How to Stitch Bargello Needlepoint

Bargello needlepoint book cover, copyright Napa Needlepoint

Bargello Needlepoint is almost always made from straight stitches going over a number of threads, usually four. Thee pattern is made by proceeding in steps up a usually a fixed number of threads. More than one stitch can be on the same step, making a horizontal line of stitches.

To make a Bargello stitch bring your needle out of the canvas in a hole.

single Bargello stitch, diagram copyright Napa Needlepoint

Count straight up the required number of stitches (four here).

Then bring the needle back into the canvas.

To make a second stitch on the same step, repeat the process in the column of holes next to the stitch you just made.

bargello step, diagram copyright Napa Needlepoint

To go up or down a step, in the next column of holes count up or down the required number of holes.

The illustration is a step of two threads.

Bring your needle out of the canvas in that hole and make a stitch.

Bargello patter, copyright Napa Needlepoint

These steps are placed together to form a Bargello patterns, similar to this line pictured above.

To stitch a pattern begin at one side and follow the pattern step by step.

With this you can stitch many simple Bargello needlepoint patterns.