All of the examples shown so far have the seams matching, but someone referred to a type of bargello where the seams do not match. Do people do those as well? How do they look? Can they be as beautiful as all the ones I've seen posted here?

I am working on one now. The difficulty for me is that I read lots of books, looked at a lot etc...and I complicated it more than it needed to be.I didn't use a pattern, so it is all by trial and error for me. I wanted to do one where I didn't need to match seams, and somehow managed to be matching seams lol.I believe I only have 10 fabrics, those were hard enough to choose...I cant imagine 20! My advice is to find a pattern, and try to stay organized. It really is rewarding to see it come together, and it is worth it. Here is part of mine, haven't got much done since then.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-160704-1.htm

Start with a simple one. Then progress.
They can be simple or very dificult. Check with the Quilt shop.

I use a strip map (sometimes I have it enlarged for little extra help) and I label the strips with numbers or letters or whatever, using those brightly colored dots that are meant for garage sale pricing. I've done several similar to bargello this way and no problems. BUT----don't sew when you're tired!!!! (I make stupid mistakes then...)

the first quilt I made was "Bargello in the round" I must admit, it took me a while,don't bet in a hurry, and you will say the end result was worth it. the bargello will become one of your favorites.
d.swindle

The more I look at how gorgeous these are, the more intimidated I become. Gonna give one a try though. Lots of great info.

I have done bargello that the seams do not match, they are really fast to do and can be wonderful. In stead of progessinging the next row a full square , you only progess it 1/2 square. So much of a bargello is the colors, some using as many as 20 plus fabrics.

To sewbeadit...I noticed your green Elna machine and would like to know how old it is and how you came by iy. I also have a green Elna machine that came out as the equal to the featherweight only I like it better as it does more. The machine has panels that close up fastening to the top. Now the top has an area for feet and the machine can do several stitches as well as forward and backward and (zigzag(?). When the area is closed and the 4 sides attach then it is ready for carrying. Only machine like it I have ever seen and I was in the sewing machine business both retail and wholesale for 60+ years. I have been thinking of selling it but have no idea as to worth. No I do not use it after having it serviced, I only enjoy it.

I've made 3 Bargellos. They are not hard to do. It's fun to pick out the fabrics and arrange them to get the look you want. The next day you look at them again and FAITHFULLY you rearrange something. This may go on for several days till you're happy. The boring part is the cutting and sewing. Once that is done the fun begins once again. Putting it together, and watching it litterally come to life is so energizing. Whether using a pattern or creating your own (for me creating my own is the really fun part), I whole heartedly recommend making one.. GO FOR IT!! You won't regret it. Have fun and post the picture when it's done.

I enjoy making bargello quilts. Fun and beautiful. Just take your time and enjoy the process!

I'm not sure as I've never made one, but have fabric and Lovers Knot ready to do one.. (well not ready, ready, but have all the supplies) just have to get'r done.

I HAVE ONE! I HAVE ONE! It's called the Elna Lotus and I got it in probably 1978 or so. I carried it everywhere and probably sewed around the world several times on it! haha! I've seen them on EBay for around $200, but I would never sell mine. As a matter of fact, the design is so unique there is one on display ( I've heard!) at the Museum of Modern Art!

Thank you to everyone for your replies and for posting your beautiful bargellos. I will definitely be referring back to all the advice when I begin. which will more than likely will be after the holidays.

I made the table runner from her book for a starter project. I thought it was a blast! As long as you stay organized, I don't think it was difficult.

I love doing the Bargellos. For my first one I jumped in with both feet and made Malinda's Heart in queen size, for my granddaughters wedding. It turned out great. I had never had a design board, due to lack of wall space, but my husband found a childs easel and covered it in flannel for a small design board. I found it useful because if you have the wrong square it will show up imediately. I would put up about 6-8 strips and look it over before I sewed the strips together. I had a small 11x14 cardboard that I proped up by my sewing machine with a swatch of each fabric pinned to it. I used a post it note over each swatch with the number of each fabric. I printed off the pattern and marked each step off as I went. It took a while to pick all the fabric but the LQS were a big help. I am making another Bargello at this time for another granddaughter who is getting married in August. I can't remember the name of that pattern, and too lazy to run up stairs and check on the name of it. I find them really fun. Need to keep your strips orderly.

Not only do you have a fantastic little machine but you have a gorgeous quilt done up in my favorite colors. It is nice to know I do not have the only Elna Locus on the planet. BarbM32

I just finished Twisted Bargello by Chris Timmins. First bargello I did and fun to see the pattern come to life with each row. I too was hesitant but Very easy. Plan to make another on in the near future.

i tried one as a young quilter and found it to be very hard
all the pieces sat in a box in the closet for years til i was cleaning the closet out and drug it out and gave it to a fellow quilter who has 10 times the patience and knowledge i do im sure shell finish it someday. she is so talented we all joke that you could drop her on a deserted island with an army sewing kit and she could make herself a raft and float back to civilization there is nothing that she wont try. shes a great lady and a good friend.
carla

I posted yesterday the progress of my first bargello. This is my most challenging quilt and progress is slow, but I am enjoying it more than any other quilt I have made. I love to challenge myself. It is like a giant fabric jigsaw puzzle, and I love puzzles!

It is time consuming to follow the pattern and get each color in the right spot. Matching seams on each row is also time consuming, but the results are worth the effort.

There is a satisfaction from doing something difficult that I don't get from doing an easy quilt. I would encourage you to give it a try.

Elise

I already posted in your topic "fall bargello in progress". I will be watching your progress...it is so beautiful. I plan on starting one after the holidays. Thanks for the encouragement...it is especially nice to hear from a first-timer.

Me too.

Checked out the tutorials and I think I could do one.

I am getting ready to do my first Bargello. I think I will try a Bargello Lap Quilt first. Wish me luck.