Quite unlike traditional needlepoint that requires filling each single square, This ancient kind of needlework originated in the Italian Renaissance and is named for its place of origin. This is also known as bargello, flame, or Irish stitch. Basically, it creates a series of peaks and valleys in the form of large Vs across the canvas.
While traditional needlepoint is the preferred choice for pictorial scenes or realistic figures, Florentine stitches are preferred for abstract, geometric, and impressionistic designs. Usually, Florentine work is done by creating patterns of color that resemble the flames of sunsets, waves of the seas and oceans, and clouds in the sky. Beautiful undulating curves as well as peaks and valleys of mountain regions are also rendered beautifully in Florentine stitches.
To create gorgeous abstract designs, the lines are worked in several shades of the same color. Florentine stitches can stand alone or be combined with traditional needlepoint. Each stepped, straight stitch can cover four or more meshes. For this abstract style of needlepoint, you don’t need a design chart showing the individual colors and stitches. Instead, the pattern is initially established by the first row of stitches that you make.
The easiest way to do this is to start at the top or bottom and work the first row across the canvas. Before you start, decide how large you want your Vs to be and how many stitches they will have. They can be as broad or shallow as you like. For example, you might use as few as eight to several dozen or more per V to create your design.
These Vs will run in a straight row across the canvas. Each succeeding stitch will be either two meshes above or below the previous one, depending on whether you’re on the ascending or descending side of the V. It is possible to alter the length of the stitches from one row to the next. However, within a given row they should remain the same.
When all the rows of the Vs are complete, there will be some empty squares below the Vs at the top and bottom of the canvas. Fill these spaces with regular needlepoint stitches or Florentine stitches of varying lengths.
For Florentine work, choose a single thread mesh. Usually, a high quality, heavy wool or silk is preferred. Be sure to select a sufficient number of shades for each color in order to get the desired effect. For additional visual interest, you can add rows of contrasting colors in several shades as well. As with any other kind of needlepoint on mesh, a frame comes in very handy to prevent the canvas from becoming quite so stretched. Otherwise, you may need to block it when it is finished.
