Vintage Needlepointed Bargello Pillow: top Geometric motif

This gorgeous vintage needlepoint bargello pillow is hand made and is stitched in a geometric motif. The pillow is stitched with wool tapestry yarn - slate blue, tan, rust and cream stitches. The pillow is backed with a complementing cream fleece fabric and contains a hypoallergenic polyester fill top pillow form. The cover is sewn without a zipper and does not open.

This square pillow measures approximately 14" x 14".

This pillow has not been used (while the cover was stitched in the 80's, it was appropriately stored until recently, when it could be made into a pillow).


What is Bargello?

Bargello is a type of needlepoint embroidery consisting of upright flat stitches laid in a mathematical pattern that can create a number of motifs. The name originates from a series of chairs found in the Bargello palace in Florence, which have a "flame stitch" pattern.

Traditionally, Bargello was stitched in wool on canvas. Needlepoint done this way is remarkably durable being well suited for use on pillows, upholstery and even carpets. In most traditional pieces, all stitches are vertical with stitches going over two or more threads but more modern designs can include horizontal stitches in addition to vertical stitches.

Traditional designs are very colourful, and use many hues of one color, which produces intricate shading effects. The patterns are naturally geometric, but can also resemble very stylized flowers or fruits. Bargello is considered particularly challenging, as it requires very precise counting of squares for the mathematical pattern to accurately execute designs.