The Easy Bargello Quilt Pattern is like that magic trick you always wanted to learn, but thought was too complicated. Turns out, it’s all smoke and mirrors – glorious, wavy, fabric-filled smoke and mirrors – and you, my friend, are about to become the magician! This pattern promises stunning visual movement with surprisingly simple strip piecing, making it a fantastic project for confident beginners and seasoned quilters alike. Forget the intricate-looking waves giving you cold feet; if you can sew a straight line, you can totally rock a Bargello.
All About the Easy Bargello Quilt Pattern
The Easy Bargello quilt pattern creates a mesmerizing ombre colorwash effect that just pulls you right in with its beauty. It looks incredibly complex, with its intricate wave-like designs, but don’t let that fool you! This pattern is actually super straightforward and relies on smart strip piecing techniques to achieve those gorgeous, flowing curves. It’s a fantastic way to create a quilt that looks like you spent weeks on it, when in reality, you were probably binging your favorite show while sewing.
What makes this particular Bargello pattern so “easy”? It’s entirely strip pieced, which means less fussing with individual blocks and more efficient sewing. Plus, a delightful bonus: there are no seams to match, which is basically the quilting equivalent of finding a twenty-dollar bill in your old jeans! This pattern is also “jelly roll friendly,” which is a fancy way of saying it loves those pre-cut 2.5-inch fabric strips, saving you a ton of cutting time. It typically includes instructions for a twin-size quilt, making it a perfect size for a single jelly roll.

Creative Color Palette Suggestions
Choosing colors for your Easy Bargello quilt is where the real fun begins! Since this pattern thrives on gradations and movement, thinking about how your colors flow from light to dark or across the spectrum will make your quilt sing. Don’t be afraid to play around; after all, fabric can always be unpicked, but a lack of imagination is far harder to fix!
Sunrise Serenity
Imagine the soft hues of a morning sky. Start with creamy whites and pale yellows, transitioning into soft oranges, peaches, and then gentle pinks and lavenders. Add a touch of muted blue for the “sky” effect. This palette creates a calming, warm, and inviting quilt that feels like a cozy sunrise hug.
Deep Ocean Blues
Dive into the depths with a palette that moves from the lightest aqua to deep, mysterious navy. Incorporate shades of teal, seafoam green, and perhaps a hint of sandy beige or coral to mimic ocean life. This combination evokes a sense of tranquility and depth, perfect for a serene bedroom.
Vibrant Fiesta
For those who love a party, this palette is for you! Think bold, saturated colors: fiery reds, sunny yellows, electric oranges, and bright fuchsia. Mix in some brilliant turquoise or lime green for a lively contrast. This palette will make your Bargello quilt pop with energy and joy, bringing a festive spirit to any room.
Modern Grayscale with a Pop
Embrace sophistication with a range of grays, from charcoal to silver, mixed with crisp white and deep black. Then, introduce a single, vibrant accent color that cascades through the design – perhaps a brilliant scarlet red, a lime green, or a royal purple. This creates a striking, contemporary look with a surprising burst of color.
Fabric Requirements Guide for Easy Bargello Quilt
Getting your fabric measurements just right is like baking a cake – too much or too little, and things get messy. This guide will help you gather the right amounts for your Easy Bargello quilt, typically designed for a twin size, but adaptable for others. Remember, these are estimates, and it’s always better to have a little extra than to run short mid-project!
| Quilt Size | Main Colors (2.5″ Strips) | Background Fabric | Binding Fabric | Backing Fabric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crib (40″x50″) | 1 Jelly Roll (approx. 20 strips) | 1.5 yards | 0.5 yard | 3 yards |
| Throw (60″x70″) | 1.5 Jelly Rolls (approx. 30 strips) | 2.5 yards | 0.75 yard | 4.5 yards |
| Twin (66″x88″) | 1 Jelly Roll (approx. 40 strips) | 3.5 yards | 0.75 yard | 5.5 yards (or 2.25 yards 108″ wide) |
| Queen (90″x90″) | 2-3 Jelly Rolls (approx. 60 strips) | 4.5 yards | 1 yard | 8 yards (or 3 yards 108″ wide) |
| King (108″x108″) | 3-4 Jelly Rolls (approx. 80 strips) | 6 yards | 1.25 yards | 10 yards (or 4 yards 108″ wide) |
Where to Buy Fabrics
Finding the perfect fabrics is half the fun of quilting, right? Or at least, it’s a great excuse for more fabric shopping! Here are a few fantastic online stores where you can find everything you need, from those glorious jelly rolls to luscious backing fabrics.
- Fat Quarter Shop – A treasure trove for quilters, offering a huge selection of fabric collections, precuts, and patterns. Their customer service is as good as a perfectly pressed seam!
- Connecting Threads – Known for their quality threads (obviously!) and a wide array of fabrics, including their own exclusive lines, often at great prices. They’re also where you can grab this very Bargello pattern!
- Missouri Star Quilt Company – Famous for their incredible tutorials and massive selection of fabric, especially precuts. Jenny Doan makes quilting feel like a chat with your best friend, and their fabric deals are legendary.
