Bargello
 

I am about to start making a Bargello quilt for a friend. We found the pattern together and all is fine and dandy except the pattern is for a square quilt, and we need it to be longer, rectangular shape. I would have to add about 20" in length total. What do I do? Make top and bottom borders (that would look odd - right?) or fudge the pattern and extend it. I have never made a Bargello before but I fudged virtually every pattern I ever used.

I've never made a bargello, but my DD has and said it wasn't difficult. She just had to keep pieces organized and in order. I think you'd be able to fudge the pattern since you are experienced in fudging before.

Let us see it when you're done. I love bargellos.

To get it longer increase the strip width( all of them equally) when cutting for the strip sets. If you wanted it wider you would cut the completed strip sets wider.
What pattern are you using , I could be of more help if I knew the pattern. There are a few patterns that increasing only one direction will not work ( a few of Derek Lockwoods patterns) .

I agree with Lori S that it might not be possible to increase the pattern size, depending on the design. If you increase strip length or width you will be changing the proportions of the quilt, but also it will look different - which may not be a bad thing, but you should be aware that it will change. Some of the books out give you information for designing your own bargello.