Bargello Needlepoint

 

Bargello is a type of needlepoint consisting of upright flat stitches laid in a mathematical pattern to create motifs. The name originates from a series of chairs found in the Bargello Palace in Florence, which have a "flame stitch" pattern. 

Traditionally, Bargello was stitched in wool on canvas. Embroidery done this way is remarkably durable. It is well suited for use on pillows, upholstery and even carpets, but not for clothing. In most traditional pieces, all stitches are vertical with stitches going over two or more threads. Traditional designs are very colourful, and use many hues of one colour, which produces intricate shading effects. The patterns are naturally geometric, but can also resemble very stylized flowers or fruits. Bargello is considered particularly challenging, as it requires very precise counting of squares for the mathematical pattern connected with the various motifs to accurately execute designs. Textile Artists are modifying the needlepoint technique with quilting and weaving.

Text modified from Wikipedia, images collected from multiple sites.

Patch Work

Patchwork is a hot trend happening in the flooring and toss pillow category.

Evidence of patchwork piecing small pieces of fabric together to create a larger piece, then quilting layers of textile together as been found throughout history. The earliest examples have been located in Egyptian tombs and also in early age of China about 5000 years ago. Further finds have been dated from the early Middle Ages, where layers of quilted fabric were used in the construction of armour his kept the soldiers warm and protected. Japanese armour was made in a similar fashion.

Using this technique, quilts began to appear in households of the 11th to 13th centuries. As the European climate became colder around this time, the incidence of the use bed quilts rose, and so developed the practice of embellishing a simple cloth through the creation of pattern and design, alongside the development of decorative quilting. The tradition of making quilts in this fashion was taken to America by the Pilgrims.

At Raj Overseas we continue this trend in the rugs and carpets of this season.