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]
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… [Continue Reading]
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… [Continue Reading]
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). Bargello patterns are usually laid out on a grid of 5, 8, 10 or 12 squares to the inch. In many cases… [Continue Reading]
Unlike other needlepoint stitches, the Bargello stitch with its long and somewhat loose effect can cause a problem when anchoring the first stitch of a needlepoint project. The best way to solve the problem is to use a waste knot to secure the beginning strand, which can later be clipped off and removed. The waste… [Continue Reading]
Every needlepointer is familiar with the tent stitch. It’s the basic needlepoint stitch that most people associate with the way their grandmas used to make needlepoint pillows and piano bench covers. But, no matter how you learned about the tent stitch, almost all needlepoint projects use the tent stitch in some fashion. In Bargello needlepoint,… [Continue Reading]
This Bargello Filler Stitch is made up of little straight triangles that fit together to form zigzags. Each triangle unit is made of four stitches. It reminds one of the Milanese needlepoint stitch. When working this stitch, maintain a firm tension to keep lumps from appearing where the triangles meet in the middle of the… [Continue Reading]
The Old Florentine Bargello Filler Stitch makes an excellent background stitch. It is quick to work up and is more effective in large areas rather than in small ones. It is formed by alternating two short stitches (over two or three canvas threads), followed by two long stitches (over six or nine canvas threads). When… [Continue Reading]
The Hungarian Ground Bargello Filler Stitch is a flexible variation of the Hungarian stitch that has an alternating row of a 4-1 step Bargello pattern. It can be worked either vertically or horizontally and is robust enough to be used alone to cover an entire needlepoint project without appearing monotonous. When stitching, work the 4-1… [Continue Reading]
Get Your Copy of The Bargello Needlepoint Christmas Ornament Series