Ebb & Flow: A Beginner Bargello Quilt -

Bargello quilts are a celebration of fluidity and rhythm, created by sewing strips of fabric into flowing patterns. Inspired by a needlepoint style from Florence, Italy, this quilting technique transforms simple fabric into waves of color and motion.

It’s a mesmerizing art form, blending movement and texture into stunning wave-like designs. With the Ebb & Flow quilt, I’ve reimagined this timeless technique to be approachable for beginners, yet captivating for experienced quilters. I’ve included softer contrasts and subtle transitions that mimic the gentle lapping of waves on the sand. It’s a design that’s as relaxing to make as it is to admire.

Note: For my quilts, I used fabrics from two different Riley Blake Designs fabric collections. The quilt below uses fabrics from the Painter’s Watercolor Swirl collection.

Why Explore Bargello Quilting?

Bargello quilts are becoming a rare sight, both in quilt shows and on social media, yet they hold a timeless beauty worth preserving. By creating a Bargello quilt, you’re embracing a unique art form and adding a rich layer to your quilting legacy.

Even a single block can serve as a valuable addition to your quilting journal or binder, a testament to your growth and creativity as a quilter.

Consider This:

The Ebb & Flow bargello quilt makes an ideal baby quilt—like the one below that I made for my nephew. Its gentle wave-like design is perfect for parents who prefer something a little more modern and understated than traditional baby themes.

Note: The quilt below uses fabrics from the Riley Blake Expressions Batiks Breathe collection.

What Makes Ebb & Flow Unique?

This pattern is thoughtfully designed to make Bargello quilting approachable:

Beginner-Friendly Layout: The quilt is composed of six identical blocks, making it simple to follow.
Fabric Efficiency: The design minimizes fabric waste, making it a thoughtful and efficient choice for quilters.
Unique Fabric Choices: The Ebb & Flow pattern uses the same fabric for two areas; and doing this achieves a soft, cohesive wave effect.

For those looking to experiment, try batiks or bolder color combinations for a completely personalized look.

Tips for Bargello Success

To bring out the best in your Bargello project:

Label Your Fabrics: Keep track of similar fabrics by clearly labeling them.
Organize Your Blocks: Lay out one block at a time in sewing order to avoid confusion.
Press with Care: If you follow the assembly instructions you will be able to press beautifully flat seams.

Experience the Beauty of Bargello

The Ebb & Flow quilt isn’t just a project—it’s an invitation to discover the beauty of Bargello quilting and create something truly special.

The Ebb & Flow quilt is an exclusive pattern available only to members of the Seasoned Makers Community. While membership opens only a few times a year, you don’t have to miss out.

Join the Seasoned Makers Waitlist today, and be the first to know when the Community doors opens again. Don’t let this opportunity drift by—secure your spot and get ready to explore the art of Bargello quilting while connecting with a community that shares your passion.

Let the waves of inspiration guide you on your quilting journey!