BARGELLO KITS : if you have run out of yarn in a bargello kit, please drop me an email with which colour/s and your postal address, and I'll send some more out to you (free of charge, obvs)

You can buy all of my bargello kits here

Bargello is a tapestry method that uses straight vertical stitches, creating striking geometric designs. Due to its symmetry and simple stitch, it's a fun and easy craft! My kits break away from tradition slightly, with added motifs!

The stitches go across 2, 3, 4 and 5 squares, which creates a lovely texture.

Some notes on bargello :

Check the pattern for yarn amounts and canvas size.
When reading the stitch chart, if a line looks like it goes over the grid line (even by a little bit), it does.
If you’re new to bargello or stitch crafts, it’s best to keep the yarn about the length of your forearm and hand each time, otherwise it tends to get in the way!
It’s best to cut the canvas a little bigger and then trim to size (see plan for measurements) – you can do this before or after, but either way, make sure you don’t cut too close to the grid! If you’re planning to bind stitch the edges, then you can leave the cut ends a little longer, as they’ll be hidden by the binding.
Some people like to stitch all of one colour at a time, I find it easiest to group it into areas, because counting blank squares can lead to mistakes.
Make sure to count the squares carefully for each stitch – this is why I prefer to work in rows, as I can place each stitch by one above, instead of counting lots of little squares!
If you’re placing a stitch directly below one you’ve just done, you’ll need to go from bottom to top, instead of top to bottom
If you go wrong, it’s best to fix it as soon as possible, as undoing a lot of stitches can cause the thread to twist. I find the easiest way to undo stitches is to unthread from the needle and then use the needle to get under each stitch and pull it out (you may need to keep turning the canvas over, to pull through from both sides).
If you spot a mistake way back, then it’s sometimes possible to simply stitch over it, if it’s not too big. For instance, if you haven’t counted enough / have counted too many squares for a stitch. It can be a bit tight pulling the thread through, but it’s possible, and a lot easier than undoing it all!

Why I use acrylic yarn

As Lizziebug is a zero-waste eco-conscious business, the environment – and my impact on it – is at the forefront of all decisions. Bargello can be done with either wool or acrylic yarn. Whilst wool is the most environmentally positive option, factors such as cost, allergies and animal welfare make it less accessible. Beyond the production of acrylic yarn, the main concerns are in the washing of it (where micro-plastics are released) and the wear of it (it can bobble quicker). As this project is a wall hanging, and so won’t be washed or worn, these aspects of it shouldn’t be a concern. With this kit I have tried to keep the yarn wastage minimal, and only included what is needed (plus a little extra as a safety net) And if you’re anything like me, you’ll save all your ends up in a jar for ‘future projects’ or just to look pretty! I’ve also used recycled acrylic yarn where possible.

If you have any questions regarding the use of acrylic yarn, you can email me at info@lizziebugclothing.com