Tips for Success with Your Easy Bargello Quilt
Even easy patterns can benefit from a few clever tricks to make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Think of these as your secret weapons against rogue threads and wonky seams!
- Pressing is Your Best Friend: Seriously, a well-pressed seam is a happy seam. Press after every few seams to keep your strips flat and your lines straight.
- Chain Piecing for the Win: Since this pattern involves lots of strip sets, use chain piecing to save time and thread. Sew one set, then feed the next right behind it without clipping threads. It’s like a sewing marathon!
- Label Everything: When you start cutting and rearranging your strip units, it’s incredibly easy to get confused. Use sticky notes or pins to label your units “Top,” “Bottom,” “Left,” “Right,” or with numbers. Your future self will thank you.
- Keep Your Seam Allowance Consistent: A perfect 1/4-inch seam allowance is crucial for Bargello quilts. Even a slight wobble can throw off the wavy effect, so grab your seam guide or an accurate presser foot.
- Embrace the “Design Wall”: Laying out your cut strips or blocks on a design wall (even if it’s just a flannel sheet taped to the wall) helps you visualize the flow before you commit to sewing. This is especially helpful for getting that perfect color gradation.
- Don’t Fear the Jelly Roll: This pattern is jelly roll friendly, making it quick and easy. If you’re using a jelly roll, arrange your strips in the order you want them to appear before sewing.
Important Tip: When sewing your strips together, it’s a good idea to alternate the direction you sew each strip to help prevent bowing or stretching. This keeps your long strip sets nice and straight, which is key for those fabulous Bargello waves!
Inspiration: What to Create with this Pattern
The Easy Bargello quilt pattern isn’t just for bed quilts! Its dynamic design lends itself beautifully to a variety of projects, adding a touch of modern elegance or vibrant energy wherever it goes.
Imagine a stunning throw quilt for your living room, draped over a sofa, instantly becoming a conversation starter. The flowing colors can complement your decor or add a much-needed splash of vibrancy. This pattern is perfect for creating a cozy atmosphere on a chilly evening. If you want to explore more throw quilt ideas, check out the Heart of America Quilt for patriotic flair.
Consider a striking wall hanging for an entryway or a large blank wall. A Bargello wall hanging can be a dramatic focal point, drawing the eye with its intricate-looking waves. You could even create several smaller panels to arrange as a triptych, each showcasing a different segment of the color flow. For more wall hanging inspiration, take a peek at the Stardust Quilting Free Pattern.
This pattern can also be adapted for smaller items like placemats or table runners. Imagine a set of Bargello placemats gracing your dining table, adding a sophisticated touch to your meals. A coordinating table runner would complete the look, making every dinner feel a little more special. You could even use some scraps to make a small tote bag or pillow cover! Explore other charming patterns like the Free Civil War Quilting Pattern Album Patch or the playful Cat Tales Too Quilt Pattern for more creative ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What makes a Bargello quilt “easy”?
An “easy” Bargello quilt typically uses strip piecing methods, minimizing the need for complex individual block assembly or precise seam matching. This simplifies the construction, allowing you to focus on fabric placement and creating those stunning wavy effects without the usual Bargello headaches.
What kind of fabric is best for an Easy Bargello quilt?
The key to a successful Bargello quilt is selecting fabrics with good value differentiation – meaning a mix of lights and darks. Color gradations work wonderfully, and the pattern is often designed to be jelly roll friendly, using 2.5-inch pre-cut strips. Both prints and solids can create amazing effects!
How do I make the waves in my Bargello quilt?
The wave effect in a Bargello quilt is created by sewing long strips of fabric together, then cutting them into narrower segments. These segments are then shifted and re-sewn, creating an illusion of movement. The magic happens in how you strategically offset these pieces!
Can a beginner quilter really make a Bargello quilt?
Absolutely! Many Bargello patterns, especially those labeled “easy,” are perfect for confident beginners. If you can sew a straight line and accurately cut fabric strips, you have the basic skills needed to tackle this visually impressive, yet surprisingly approachable, quilting technique.
About the Designer
Myra Barnes, the creative force behind Busy Hands Quilts, has a knack for designing patterns that are both stunning and surprisingly achievable. She believes that quilting should be a joy, not a chore, and her designs often reflect this philosophy by simplifying complex looks into manageable steps. Her passion for fabric and design shines through in every pattern she creates, encouraging quilters of all skill levels to discover the satisfaction of making something beautiful.
You can find more of Myra’s wonderful patterns and get inspired by her quilting journey by visiting her website, Busy Hands Quilts. She loves helping quilters bring their fabric dreams to life, one stitch at a time. The Easy Bargello pattern is a testament to her ability to make impressive designs accessible.
So there you have it, the Easy Bargello quilt pattern – a project that proves you don’t need to be a quilting wizard to create something truly magical. With its simple strip piecing and mesmerizing visual effects, you’ll have a stunning quilt top in no time. Go ahead, dive into your fabric stash, pick out those gorgeous gradations, and get ready to create your own wavy masterpiece. Happy quilting, my friend, and may your seams be ever so straight!
















