Long-time quilter here, and I really hesitate to ask, but exactly what makes a quilt "Bargello"? Is it the material, or the style or the color combinations?? Thank you for your replies.

I thought it was the pattern being cut up like it is.

I always imagined it was based on Bargello embroidery where the long stitches are always the same length but can change in colour and position. I could very likely be wrong !

the pattern/design. looks like bargello embroidery.

Not a stupid question.
Here's a link to the bargello quilt gallery:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/user_page.jsp?upnum=2278

It's a technique of sewing a strata, slicing it into specified width strips, unsewing & resewing part of the strip to rearrange the rows, then sewing it back together.

It is the technique used to make the quilt where strips are sewn together and cut crosswise and shifted.

dictionary says: Bargello is a type of needlepoint embroidery 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.

So -- I, too, believe the Bargello quilts is based on the needlepoint design. The colors enhance the design

There are no stupid questions but they are the easiest to answer. LOL. For some reason Bargello reminds me of bullfighting. ? I don't know why but I get that image when I see one.

bargello is a technique to create a design based on a needlepoint design of years gone by.
you can use any fabrics colors you want to create a bargello- it is the needlepoint design that makes it a bargello or something else.

I agree, been doing same pattern from needle point,