Bargello quilts are a shining example of grandiose quiltmaking—you can’t help but oooh and aaah when you spot one. But if you’ve ever thought “There’s just NO WAY I could make that!” upon seeing a Bargello quilt, put a pin in that doubt until the end of this post. Because we’ve got a surprise for you: if you can sew strips together, Bargello quilts are well within your scope of expertise.
In a nutshell, this is how most Bargello quilts begin:
Look familiar? Yep—they’re strip sets! Once you’ve sewn and cut your strips into fun little columns of color, you’re ready to start building a Bargellolicious quilt. Designers have come up with oodles of ways to arrange Bargello strips in all sorts of clever ways—ways that’ll make those ooohs and aaahs impossible to muffle. Take a look at what you can create when you follow their lead:
Make “Nebula” plus 10 more quilts in Twist-and-Turn Bargello Quilts
Make “Glacier Bay” plus 9 more quilts in More Twist-and-Turn Bargello Quilts
Make “Monet’s Garden” plus 9 more quilts in Colorwash Bargello Quilts
Make “Fireflies” plus 7 more quilts in Bargello Quilts
Ready to try the strip-friendly technique of Bargello? Browse these Bargello quilt-pattern books to find your favorite design. Then let the stripping start!
Cutting fabric strips: one layer at a time, or stack and whack? Share your preference in the comments!
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The Bargello quilts are beautiful. I would do stack and whack. One at a time takes to long.
—Quilting Tangent on May 29, 2014One layer at at time for accurate size strips.
—Julie B on May 29, 2014One at a time.
—Janie on May 29, 2014I like both methods. The results of the stack and whack are a lot of fun.
—krafty kc on May 29, 2014Depends on what I am doing but I usually stack a couple of fabrics if possible!
—Vicky on May 29, 2014It’s stack and whack for me! I want to do a Bargello so bad and am waiting for the right inspiration. One of these books might just do the trick. Payday is right around the corner!!
—Patsy Wilkerson on May 29, 2014I have made three. No stack and whack for me. Single cut only to keep it straight as possible.
—Linda Christianson on May 29, 2014I prefer to cut no more than four layers. The bargello quilts are calling my name though.
—Diane on May 29, 2014I am afraid to stack and whack. The bargello quilts are fantastic- I would love to make one!!
—Nancy on May 29, 2014I love the look of bargello, my friend has done many of them & teaches classes. I have done place mats only. I enjoy doing stack & whack because the end result is a surprise. The designs made from one piece of fabric is astounding.
—Sheila Ivany on May 29, 2014I like both depending upon the project that I am working on. If there are a lot to be cut, I don’t have the patience to cut each one.
—Tina on May 29, 2014cut not more than 3 at time
—Cindy Balin on May 29, 2014I love the Bargello quilts, I even taught it at my guilds retreat. I only cut 1 layer at a time to keep it as straight as possible.
—connie b on May 29, 2014I cut about 3-4 strips at a time. Bargellos are the bomb…they are on my bucket list of Quilts!
—Susie Furgason on May 29, 2014I find I will cut one layer at a time if I am cutting 21/2″ strips. But if. I am cutting blocks I will cut more than one at a time. Not sure why I think this way, except that I usually have my material folded twice when I am cutting strips. Not that way for blocks, since I have already cut one strip of fabric. It’s just a wider strip.
—Sharon on May 29, 2014Never made one yet. But someday I will.
—Cindy on May 29, 2014I love bargello quilts and have made 3 – i have a few more patterns that I would love to make but just haven’t found the time. I have made only one stack and whack – it was not my favorite technique but may try it again someday- just another pattern..
—quiltmom anna on May 29, 2014I tend to cut one row at a time for accuracy.
I do stack and whack. The idea of a surprise ending is great.
—Dot on May 29, 2014I prefer one layer at a time. If I somehow make a mistake, several fabrics aren’t ruined. I love Bargellos and have made 3!
My biggest Bargello was called a 4 way and I have to this day, not been able to find that pattern again.
Keep smiling,
—Lynnita Shipman on May 29, 2014Single cut for me, I find it more accurate. I have material chosen for a Bargello quilt for my daughter, But have a few other priorities.
—ELIZAJANE on May 29, 2014One layer at a time I think is more accurate!
—Carolyn on May 30, 2014Stack and whack. Love the quilts.
—Mom C on May 30, 2014Love Bargello quilts! Hope to make one soon! I cut 1 layer at a time for accuracy. I have lots of time!
—Bonnie Abbott on May 30, 2014I have made many Bargello quilts (my group calls them bordello quilts!)
—Ann McC on May 30, 2014and cut multiple strips at a time. Each time you sew a strip to the next one,it is an adventure because the design reveals itself as a wonderful surprise.
Sometimes very careful stack & whack but more often one at a time
—Karen on May 30, 2014Stack and whack. Beautiful quilts!
—Sara on May 30, 2014I’ve made 1 Bargello & cut 1 strip at a time for accuracy; however, I think all Bargello’s are beautiful.
—BARBARA on May 31, 2014I’m a one-at-a-time gal. I think it’s more accurate. Bargello is a beautiful pattern.
—Virginia in AK on June 1, 2014someday i will d a bargello a one strip at a time. one of these books could be my inspiration.
—vickster on June 9, 2014I love bargello! I’m looking to find the Amish Bargello flame queen quilt pattern and also a diamond bargello that isn’t as curvy as the jelly bargello. Thank you.
—Arlene Pedersen on October 2, 2015