June McKnight, self-published, 2008.
I learned to stitch Bargello, as did many others, from Elsa William’s wonderful book. It’s long been out of print and I have never found a beginner’s book on Bargello to match it. That is until now.
June has created the perfect Bargello book for beginners. It’s small enough to fit into your project bag, has incredibly clear charts and diagrams, lots of good instruction, and, best of all, leaves you to exercise your own creativity.
The book begins with a preface, which covers the basics of Bargello. Canvas, colors, theads are covered along with useful hints for coverage and calculating yarn needs.
She also covers how to make the stitch for Bargello, the history and some explanation of the names.
The heart of the book is the many patterns. There are 40 in the book, all named. The patterns are divided into four groups. The first is “Easy Tracking Row Patterns.” These are single row patterns, simple to establish, but still very lovely.
Next are “Complex Tracking Row Patterns.” These patterns are also single row patterns, but they are more difficult. Some, like Frantic, have lots of movement. Others, like Marvelous, have stitches of different lengths.
Next come “Medallions.” These patterns are not in rows, but create shapes which are then filled in. This chapter begins with a short introduction describing medallions and how to stitch them. Some of these patterns are classic ones, like Pomegranite. Others, like Pink Diamond, are a fresh take on Bargello.
The final chapter is “Advanced Variations.” The patterns in this section are more difficult. Some, like Baby Scallops, are small. Others, like Alligater Teeth, are quite large. Both line and medallion patterns are included in this section.
A good beginner’s book on Bargello should get you started on Bargello (which is unbelievably easy) but have enough meat in it that you find inspiration for projects long after you stop being a beginner. June’s book fulfills this goal superbly.
Now where’s some blank canvas?
About Janet M Perry
Janet Perry is the Internet's leading authority on needlepoint. She designs, teaches and writes, getting raves from her fans for her innovative techniques, extensive knowledge and generous teaching style. A leading writer of stitch guides, she blogs here and lives on an island in the northeast corner of the SF Bay with her family
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