How to Make a Bargello Needlepoint Sampler
- 1). Determine the size of the bargello sampler. A good size for a bargello sampler on 14-mesh needlepoint canvas is 12 inches wide and 16 inches long. When purchasing needlepoint canvas, add an additional 4 inches to the width and length for blocking and finishing.
- 2). Select nine to 12 bargello stitches. These stitches can be found in needlepoint books, and from free online bargello patterns and other resources. Using colored pencils and graph paper, make a 4 inch square section of each stitch pattern. Cut out and arrange the squares until you have the desired overall design for the sampler. Number each paper square.
- 3). Select the needlepoint threads to be used. Different threads will produce varied effects. Consider pearl cotton, Persian wool or tapestry yarns for use on needlepoint canvas. Make a note of the thread used for each stitch in the sampler.
- 4). Choose the color scheme. Bargello needlepoint tends to favor monochromatic schemes which use several closely graded shades from dark to light of one color; but complementary colors are also great choices. Gather together the colors you like and arrange them in various ways to see how well they fit. Adjust the color scheme as needed.
- 5). Measure and draw a 12 inch by 16 inch design area on the canvas with a waterproof permanent marking pen. Divide this area into 4 inch square sections for each stitch pattern you have chosen. There should be three squares across and four squares down. On the inside of all four sides of each square, mark 1/4 inch from the outer edge.
- 6). Assemble the stretcher bars by fitting them together in the four grooved corners. Bind each canvas edge with masking tape. Using brass thumb tacks, attach the needlepoint canvas to the stretcher bars. Make sure the canvas is stretched taut.
- 7). Work each stitch to within 1/4 inch of the outer edges of each square before moving to the next one. Use the numbered paper sample as a guide. Make compensating stitches as necessary to keep within the square boundaries.
- 8). After all stitches have been worked, make a simple border in your choice of color in the 1/4 inch area of each square. A slanted Gobelin or tent stitch will help to bring the different sampler stitches together.
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