Bargello question
 

I am making my first bargello. All the tubes have been cut and are looking good on my design wall so I am ready to sew the columns together. With most quilts I sew the columns in opposite directions (top to bottom, then bottom to top). Does it really matter? I am so afraid of getting out of sequence on this quilt that I am questioning all my normal methods. Will it make a difference if I sew all the seams in the same direction? TIA, Shirley

I have heard that you always sew top to bottom then bottom to top as it does make a difference. I have never tried it but someday I will.

It might make it wavy if you sew them all the same direction.

I have not made one as yet, so that was my question also. I was thinking that I would mark the top of the rows with one color thread, and the bottom with another color thread so that they could not get mixed up. Or use a colored marker or pen for the marking.

Thanks for your quick replies. I am sewing now - opposite directions.

Shirley, I did mine in the same direction, but I iron, iron, and iron again use spray starch too..............calla

I did mine in opposite directions and had no issues with waviness. I can't say that it absolutely will affect it if you don't, but there are people that have, hence the warning.

I have made over 2 dozen bargellos. That step is for when you are sewing the strips together. If you have already CUT your strip pieces, I just sew them all top to the bottom. Never had any waviness.

ManiacQuioter 2 is right. That step is for sewing the original strips together. You are past that. Just sew all from top to bottom. I have never had any trouble either....I think that matching the seams sort of takes care of that.

Dina

For those who are following this, I have sewn several seams using both methods. I have found ManiacQuilter2 and Dina to be correct. Neither method has resulted in waviness or curving. The only difference I have found is that it is much easier to sew a 3/4" strip onto the top of the sewn strips, rather than on the underneath side. I think I'll stick with sewing top to bottom. Thank you all for the assistance.

I would first mark the row number at the top of your columns. Then, sew column 1 to 2, 3 to 4, 5 to 6, etc. (You will have sets of two's on your design wall.) Then, from the bottom up, sew columns 2 to 3, 4 to 5, 6 to 7. You get the idea. It will save your Bargello from getting wonky.

Sewing them in sets of two's will help you know which direction you need to sew, while keeping them organized. Otherwise, if you sew just adding a column onto a large piece as you go, you might get all confused and accidentally sew a column upside down. Hope this makes sense.

Yes it does make a difference. I saw a move in the seams lining up be over an inch by one lady who did all her rows in one direction. It made a wonky one sided pattern. Seam ripper to the ready and off.

I tried my 1st bargello and after cutting all the tubes I also was afraid to mix them up by mistake so made some straight pins with letters glued to them to help me keep them in order. Wasn't prepared for the price of the ready made ones plus didn't want to wait for an online order so made my own. Got some baby bracelet beads, slipped them onto straight pins with the yellow heads on them and used Elmer's non-washable glue..........finally found a use for that bottle I picked up by mistake. These pins have saved my bootie a number of times now. Made up 8 sets for a fraction of the cost of ready made pins.

I also heard about sewing one direction and then the opposite direction on the next row. I did that and didn't have any waves or bowing in my rows........so I guess that tip works.

I also press the seams in opposite directions so that they nest nicely. Both of the ones that I did were done on a gridded interfacing QAYG. It helps to keep everything perfectly straight.

I have used both methods making bargellos and both work equally well-I do press and use starch. I mark my strips in 2 ways: I number them using small safety pins with a numbered bead on it, and I write on a small piece of painter's tape the width of the strip, both at the top of the strip-no mistakes in sewing order and correct width strip that way:thumbup:

on a Bargello always sew top to bottom others wise it stretching the fabric

I switched directions with my bargello. what really helped me keep in sequence was the design wall and having a strip color chart, that way I would match up what was next. Also doing sections and putting sections together like splitting the whole long section into thirds so by the end you are not working with adding to a super long section

I am making my 1st Bargello and I did change directions of sewing when I made my strip sets. I also followed "Girlfriend's" method of sewing 1 & 2, then 3 & 4, and then joining the two by sewing in the opposite direction.

I think sewing top to bottom and then bottom to top does prevent waviness.

I'm working on increasing my courage to do one of these quilts. I am such a rank amateur , so I'll really have to work on my courage! It will take a lot!

Thanks for the encouraging pictures you have all submitted.

Jeanette

I have always done top to bottom, good luck, show pics.

Yes it does make a difference! I did one up,one down. You will be fine!