Bargello

It begins with a line!

Bargello is one of the easiest and most fun types of needlepoint. It uses straight stitches in steps to create curves and spikes. Bargello needlepoint encompases many kinds of shapes and patterns. Bargello is easy enough that someone new to needlepoint can easily make lovely projects (my second needlepoint was Bargello) and flexible enough that it inspires experienced stitchers.

Yes, Bargello needlepoint is really that easy!

Bargello needlepoint is known by many names. The most common is Florentine work. One of the oldest pieces of Bargello around is a set of chairs from the Bargello Palace in Florence, hence the name.

Hungarianpoint is a name for Bargello which has stitches of two different lengths. This comes from a legend that the technique came to Italy when a Hungarian princess married an Italian prince.

Flame Stitch is another term which refers to the flame-like spikes of many Bargello patterns. Irish Stitch is a term used for Bargello stitched on fabric, such as linen.

Bargello, Florentine, Hungarian - no matter what you call it - it's still fun and easy!

Florentine work is different from other types of needlepoint. Your needlepoint canvas becomes your pattern once you have stitched the first line, or created an outline. Then making the Bargello is as easy as remembering the color sequence and following the needlepoint line.

Florentine work is so lovely it has inspired Bargello quilts, fabrics, and other types of needlepoint. If you've liked Bargello quilts, try Bargello needlepoint -- it's just as lovely, uses similar patterns, and is completely portable!

The first needlepoint book I owned was about Bargello and it was my second project. Come join me in exploring the wonderful variations in color, threads, and patterns which come from one simple stitch. You can stitch Bargello all your life and never exhaust the possibilities of this needlepoint technique.

A great Bargello book from Napa Needlepoint The 13 Bargello designs Mini-Sock Madness (NNB1) are so much fun to needlepoint. The mini-sock shape is fun because its versitility fits into all kinds of decorating schemes. These Bargello projects use many different threads and patterns. Some of the techniques covered include:

Using different threads in the same pattern
Patterns with different step heights
Scrap Bag Needlepoint: projects to use up your stash yarn
Bargello Patterns with different stitch lengths
Creating your own unique curve pattern
Contemporary Bargello patterns
Diagonal Bargello

Perfect for lovers of Bargello, as well as needlepointers at any level, these designs stitch quickly and can be varied according to your color scheme and taste. Finished they make great Christmas ornaments, decorations for a mantle or as special decorations for packages.

Some of the designs in the project book include:

Swoosh	Chinese Clouds	Twisting Ribbons	Tahiti
Hungarianpoint	Counterchange	Uneven Zig-Zag	Sweetheart
Free Curve	Variegated Scallop	Big Curve	Woven Ribbons