To get great results, Bargello designs should always be centered. In most cases your design will be either square or rectangular, so it will be easy to locate the center. Once you’ve got the center you can stitch in any direction and unless your Bargello pattern gives alternative directions, there are no specific rules you need to follow regarding working order.
Here are five steps you can take to center a Bargello needlepoint design:
- Before making a stitch, think about how you want the design to appear on the finished product.
- Locate the center by measuring or counting the mesh and then marking the center with two intersecting lines. Use a waterproof marker or a single strand of thread to make the centering lines.
- Work the first stitch in the center mesh you have just marked.
- The first row of the design establishes the pattern and all subsequent rows are worked identically above and below this first row. You must be accurate in stitching the first row because making a mistake at this point could jeopardize the entire project.
- If you are stitching a four-way Bargello design motif, check your stitching regularly to make sure the design is still centered.
