Bargello Needlepoint . . .

[kkwalrus]

Hi,

Does anyone indulge in Bargello needlepoint these days with the present line-up of threads at our disposal? Would love to ask a couple of questions if you don't mind. Thanks.

walrus

[Mabel Figworthy]

I'm not doing any at the moment but have done some and have some interesting charts from New Stitches in my stash to experiment with some time, so I'll be glad to help if I can

[Serinde]

A long time ago, but shoot!

[kkwalrus]

Mabel & Serinde: Thank you. My questions are not to do with technique. They are to do with what kind of thread they are getting the best coverage with. I don't want to use tapestry wool. I am looking to use a finer mess such as 18, 22 and 25. I have experimented but am not entirely content and would like to know what threads others are using.

[Mabel Figworthy]

I've used soft cotton on 14ct mesh, and coton a broder on finer meshes; I know Mary Hickmott has used Caron threads on the finer meshes, you could try one strand of Caron Watercolours (or a Pearl #5 thread) on 18ct. On 24ct Congress Cloth I'm finding petit point works fairly well (with a bit of background just about getting through) with two strands, three strands would probably give full coverage, so that would also do for diagonal satin stitch.
I'll dig out some of those New Stitches masterclasses and see what she recommended!

[Serinde]

Mabel, you beat me to it.