz? Use Bargello Borders by Jean Riley to dramatize basic motifs and create interesting design areas. Treat needlepoint borders stitched in a Bargello pattern like you would a picture frame for needlework. You supply the central motif and Bargello Borders take care of the rest. The… [Continue Reading]

Set Up a a Bargello Needlepoint Library

barbello library

There are many wonderful Bargello needlepoint books available in bookstores and online today. With these printed resources you can learn new stitch techniques or get additional Bargello designs for a creative project or two; and best of all you can follow your favorite Bargello designers and get sneak peeks of what’s hot in the world… [Continue Reading]

Phelan’s Traditional Bargello

Traditional Bargello

At one time, Dorothy Phelan, author of Traditional Bargello, owned the local needlepoint store in the town where I once lived. As a result, I was inspired to purchase her book and use it to learn even more about my favorite form of needlepoint–Bargello. Traditional Bargello offers everything you want to know about Bargello needlepoint… [Continue Reading]

Bargello Needlepoint Stitch Notebook

bargello stitch notebook

As you work on a Bargello project or experiment with different stitch techniques, you should record all useful information you learn in a Bargello needlepoint journal or stitch notebook. To help you keep a written memory of your Bargello needlepoint treasures, download these FREE checklists and journal tools. You will need Adobe Reader to view… [Continue Reading]

The Bargello Book That Started It All

bargello gym bag

I learned to do bargello needlepoint from Margaret Boyles…well, actually from her book Bargello Florentine Needlepoint published by Colunbia-Minerva (see page 2 of the Bargello Books section in the Bargello Shop). Although dog-eared and falling apart, I still have my copy, which I refer to constantly when stitching bargello needlepoint projects. There are 14 projects to… [Continue Reading]