Bargello Needlepoint: A Pattern Directory for Dramatic Creations

by Laura Angell, Lynsey Angell

Bargello needlepoint, which originated in sixteenth-century Italy, employs a simple stitch that is repeated over and over again to form a distinctive geometric pattern in vibrant colors. Our mothers and grandmothers whiled away their time with it in the 1960s and 70s, and Bargello is now enjoying a revival among crafters. The technique lends itself to dramatic, wave-like designs in exciting, graduated colorways, and it's often used to create striking pillows, bags, belts, and purses.
This new collection brings Bargello designs up to date with 40 stitch patterns, graded from beginner to advanced. Sisters Laura and Lynsey Angell offer a brief history of the technique as well as tips on tools and materials plus a tutorial of the stitches. A wealth of designs follow, enhanced with full-color photos and easy-to-read charts. In addition to guidance for creating textures and smart finishes at edges and borders, the authors provide suggestions for using fancy and alternative yarns and experimenting with freestyle patterns.

160 pages, Paperback

Published June 17, 2020

Reviews

[Cynthia Corral · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is quite an interesting craft book, showing how to make some remarkable patterns. There are sections marked Easy, Intermediate, and Advanced, but I think any one of the patterns could be done by a beginner as long as you pay attention. The only real work here is that they must require a lot of time to complete (though not as much as you might think). So if you have some time to sit and sew in front of the TV while we're quarantined again this winter, you can complete these without much concentration needed.

I take off one star because there are not a lot of options for what to do once you've completed a large, endless pattern. Most of the photos show them turned into pillows, some chair cushions, and I may have seen a lampshade. You can take your piece and frame it, and it is suggested that you can make purses or belts as well. But mostly it felt like the purpose was just to make a pillow. Nothing wrong with pillows, but I think the book could have been elevated with more ideas. I felt a little frustrated seeing all these beautiful patterns but not understanding what to do with them.

However the patterns are quite interesting, and there are endless combinations you can make with the colors. The instructions are definitely EASY and nothing requires any special tools. I can definitely see myself sewing these for hours on end over the winter. I just don't need that many pillows.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. If these patterns strike your fancy you should absolutely get this book and then tell me what you made with them.

[Bookerkc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of different patterns and color variations. It’s interesting to see how changing the colors can make it look like a completely different pattern. I would have given it five stars but the authors didn’t provide much information on how to finish projects.