Interesting Bargello in Quilting
Bargello was introduced originally in Florence, Italy at the Bargello Palace. The term referenced a set of chairs that had an upholstered embroidery pattern that was then referred to as bargello. Typically represented in embroidery or needlework, the stitch pattern is suggestive of flames. In quilting, a bargello pattern reflects a lot of motion found in waves and curves. In the past, I have not been a big fan of bargello but I suspect it is because of the fabric choices.
Bargello Table Runner Example – Free Pattern
I found this Bargello table runner (click for the free pattern in .pdf form) that I actually like. For examples of quilts being made using this theme, I turned to Pinterest and Flickr. I discovered they are all over the place. Also, I found this video by Angela Walters that gives an easy method for making the quilt with 2.5″ strips that I thought you might enjoy:
This method would work great for the table runner mentioned above which used only nine fabrics instead of the ten that Angela used. It seems that many quilts encompass the movement portion of the definition but may not add the flame element. The flame to me has to have red, orange, yellow, and lighter yellow along with some darker elements to allow those to shine. Those colors are rather limiting for quilters! I had to share this quilt made by a friend in non-flame inspired colors.
Bargello Love in Surf Song
An important aspect is shown in the quilt picture above, by Christine Stitch All the Things. She made this quilt for her son, Josh, who is peeking around the quilt. I love this picture! You can really see the movement in this quilt! It is just alive, and Christine named it Surf Song. Very apropos, don’t you think?! You can almost feel the tide coming in and going back out.
So how do you feel about bargello quilts in general? Should they stick to the original meaning of a flame, or is creative license just fine. It seems to me that creative license is not only just fine but welcome within the overall parameters of quilting. I’d love to hear your thoughts!
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I love the creativeness with Bargello patterns! Surf Song is AMAZING!!!
Good Morning!
I absolutely agree! Christine did a fabulous job. ~smile~ Roseanne
I’ve never tried one of these, but I love how they look. Thanks for sharing that video – that makes it look so simple!
I know – doesn’t Angela’s video make it seem like the easiest thing?! And the different widths of cutting the strip sets seems to make all the difference in the movement. ~smile~ Roseanne
Hi Roseanne, Bonnie Hunter also has a free bargello pattern … http://quiltville.blogspot.ca/2005/06/scrappy-bargello.html … I’ve made this a couple of times in a more controlled colour pallet. The first one was with fall colours and the 2nd one in blues … but I absolutely love Josh’s quilt!!!! The colours, the movement … sew very pretty!
Hi Gail,
I should amend my post and include BH’s pattern . . . just to have both offered. Thank you for letting me know! And I totally agree with you on Josh’s quilt. ~smile~ Roseanne
I lean more toward creative license on a Bargello. It’s on my list to make, but way down toward the bottom!
Hi Susan,
I agree, it has been way down on my list as well. ~smile~ Roseanne
I didn’t know Bargello had an original inspiration of flames, that’s interesting! I usually see them in blues and they simulate the flow of water, and that’s very beautiful.
Hi Liz,
I agree – I never really thought about the history behind the pattern so to speak. I agree about the cooler colors in blues for water. I have mostly seen those. ~smile~ Roseanne
Roseanne, I say do you own thing! Why in the world should they always be made the same way!!! We have creative license to express ourselves through our art and if that means changing up a pattern then go for it. I’ve never made one of these quilts but I do like seeing them…especially watching the video by Angela Walters. So interesting! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Hi Cindy,
I think I’ll give it a try in a table runner and see how it goes. I seem to be in a table runner rut right now, so I may as well add one more to the mix. ~smile~ Roseanne
Roseanne, I think that sounds like a wonderful idea! I’m sure it will look splendid. Please share your progress! 🙂
In the past I loved Bargello, but now I can leave it. I think our tastes evolve and who knows, maybe one day I will find the perfect design and use it.
I haven’t been thrilled with Bargello quilts . . . but. . . I’ve found a Barello design I really like. It will be made in flame fabrics which I don’t have yet. That will be my project for New Years weekend. I’m still working away on my ‘old’ projects make slow progress but it is progress. I thought of the start new projects next year keeps me motivated.
Hi Gretchen!
I can’t wait to see what caught your fancy and your fabrics. That is a long time to wait, but I sure can understand getting those older projects finished and out of the way. Clear the path for new creative fun. ~smile~ Roseanne
I also have not been drawn to making a Bargello. I do love Christine’s creative make for her son. It’s beautiful.
Hi again,
I think Josh’s quilt is just gorgeous. You can just see the movement in it and feel the waves coming in and going out. Maybe we both can try the table runner?! We seem to be on the same quilting path, so if you decide to make one let me know! ~smile~ Roseanne
I have seen this Bargello in the finished state but didn’t know there was a free pattern, thanks for the link.
I have only pieced one other bargello-it’s like an accordion when you are done!
Hi Vicki,
I haven’t been drawn to this pattern at all until I saw Christine’s that she made for her son. And the table runner looked like something I could make – the different widths of the strip sets are kind of cool too. Enjoy the free pattern! ~smile~ Roseanne