Interest in yarn crafts has seen a big rise in recent months — and bargello is a stunning new one to try, with easy projects and eye-catching results. It’s a form of embroidery and perfect for fans of knitting, crochet and cross stitch.
Put simply, bargello is a type of tapestry, layering up lines of straight stitches to create colourful and striking patterns. You can use it to make gorgeous home and clothing accessories including cushions, plant pots, bags and T-shirt embellishments.
Bargello is a fun and relaxing craft that anyone of any age and ability can enjoy. And who better to talk us through how to master it than crafter and founder of The Bargello Edit Nerrisa Pratt, who shares her expert tips for beautiful and simple projects to get you started.
What is bargello?
You can create eye catching bargello designs using your favourite coloured yarns
Bargello is thought to have been named after a pair of patterned chairs found in the Bargello Palace in Florence, Italy.
It’s a method of creating textiles that uses yarn stitched through plastic or cotton canvas to create vivid and colourful patterns. Knitting yarn is the best material to create bold blocks of colour on the canvas.
Is bargello easier than cross stitch and needlepoint?
Create beautiful home accessories with simple bargello techniques
There are certainly lots of similarities between bargello and other needlework crafts like embroidery and cross stitch.
As Nerrisa, who is also the author of ‘Bargello’, puts it, this craft is “like cross stitch’s simpler and more colourful younger sister”.
But bargello is a great craft to give a go if you’re just starting out on your needlework journey – the stitches are easy to master and the projects build really quick with eye-catching results.
Best bargello kits for beginners
Bargello mini planter sampler
What do I need for bargello?
You don’t need much to get started on your bargello journey, making it a great craft for a beginner
One of the great things about bargello is that it requires very little specialist equipment or tools – in fact, getting started can cost you less than £10. This means bargello is a great way to add a pop of colour to a room on a budget.
All you need is some yarn in two or three of your favourite colours, a tapestry needle, plastic canvas and embroidery scissors.
Nerrisa recommends starting with a 10 count canvas, as with this size your projects will build up quickly and provide eye-catching results. You should use plastic canvas if you’d like your project to have structure (like a plant pot cover or trinket box) and tapestry canvas if you’d like a softer finish (like for a wall hanging).
She also recommends a size 18 tapestry needle and tapestry wool or DK yarn. Bargello is the perfect way to make the most of leftover wool from other knitting or crochet projects – just make sure that the chunkiness of the yarn matches the count of the canvas.
Once you feel confident with the bargello basics, you can start making your own patterns
What are the main bargello stitches I need to know?
There are three main stitches for any budding bargello crafter. Each project is made up of a type of stitch repeated over a series of lines filling the canvas, often alternating in colours. But don’t worry, Nerrisa is here to take us through each of the main stitches…
Zig zag or chevron
The chevron is an iconic bargello stitch which works well on plastic or cotton canvas
“This is the classic bargello stitch and so easy to achieve. It creates a striking zig zag pattern over a series of straight lines,” says Nerrisa.
For an easy beginner’s chevron, use three or four coloured yarns and keep all the stitch lengths the same. Begin at the bottom of your first chevron and work upwards, moving up one count on the canvas each time.
Scallops
The scallop is a softer stitch, perfect for interiors
“This is my favourite bargello stitch. Curves are everywhere in interiors at the moment, and a bargello project in a scallop stitch is a really easy way to add a pop of colour to a sideboard or mantlepiece at home,” says Nerrisa.
It is created in 5 count with one step up or down for each stitch and uses three colours. Begin at the start of your first scallop shell, and follow the shape to step up three count. All the stitch lengths are the same, so be bold with your colours to make this stitch truly your own.
Hungarian point
The Hungarian point is a deceptively simple stitch to master
“The Hungarian point is another iconic bargello stitch that isn’t as difficult as you might think – once you create the point once, keep copying it and you’ll soon see the pattern build,” says Nerrisa.
This stitch is created with four different coloured yarns. To avoid getting confused between the lines of the pattern, it’s best to use four contrasting colours. Begin at the bottom of your first Hungarian point and watch the pattern build from there. Take care, as each stitch is a different length.
Once you’ve mastered the basic bargello stitches, you’ll soon find you’re able to create your own colour schemes and patterns for a completely personalised project!
How do I start my bargello project?
Nerrisa’s top tip is to pick no more than 4 or 5 colours to make your bargello pattern, otherwise it can begin to look overcrowded.
“When you’re picking your colours, try to keep them as tonal as you can,” says Nerrisa. “You want to layer them in a gradient on top of each other, going either from light to dark or dark to light.”
And if you’re wondering which colours to go for, Nerrisa recommends looking to your home for inspiration. “Match the room your piece will live in by using the same colour palette as your interiors,” she advises.
Once you’ve picked your colours and stitch, you’re ready to get started.
What can I make using bargello?
Bargello such a versatile craft, you can make everything from decorated lampshades to stylish headbands.
However, for beginners, Nerrisa recommends starting with something like a wall hanging or plant pot hanger.
“These flat projects build up really quickly and are a great way to test your skills and hone your bargello style,” she says.
And if you’re feeling more adventurous…
Nerrisa’s new favourite addition to her bargello is beading.
To add beading to your bargello, leave gaps in your work to fill with tiny sewn-on beads instead of basic stitches.
“It’s a really beautiful way to combine textiles and texture, which works particularly well on designs on clothes and accessories like bags,” Nerrisa says.
And if you love beaded bargello, check out our guide to bead embroidery here.
If you get the bargello bug, why not try out embroidery or punch needle embroidery with our step-by-step beginner guides.
Do you love needlepoint? Share your creations with us by tagging @primamag in your pictures on Instagram!