There are three main 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 Bergstein.
It’s great to know that we can anticipate a continuous and endless supply of unique designs from these two “greats” (smile). Meanwhile, “budding” Bargello needlepoint designers can experiment with these three stitching directions to create their own treasured designs.
Vertical
Bargello needlepoint patterns are usually designed for vertical stitching. You either stitch up or down the canvas in a one, two or three step pattern. This is the traditional Bargello needlepoint stitch that’s made by coming up in one hole on the needlepoint canvas, vertically crossing several threads, and going straight down in the next hole. The vertical direction is easy to stitch because of an unforced and consistent stitching rhythm that forms once a pattern is established. After counting the initial stitches in the pattern and making an outline on the needlepoint canvas, it’s easy to fill in the remaining stitches without having to constantly refer to the pattern chart.
Diagonal
Diagonal Bargello needlepoint represents a challenge because you have to carefully count on the diagonal. It can also be confusing when reading needlepoint charts that use the diagonal direction. The confusion seems to be whether to count the holes or the canvas threads. According to Marnie Ritter, Needle Artist, Designer and Instructor (she was my instructor at Callaway School of Needle Arts), if you count the holes or intersections between threads, you’ll have a disaster; ONLY count the canvas threads and you’ll stay on the pattern every time (I can still hear her voice in my head).
The key to success in using the diagonal direction is to read stitch diagrams very carefully and watch out for areas that may need compensating stitches. Although diagonal Bargello requires a bit more focus before and during stitching, you can have a lot of fun with it. It’s simple, take a traditional vertical Bargello design and turn it diagonally. How much fun is that! The possibilities are endless!
Four-Way
I love the kaleidoscope effect of four-way Bargello needlepoint designs. They look more complex than they really are to stitch; and when using vibrant color schemes, the finished needlepoint comes alive with shifting patterns that fan out from the center of the design. The key to stitching the four-way direction is to make sure the first stitch is accurately centered on the canvas. To do this you will need to draw the shape of the item you are stitching (such as a square), find the center point, and then draw diagonal lines that intersect this center point.
It’s amazing how beautiful and intricate the flame stitch becomes when stitched in the four-way direction. You can combine other Bargello patterns and watch the canvas dip and swirl…it’s almost poetic! But, don’t take my word for it; try it out for yourself!
[...] consists of a 4-way Bargello pattern in subtle colors with a cream or white background. Sue, a former needlepoint instructor of mine and [...]
[...] Four-way Bargello is one of my favorite forms of needlepoint. This pattern on pp. 126-127 in Bargello: An Explosion In Color by Margaret Boyles, is a basic flame stitch pattern. [...]