How to Design a Bargello Needlepoint Rug

Bargello needlepoint makes colorful and beautiful rugs that add a personal touch to home décor and warm up a cold and otherwise undistinguished floor. A dark narrow hallway can be transformed into a welcome and open space with a colorful needlepoint runner using your own design. Bargello patterns are great for stitching needlepoint rugs because they are usually repetitive and quick and easy to stitch. Once the pattern has been established, there’s no need to constantly refer to the design. Consider these steps when designing your own Bargello needlepoint rug.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bargello patterns, leaflets and needlepoint books
• Graph paper
• Colored pencils
• Brown wrapping paper for template

1. Decide on the size and shape of the finished needlepoint rug. Bargello needlepoint rugs can be made in a variety of sizes—from a small throw rug that’s 2 ft x 3 ft to a large room sized rug. When making a decision about the shape of the rug, consider whether it will be round, oval, a fireside rug, scatter rug or hallway runner.

2. Choose a color scheme. Bargello needlepoint naturally looks great when using monochromatic color schemes with dark to light tones and shades of the same color. Keep the room in mind where the rug will rest when choosing the color scheme.

3. Select one or more Bargello patterns from various needlepoint leaflets and books. Experiment with different combinations until you get the desired creative look. Consider including one or more needlepoint borders in the design. For square and rectangular designs, Bargello needlepoint borders heighten interest in the entire design and give it energy and vitality.

4. On graph paper with pencils in the color of your scheme, make a chart of the design with enough pattern repeats so that you can get an idea of what the design will look like when stitched. If using a border, chart it also.

5. Make a template. A template is critical when designing round, oval or half-moon Bargello needlepoint rugs. Use brown wrapping paper to draw the desired shape for transfer to needlepoint canvas.

6. Assemble stitching supplies. Bargello needlepoint rugs are stitched on 10-mesh needlepoint canvas with 3-4 ply Persian wool. Needlepoint rugs worked in wool are sturdy and hold up well under normal wear and tear. When stitching, use three strands of wool. If the canvas shows through, add a fourth strand for adequate coverage. Depending on the size of the rug, you may need to make a special frame to keep it stretched while stitching or simply roll/fold and unroll/unfold it as you stitch.

Resources

• Quick and Easy Bargello Needlepoint for Today's Stitcher

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on 11/11/2009 How to Design a Bargello Needlepoint Rug
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