Bargello Stitch

Part of bargello’s appeal lies in the simplicity of using a single stitch in a repeating pattern that is only ever worked vertically or horizontally. The technique lends itself to dramatic, wavelike designs in exciting, gradated colourways (think Missoni) that can be used for pillows, bags, belts and purses.

This new pattern collection brings bargello stitch designs bang up to date offering fresh contemporary colour stories: brights and clashes, muted fades, contrasts, complementary colours, zesty neons and metallic rainbows.

Includes 40 design samples graded from easy to advanced, easy-to-read charts, patterns for edges and borders for smart finishes, ideas for bringing texture using fancy flosses, and a freestyling collection that mixes several techniques on one canvas.

This pattern collection brings bargello stitch up to date, with fresh colours and designs. Part of bargello's appeal lies in the simplicity of using a single stitch in a repeating pattern worked vertically or horizontally. The 40 designs are graded from easy to advanced and there are easy-to-read charts.

I’ve never done Bargello Stitching before and honestly didn’t know anything about it but I’ve cross stitched and embroidered so was very interested. What struck me first about the book is the bright and beautiful colours on the cover this draws me in as an Artist bright colours are is like a red flag to a bull!

Inside are clear and concise instructions and photos on how to create what the Angell sisters have designed.

Now l'm raring to go and start on a beginners piece however l don’t have the canvas and yarn yet so lm going to make smaller pieces to begin with using Aida and Anchor threads to see how they turn out.

I always knew about Bargello quilting but never thought about converting it to a stitched design so this is a book I was really interested in.

The 40 designs are bright, bold and each one vivid in colour. The patterns are a repeat counted stitch, so while they look quite difficult to do they are really not that that complex, and are very very simple.

Set into sections of easy, intermediate and advanced, there is something for everyone. Toward the back of the book there is a section on how to develop your skills even further. While there are no actual projects, there is plenty of inspiration in within the pages, bags, cushions even lampshades can be created using Bargello Stitch.

I love the colour used in the patterns but the monochrome designs stand out with their contempory elegance. This is a book that gives every sewist a licence to get creative, be inspired and make something amazing. It’s stunning.

Bargello Stitch by Laura and Lynsey Angell is a must-have book for anyone with an interest in bargello. Packed with colourful designs, detailed instructions, and great photography, it will inspire you to bust out bounties of bold coloured bargello!

This book is aimed at everyone from the novice to the professional. It talks you through the materials and tools you need, then the various stitches and patterns in order of difficulty.

The book is by Laura and Lynsey Angell, who are better known as the Bargello Sisters. Laura is an artist based in Ireland. Lynsey is a crafter, maker and writer based in the north of England.

The content of this book is very well thought out. First it introduces you to the Sisters, then talks you through the tools you need for the craft. The next section talks you through the various stitches, there is even a good section on how to fix your mistakes. Not many artists want to advertise that mistakes may be made – but we all make them, so I was impressed with that. Then the best part of the book is that it divides the designs into three sections, easy, intermediate and advanced. If you like Bargello this book would keep you going for years as you work through the various levels of difficulty.

The photography is excellent in this book. The sewn designs are blown up to full A4 page size and look amazing. So vibrant and easy to examine if you want to compare them to your own stitching to see if you’re doing it right.

I had never done any Bargello before, so I really came to this book with a fresh pair of eyes as a newbie. If you’ve read my Craft Rocks column, you’ll know that I love geometric shapes. The combination of geometric shapes, repeating patterns, chunkiness, and bright colours of Bargello shown in this book made me rush off and buy some canvas to try it out on and I really enjoyed it. I like that the book lasts for a long time as well. For an RRP of £12.99 it has enough patterns to keep you busy for a very long time.

It’s a great book. Whether you’re a seasoned Bargello stitcher or new to the craft, you’ll have lots of fun going through the book. I even found just looking through the book really uplifting with all the bright colours and patterns. And I’ve got a chair I want to upcycle (column coming soon…) and I think I will definitely involve some Bargello in that. Oh crikey, it’s the start of another sewing addiction!

The appeal of bargello as a technique lies in simplicity and repetition. It's a single stitch that is only ever worked horizontally or vertically in a repeated pattern. When stitch length and colour are added into the mix, a dramatic kaleidoscope of possibilities opens up. And that's what this book is all about!

Laura and Lynsey Angell, known as The Bargello Sisters on social media, have pulled together a satisfying collection of designs and patterns. After a whistle-stop tour of tools, materials and stitches that's what they focus on. They introduce a series of designs that increase in complexity as you work through the pages.

There are clear colour charts and stitching diagrams throughout. Each pattern is worked in several palette variations. It's this up-to-date collection of colour stories that is core. Brights and clashes, muted fades, contrasts, complimentary colours, zesty neons and metallic rainbows will offer endless inspiration for your own bargello projects.

I love this book. It is absolutely bursting with colourful stitches, all with easy-to-follow diagrams alongside colour photos of the finished stitch. It starts with instructions for the different stitches followed by the most beautiful designs. Another fabulous book from Search Press that gives Bargello a bit of an update.

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Laura Angell is a visual artist originally from Sheffield, UK, now living and working in Ireland. She has exhibited her work across the UK and Ireland and gives workshops teaching adults and teenagers how to do Bargello. Her practice often involves using crafting techniques from the past and giving them a contemporary twist. Her sister Lynsey Angell is a crafter, maker and writer. She supports various artists as an assistant. Follow them on Instagram @bargello_sisters.

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