Needlepoint has a rich history that dates back to the 16th century. Bargello needlepoint is said to have originated in Florence, Italy and is known as Florentine Embroidery or Byzantine needlework.
It is distinguished for its use of straight, mostly vertical stitches and colorful threads to create stunning designs. The straight stitches and use of wool thread make the finished product very sturdy. As a result, Bargello needlepoint tends to be used to make pillows, shoes, rugs, chair covers and upholstery.
In recent years, Bargello needlepoint has resurfaced with increased popularity and more up to date designs that use a variety of media including beads, ribbons, silks, textured threads and many found objects as well as the traditional wool. It has brought needlepoint into the 21st century.
You can create an infinite number of creative projects with a simple Bargello stitch or two.
Basic Bargello Needlepoint Stitches
Straight stitches such as upright Gobelin, brick and Hungarian are the basic needlepoint stitches used to create Bargello embroidery. By varying the length and thickness of the stitches, you can create everything from a flame to a bell to a flower garden and even more.
Background Fabric
Bargello Needlepoint is traditionally stitched on a canvas background. Needlepoint canvas is quite sturdy and is usually made of natural fibers that allow the stitched design to stretch as needed. Modern designs use other fabrics such as linen or open weave where there are interlocking threads with spaces between them to sink a stitch.
Bargello patterns are even being seen in stamped designs for accent pillows and home accessories. Instead of paying hundreds of dollars for a designer fabric pillow, why not make your own instead?
Take a look at this video tutorial to get a general overview of needlepoint:
[...] No matter the size, shape or type of room, a nook and cranny for embroidery stitching is a sanctuary for the creative genius that’s just waiting to be released when you’re ready to stitch bargello needlepoint. [...]
[...] been busy stitching the center of my bargello needlepoint pillow design and did not want to write another word until I could show the results of my [...]
[...] Bargello needlepoint stitch is very basic and simple. It is a single stitch made by coming up in one hole on the [...]
[...] the most advanced stitcher can make a stitching mistake in bargello needlepoint. Usually mistakes occur when losing one’s place in counting or when trying to stitch an intricate [...]
[...] People are so stressed out these days with anxiety about the economy and life in general; and because money is tight and times are hard, costly hobbies are being placed on the back burner. But, this is not the case with needlepoint—especially Bargello. [...]
[...] love to think of new and exciting project to stitch in bargello needlepoint. Endless possibilities for creative projects exist when stitching bargello. The average [...]
[...] pillow. I think it’s because I’m designing it as I go. While I don’t do this for every bargello project I make, every now and then it’s good to depart from the tried and true, and experiment a [...]
[...] Day 7 and I’ve been stitching like crazy! I’m determined to complete this bargello needlepoint pillow for my Niece’s graduation gift by the end of April. That will give me enough time to make [...]
[...] of the easiest color schemes to use when stitching bargello needlepoint is the monochromatic color scheme. This scheme is based on one color but uses that color’s tints [...]
[...] Color Scheme. One of the easiest color schemes to use when stitching bargello needlepoint is the monochromatic color scheme. This scheme is based on one color but uses that color’s [...]
[...] you’re like most people who stitch Bargello needlepoint, while working on one bargello design you usually get an idea for another needlepoint project; and [...]
[...] lengths that create a primary and secondary stitch pattern—the kind that’s often found in Florentine Embroidery. At first glance advanced Bargello designs may appear too difficult, but once the stitch pattern [...]