How to Do Bargello: A Step-by-Step Guide to Needlepoint Mastery

Bargello is a captivating needlework craft that can create vivid and intricate designs in needlepoint. Traditionally, it employs a series of straight stitches in varying lengths, arranged in a geometric pattern that often resembles waves or flames. This needlepoint technique has been around since the 17th century, originally adorning chairs and walls of the Bargello Palace in Florence, Italy – hence its name. Today, it offers an engaging way to create modern, colourful pieces, from pillows and upholstery to wall hangings and stylish accessories.

Getting started with Bargello is straightforward. You'll need a canvas, usually mono canvas which provides a stable grid for your stitches; a selection of tapestry needles; and yarn, with wool or cotton threads being a popular choice due to their durability and rich colour variety. The practice of Bargello allows for creativity and personal expression, as you select colours and patterns to suit your taste. With the right materials and some simple instructions, anyone can begin their journey towards creating striking Bargello pieces that are both pleasing to the eye and satisfying to make.

Key Takeaways

• Bargello is a type of needlework that creates vibrant, geometric designs.
• Essential materials include a mono canvas, tapestry needles, and yarn.
• This craft is accessible to beginners and allows for personal creativity.

What Is Bargello

Bargello, also known as Florentine embroidery, is a style of needlework that exhibits a series of repeating patterns, all constructed from straight, upright stitches. These stitches are aligned in a zigzag or geometric fashion, creating visually striking motifs typically associated with the flame stitch pattern.

Characteristics of Bargello:

• Straight stitches: Utilised to form patterns.
• Colour changes: Adding dimension and visual appeal.
• Geometric patterns: A distinct feature for an aesthetic impact.

Our Approach: We carefully select yarns that bring out the beauty of Bargello, ensuring the final product is as vivid and durable as it is attractive. Using a simple needle and our high-quality yarn, anyone can produce rich and intricate designs that are steeped in tradition while remaining timeless.

Materials Used:

• Yarn: A variety of types and colours.
• Needle: Typically tapestry or long-darners.
• Canvas: Usually a sturdy, even-weave fabric.

Popular Projects:

• Home décor like cushions and wall hangings.
• Personal accessories such as bags and belts.

The technique may seem complex at a glance, yet with patience and practice, it unfolds into a rhythmic and enjoyable crafting experience. Through our passion for yarn, we offer an abundant selection that caters to the specific demands of Bargello, ensuring that every stitch contributes to a masterpiece.

What You'll Need

To begin your Bargello project, ensure you have the following essentials:

• Fabric: Typically, we use a sturdy fabric like canvas or twill. Look for a 14-count canvas for an easy-to-handle weave.
• Needles: Tapestry needles (size 22-24) work best as they have blunt tips and large eyes for easier threading.
• Yarn or Embroidery Floss: Wool yarn is commonly used, but you can also opt for cotton or acrylic. Choose various colours to create the desired gradient effect.

• Scissors: A sharp pair for cutting yarn or thread cleanly.
• Pattern or Design: Create your own or find a pattern. If you're new, simple geometric patterns are a good start.
• Frame (optional): To keep your fabric taut, though you can also use it without a frame if you prefer.
• Ruler and Marker (optional): To mark your starting points and keep lines straight.

Before you begin, check that the colours of the yarn harmonise and you have enough to complete the project. It helps to prep all materials, so your workflow stays uninterrupted. If you need to source materials, remember to consider the yarn texture and fabric count for the best results in your Bargello piece.

Instructions

Bargello needlepoint is a fascinating craft that can result in beautiful, wavelike patterns. Here is a straightforward guide for beginners:

Materials Needed:

• Canvas: Interlock Mono Canvas (10-14 holes per inch)
• Threads: Wool or cotton commonly used
• Needle: Tapestry needle (size depends on canvas mesh size)
• Scissors
• Pattern or design chart

Setting Up:

1. Choose your design.
2. Cut your canvas, allowing extra for mounting.
3. Select thread colours.

Basic Steps:

1. Thread your needle with a length of yarn no longer than 45cm to prevent tangling.
2. Start from the back, leaving a tail to be secured later.
3. Follow the pattern, creating straight vertical stitches over multiple canvas threads (the number determined by the design).
4. Vary the height of stitches to create peaks and valleys.
5. Maintain thread tension to avoid distortion.
6. Finish the ends securely on the back side.

Colour Switching:

• When changing colours, end the old colour by running the thread under previous stitches.
• Begin the new colour in the same manner, concealing the tail under your stitches as you go.

Tips:

• Keep uniform tension for a smooth surface.
• Stagger your start and end points for colour changes to avoid bulk.
• Practice on small pieces to get comfortable with the technique.

Remember, Bargello is about repetition and rhythm; once you grasp the basic stitch, you'll be able to explore countless patterns and designs.