Three Common Bargello Needlepoint Mistakes

At first, Bargello needlepoint can look a little daunting, and each time you stitch you must pay attention to detail. If not, you can easily make these three common mistakes. But, don’t despair; with a little patience and a touch of know-how, you’ll be contentedly stitching once again.

#1 Canvas Is Visible Between Stitches

I hate it when every now and then—especially after stitching well into a Bargello design I notice that the canvas shows between stitches. When this happens, most likely I am pulling the yarn too tight. To adequately cover the needlepoint canvas threads, stitching should be done loosely with just enough tension to allow the yarn to spread out. The best way to spread the fibers when using two or more strands is to use a laying tool.

#2 Threads are Twisted or Improperly Slanted

Bargello stitches should be kept smooth, straight and flat. To keep them from becoming unsightly slants, it is better to straighten the fibers underneath the canvas first so that when you pull them through to the right side they will not be twisted. However, if they do become twisted, just lift the canvas, let needle hang free and the fibers will unwind by themselves.

#3 Design Not Properly Centered on Canvas

Even experienced Bargello needlepoint stitchers make this mistake from time to time. When a Bargello design is not properly centered on the needlepoint canvas, it not only throws off the look of the finished product; but can be frustrating to correct. To really pop, Bargello designs should always be centered on the canvas. An easy way to locate the center is to fold the canvas in half lengthwise and then in half again. Open up the canvas and where the creases intersect in the middle is the center.

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