Bargello is a type of needlepoint embroidery which consists of upright straight stitches of different lengths and colours which produce a characteristic wavy pattern. The name originates from a series of chairs found in the Bargello palace in Florence which had a flame stitch pattern. In general, the term 'Flame stitch' is more accurate. This type of embroidery is also known as Florentine work.

Traditionally Bargello embroidery was executed in wool on canvas in a selection of toning thread colours or different shades of a single colour. It is remarkably durable and well suited for use on pillows, upholstery and even carpets, but not for clothing. In most traditional pieces all stitches are vertical.

History

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True Bargello most probably originated in medieval Italy.

Traditionally there existed two styles of embroidery with very similar characteristics that originated in different countries.

• Bargello

In plain bargello, as it was invented in Italy, all vertical stitches are the same height (i.e., over 4 — meaning the thread spans 4 threads of the canvas, and is offset from the previous stitch by 2 or more threads, called stepping)

• Hungarian point

This originated in Hungary, another nation which is very fond of stitching and came up with several distinct styles. In Hungarian point, the there are short stitches (such as over 2 threads), alternating with longer stitches (such as over 4 or 6 threads), which create a texture.

It is unknown if those were distinct developments or if they influenced each other. Both tend to be colourful, and use many hues of one colour, which produces intricate shading effects. The patterns are naturally geometric, but often resemble very stylised flowers or fruits.

Modern Day Bargello

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In modern patterns, the two styles of Bargello and Hungarian point are often combined, or even combined with other stitch techniques, and still called Bargello. Modern bargello also often incorporates horizontal stitches.

External links

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• Bargello needlework - further information, links, and photographs of both modern and traditional patterns
• Bargello - detailed analysis and possible evolution of Bargello, with historical examples and photographs

Embroidery