Bargello needlepoint for beginners

If you’re just starting out with hand embroidery and looking to explore a fun and visually striking technique, Bargello needlepoint is a fantastic choice!

With its bold geometric patterns and vibrant colours, it can add a unique flair to your projects while still being beginner-friendly.

Plus, it's a repetitive stitch technique, which makes it both relaxing and meditative—perfect if you want to improve your stitching skills without feeling overwhelmed.

If the word Bargello is unfamiliar, you may have seen this form of work referred to as florentine stitch, Hungarian point or flame stitch embroidery.

It is not a new needlework technique. In fact, embroiderers used it in the 15th century for bed and wall hangings, upholstered furniture and table coverings. 

But you don't need to undertake such huge projects as those! It works just as well on pillows, bags, belts, purses or even framed pictures.

I was first introduced to it as a teenager in the 1970s, when we used wild and wacky colour combinations!

I will go into colour in more depth shortly, but first let's look at what you will need to get started in Bargello needlepoint and how to work it.

What do you need to stitch Bargello?

There are some essentials you will need, and some "nice to haves" if you are thinking of trying this embroidery technique...

• Needlepoint canvas - typically you'll use a 10-14 mesh
• Needlepoint yarn - choose from wool, pearl cotton, or even embroidery floss
• Tapestry needle - a blunt tipped needle that slips easily through the canvas holes
• Embroidery frame - keeps the canvas taut as you stitch
• Laying tool - helps the thread lay smoothly

What is Bargello needlepoint?

To create this form of needlework you build up distinctive patterns from rows of straight stitches, arranged in a zigzag line, and repeated in varying shades or colours.

The steepness of the zigzag depends on how many threads the stitch is worked over, and the position of subsequent stitches. The diagram below shows that when the stitches are stepped by more canvas threads the peak is higher. 

To give a more rounded effect, groups of stitches (positioned along the same horizontal row of holes) can be worked either at the end or part way down a slope, as in the photo at the bottom of this page. 

Traditionally all the stitches in a design are the same length throughout.

They can also be arranged to form a lattice work, as in the photo, above.

Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Your First Bargello Pattern

1. Prepare your canvas

Start by cutting your canvas to size, leaving at least an extra inch around the edges to allow for framing or finishing. You may want to secure the edges with masking tape or overlock stitching to prevent fraying as you work.

2. Choose your pattern

For beginners, it’s best to start with a simple zigzag or diamond pattern. Find a pattern that appeals to you and draw light guidelines on your canvas if it helps.

More about the types of pattern below. 

3. Thread your needle

Cut a manageable length of thread (around 18 inches) to avoid tangling. Thread your tapestry needle, leaving a tail of a few inches. You don’t need to knot the end of your thread; simply weave it under a few canvas threads on the back of your work to secure it.

I have a page all about threading needles here. 

4. Start stitching

Bargello stitches are worked in long, straight lines that are vertically aligned on the canvas. The height of the stitch may vary depending on the pattern, but each stitch is typically made over 2 to 4 canvas threads. Follow these steps:

• Start from the back of the canvas and bring your needle up through the first hole.

• Move up or down a few threads (as indicated by your pattern), and push the needle back down.

• Continue this way, creating long vertical stitches, keeping them neat and evenly spaced. Be sure to follow the pattern’s colour changes to create the iconic Bargello effect.

5. Change colours

One of the most exciting aspects of Bargello is the colour transitions. When it’s time to switch colours, simply weave the old thread under the stitches on the back of the canvas and start with the new colour in the same way. This helps keep your work tidy and secure.

6. Finish off your project

Once your pattern is complete, secure the last thread by weaving it under a few stitches on the back. Trim any excess thread, and your project is ready for framing or turning into a cushion, bag, or wall hanging.

Design in Bargello

There are three main types of design in this type of needlepoint: row, motif or mitered.

The simplest is a row design. We establish the pattern in the first row, and then repeat using a different colour, tone or tint in subsequent rows. I will explain the colour terms shortly.

To create a motif design, part of a row is mirrored and a medallion or motif is formed. The medallion can be filled in repeating rows or each enclosed area can be dealt with differently. The pattern is mainly formed by the use of colour.

A mitered or four-way bargello needlework design comprises a triangular section mirrored horizontally and vertically. Dorothy Kaestner introduced this method of working in the late 1970s, producing motifs now known as tulip, rose and pineapple.

How to use colour

In Bargello the pattern relies heavily on hue changes. These can be subtle or vibrant.

One colour scheme you can use is monochromatic. This uses shades (mixed with black) and tints (mixed with white) of one colour. In the following photograph I used tints of red (pink) and shades (burgundy) in a repeating sequence. 

I don't want to get too technical here, but I'll introduce another colour term; analogous. Basically, this scheme uses related hues that are close to each other on the colour wheel. For example, red, orange and yellow. Another choice would be purple, blue and green.

You can also work Bargello needlepoint with contrasting or complementary colours. To find any colour's contrast look opposite it on the colour wheel. Yellow is opposite purple and therefore its contrast. The same goes for orange and blue. The trick here is to use much less of the contrast than the dominant colour. Think of it as an accent. If you use equal amounts of each, the effect won't be as vibrant. Think of a mainly blue room that has the occasional orange pillow to give it some "spark"!

I created the colour wheel above using Prismacolor coloured pencils. Around the edge I pressed harder to give the most vibrant colour, and the lighter colour inside that represents the colour with white added, or a paler tint of the original hue.

The darker inner wheel shows where I used the complementary colour to "grey" the pure colour, by mixing the two together (or in this case layering one over the other).

Why You'll Love Bargello

Bargello needlepoint is both easy and satisfying once you get into the rhythm of the repeating stitches.

It’s a relaxing technique that produces eye-catching, professional-looking results, even for beginners. Plus, the more you practice, the more intricate and colourful your designs can become!

So grab your canvas and threads, and dive into the wonderful world of Bargello needlepoint by trying my little bargello bell freebie design. It would make an ideal Christmas card!