Bargello Needlepoint: A Pattern Directory for Dramatic Creations (Dover Crafts: Embroidery & Needlepoint)

Seems to be a bit hard to find bargello guides online, but this is a good start. Some intro notes on materials and basic stitches, and then it's just ~100 pages of stimulating patterns, photos, color variations and so on, from the bright and playful to very austere. There are really only ~10 or so core designs, with colorway variations, but don't get me wrong, those color variations are substantial and striking, and each new one really does get your inspiration going.Coming from cross-stitch, something that interests me is that the authors prefer to use whatever "regular" acrylic yarn you can get your hands on, including some crazy sparkly ones. Rather than prescribing standard Anchor/DMC tapestry wool. This is also pretty different from the world of cross stitch, which seems basically under the hegemony of DMC/Anchor/Sulky. So it seems like more of the craftistry of bargello is being able to pick good yarns and good colors, since your palette is much wider. It's a bit nervy and exciting to have to pick and I really appreciate a good bargello gradient now, knowing the crafter themself probably picked it out!

Wonderful selection.

I have several vintage books on bargello, but they're aren't a lot of new books coming out. I follow these authors on instagram and their designs and color ways are really amazing. This book is great if you're looking for a newer bargello book. It has beautiful full-color photos and fresh takes on old patterns. But frustratingly, some of the designs in the gorgeous photos are not included in the how-to instructions. Still, if you are into needle crafts and looking for inspiration, it's a great resource.

All sorts of Bargello patterns

Despite Amazon's suggestion, "Bargello Stitch" and "Bargello Needlepoint" by Angell are the exact same book! I would not "buy them together" unless I liked doing returns. The patterns were interesting so I'm keeping one of them.

Love the book.. absolutely gorgeous Bargello designs..

Loved all the new interpretations of traditional patterns! The colors are bright and modern.

A great book with lots of inspiration for exploring this technique.