How to sew a Bargello patchwork cushion

As is common with many traditional blocks, the origins of bargello designs are particularly hard to place, but according to the Bargello Museum, the name ‘bargello’ originates from a series of chairs found in the Bargello palace in Florence. “Traditionally, bargello designs were made with wool on canvas, however, I have taken inspiration from needlepoint work and used fabric instead to create a pattern with strips of fabric,” designer Sally Ablett tells us.

Graduate colours from light to dark and/or warm to cool to create a mesmerising design

“I created this pattern with the Electric Quilt 8 – one of the best tools in my sewing room. The fabrics used in bargello designs and the way in which you order them play a huge part in the effect of the finished piece. For example, the placement of the Oakshott fabrics in this cushion from light to dark have a gradient effect on the design. When using ten colours, I like to go for two colour ways – on twenty fabrics for a quilt, I would go for four colour ways. I love the way you can play around with this particular pattern, using just ten fabrics or twenty, it’s extremely customisable”

This project was first published in Today’s Quilter magazine. You might also like our guide to How to make a Bargello quilt, or dive into our full collection of quilting patterns.

Fabric requirements

• Ten (10) fabrics (A-J) graduating from light to dark or warm to cool – 4½in x 21in of each
• Calico – ¾yd
• Backing fabric – 24in square
• 20in cushion pad
• Sewing machine
• Basic quilting kit

Fabrics used

We’ve used Oakshott Colourshotts in Sandstone (A), White Sand (B), Tromso (C), Chara (D), Gemma (E), Foxglove (F), Bizzie Lizzie (G), Fleur (H), Sea Green (I) and Lichen (J).

Finished size

• 20in square

Notes

• Use ¼in seam allowance throughout.
• Press seams to one side.
• RST = right sides together.

Sally Ablett

Sally Ablett has been making and designing quilts for nearly 30 years. She has extensive experience teaching courses and workshops, as and has given regular talks using her own collection of quilts to demonstrate patchwork techniques and pass on tips that she has learnt throughout the years. Sally does freelance design work for magazines including Today’s Quilter, as well as designing quilts and producing pattern for Lewis & Irene – to showcase new fabric collections. Find her on Instagram @sallyablettquilting.

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