Straight stitches · Beginner
Bargello (Florentine) stitch
Upright stitches over four threads, each stepped up or down two threads from the last to draw zigzags, flames and waves.
How to work it
Make the first stitch
Work an upright stitch over four canvas threads.
Step the next stitch up
Work the next stitch one hole along and two threads higher.
Step up to the turn, then down
Keep stepping up until the line turns, then step down two threads at a time.
Set the pattern
Finish this first line all the way across: it sets the pattern.
Work the next row underneath
Work each later row directly under the one before in the next color. Every stitch shares a hole with the stitch above it.
At a glance
- Also called
- flame stitch, Hungarian point
- Used for
- whole pieces in flame and wave patterns; pillows; upholstery; backgrounds
- Coverage
- Full, with a thread a little thicker than for tent stitch
- Direction
- Upright
- Stitch length
- Over 4 canvas threads
Bargello is less a single stitch than a way of building a whole design from one. Change how many stitches sit at each level and the sharp zigzag softens into a wave; gentle curves and changes of color make ribbons and medallions.
It is counted work: you count the first row from a chart and every later row follows it.
Tips
- Match the thread to the canvas so the upright stitches hide it. Upright stitches cover less well than slanted ones and may need a thicker thread or an extra strand.
- On a large design, start the first row in the middle so the pattern is centered.