Bargello quilt for a newbie! Also tips for making one!
 

Hi
I'm a relatively new quilter and I LOVE the way bargello quilts look. So with all that being said I would like to know what would you consider an easy learning bargello quilt pattern for me to try? Also what would be your best tip or tips on making one!

Thanks in advance for all of the information!

There is a great tutoral on the board

Do a search on these quilts there was a lot of talk about them.:thumbup:

I haven't made one yet myself, and I've been quilting a long time.But I know there are some quilters on here that have made some of the most beautiful Bargello's I've ever seen.And some of the most helpful people I know,so you're sure to get some help.

best tip I can give is:
Accurate cutting in all areas of the pattern - both initially with strips and then the sub cuts
Accurate seams.

Hi,
This past weekend a friend and I challenged ourselves to make our first Bargello's. After 3 intensive days (we started Friday afternoon) we are half way through and very pleased with the results.

Hasn't been with out our frustrations though, this is what we found -
1) read read then read the pattern again.
2) have those little post it's ready and lots of pins to label every cut and pile of cuts(there are heaps of them) I also found it handy to have a few little bags, I think you call them zip locks?
3)Be very careful when laying ut your cut strips to have your lights always facing the right way (Jack the Ripper and I became closer friends over the weekend)

Although we are both very happy with our results, I am so glad that I suggested our first attempt should be something small such as a table runner.

We also discovered that the pattern in the book is flawed.

Good luck with your quest

Maybe1day

http://www.quilterstv.com/video/1236...ie-lauder.html

Billie Lauder has a wonder tutorial. If you Google Billie Lauder Videos you will find the link. I will say that cutting, sewing and pressing accurately is VERY important. I taught this in a class and everyone that did it said it was easy.

I made one as my second quilt, take your time, label all your strips, cut carefully, piece carefully, alternate your sewing direction (as you are sewing your strips together sew one pair fron the top to the bottom, then the next from the bottom to the top, it will help minimise bowing). Any pattern would be fine if you take it slow and are careful. If you want a quick finish then try one of the more basic ones.

I just finished a bargello recently and had a great time piecing it together. There actually are quite a few tips that I can pass along.

1. do a small one first, like a table runner. It lets you get the feel of how the pattern works.
2. you must be very organized.
3. when you get your strips all sewn together (I had 8 stripsets to make....it took a long time) cut a strip map....one long piece with a square of all different fabrics and number each fabric....it will be your goto when you have problems...I pinned mine on the wall right above the sewing machine
4. when it came time to cut the strips to be sewn vertically I only cut a few at a time, it was less confusing than cutting them all and then trying to keep them all straight and in the right order
5. press all seams as per directions....it will help greatly
6. if you have questions, please come here and ask....sometimes it's so much easier than trying to figure it all out by yourself.

Here is the post of mine in progress with pics

http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...s-t152707.html

bargellos are all straight lines they just take an organized person and are able to follow directions. They are great fun just take your time.

UglyCook has great directions for a wonderful bargello that is great for a beginner. It has four colors so that makes it a litttle easier. You might try to PM her and ask about it. She sent me an email with the directions. Haven't started it yet ~ on the bucket list.

I've made quite a few Bargello ... I have a few tips.

1) Choosing fabric is very important. You will need to consider both color and value. Value is light vs dark. To help you choose value you can either use a color shield (blue for reds and browns, red for all other colors), or take a picture then convert it to B&W. Basically you need to strip the fabric of color so you can see the light from the dark. Also with regard to choosing fabric - avoid large prints with a lot of degree of change in either color or value. For example a large sunflower on a green background is not a good choice. Look for fabrics that have a print smaller than the smallest bargello square you will cut. The end result will be a better blend from one strip to another without the wrong color interrupting the flow. Study your choices in different lighting as well. Don't expect to pull your fabric and start cutting right away - look at them a long time. I have yet to use the first audition I've made for a bargello.

2) Cutting and sorting - once you've chosen your fabric put post it's on them with the letter or number of the fabric. Use an end piece of your first strip cut - pin it to your design board with the number. keep it there so you'll always know that the purple pansy is #1 and the grapes are #2.

3) Sewing the strips. Make sure that your seam allowance is consistent from one strip to the next. Sew one strip one direction and the next in the opposite direction to avoid bows. I usually leave the leading tail of thread attached so I know which end I started sewing that strip. Iron every seam after you sew it, don't wait to iron them all. After you sew each strip and iron it - MEASURE IT!! This is true for both the color strips (the first step) and the bargello strips (the second step).

4) Assembly - hang the bargello strips on your design wall as shown in the directions - don't sew them together until you've hung all the strips. I usually mark them as well (1, 2, 3). When all are hung, step back and look at it - it's VERY easy to hang one strip up-side-down. Take a picture and then look at the photograph - you won't believe how many times we have not noticed mistakes until we've posted them here on the board and looked at our photo's!

have fun!!

Added one more thing ... I do this with most patterns, and especially with bargello. Make a copy of the pattern and use a pencil to check off strips you've cut (it's easy to lose count) and strips you've sewn and hung on the wall.

Can you share with us the name of the book and pattern and what the flaw is. My luck being the way it is lately, I will pick the flawed book/pattern. I would love to learn from your hard work (lol).

I have done several bargello quilts in throw size. Not a difficult pattern but does take concentration to keep the strips right end up. The end result is awsome, no matter what pattern you use

This is another thread I will follow - a Bargello is on my bucket list (I know better than to make it a New Year's resolution!).