I'm currently working on my first bargello quilt because I have been so inspired by the many gorgeous ones posted here. My dumb question for the day is when I'm sewing my numbered strips together (after I cut them across), should I be having trouble with my stitching coming out as I'm lining up my seams & corners or is it just that you need to be really careful of how you handle them as you sew them into strips? The stitching just seems loose, and I worry it will unravel when I quilt it. Maybe I'm just overly-cautious. :roll:

I've currently got 3 out of the 4 pieces together, so only one more to go. I want to be sure I'm doing it correctly because I just ordered the Surf Song pattern book because I fell in love with the look of the "wavy" pattern and would like to know before attempting this bigger one. The one I'm working on now is just a small wall hanging.

Thanks for any tips on these beautiful bargellos.

most of the time when you sew your strips together to form your design, you catch the thread going across and that locks it. However, I did have a few on mine that I nad to reinforce. And when I quilted it, nothing came apart.

I know it's late to tell you this, but I was told to shorten the stitch length when sewing the strips together to prevent this unraveling after you cut them.

Good to know for the next one! Happy to hear I didnt really mess up.

I always use a shorter stitch when working with strip sets.... and handle them carefully. I find it helpful to also do the project in sections and stay stitch around the sections before joining them... because no matter how careful or short the stitch lenght the weight and drag can pull the stitches apart.

I use a shorter stitch length, and also watch that the sections I am sewing do not "hang" down too much. Meaning, I try to keep the project up on the table around the machine, or in my lap. Don't want to stress those seams!
And the book with Surf Song in it is great! I have a Surf Song wall hanging kit just waiting for me~~~
Happy sewing, and please share pics! :)

I shorten my stitch legnth.

When I took my bargello class our instructor told us to reduce the stitch length. Seemed to work.

Yet again, I learn something new. Thanks so much for the info. Thankfully I didn't use a long stitch length on this one, so I'm not having TOO much trouble. I definitely know what to do for the next one!

I think I am going to try a bargello soon, Please post pictures.