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Bargello is a type of needlepoint embroidery which consists of upright flat stitches of different lengths. The name originates from a series of chairs found in the Bargello palace in Florence which had a flame stitch pattern. In general, the term 'Flame stitch' is more accurate. True Bargello most probably originated in medieval Italy. In most traditional pieces all stitches are vertical.
Traditionally it it was executed in wool on canvas. Embroidery done this way is remarkably durable, it is well suited for use on pillows, upholsteryand even carpets, but not for clothing.
Traditionally there existed two styles of embroidery with very similar characteristics that originated in different countries.
In plain bargello, as it was invented in Italy, all vertical stitches are the same height (i.e., over 4 — meaning the thread spans 4 threads of the canvas, and is offset from the previous stitch by 2 or more threads, called stepping)
This originated in Hungary, another nation which is very fond of stitching and came up with several distinct styles. In Hungarian point, the there are short stitches (such as over 2 threads), alternating with longer stitches (such as over 4 or 6 threads), which create a texture.
It is unknown if those were distinct developments or if they influenced each other. Both tend to be colourful, and use many hues of one colour, which produces intricate shading effects. The patterns are naturally geometric, but often resemble very stylised flowers or fruits.
In modern patterns, those two are often combined, or even combined with other flat stitch techniques, and still called Bargello. Modern bargello also often incorporates horizontal stitches.
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