Tatreez is the Arabic Word for Embroidery.
Palestinian Tatreez is so embedded in our culture, the roots of its symbolism so deep, that the word tatreez commonly assumes the embroidery is Palestinian.
We’re not trying to re-invent the wheel here.
We’re just going to share other sites whose work we respect too much to imitate.
Quick History
Traditional Embroidery, a Brief History of Palestinian Tatreez- by Jamilla Hashem for Handmade Palestine- A Quick Overview of Tatreez and its significance in Palestinian Life
Tatreez and Development- by Saniah Naim- An overview of Tatreez and how it is being passed on to current and future generations with support from Organizations like Anera
Tiraz Center Virtual Exhibit- via Google Arts and Culture
Free Instructional Resources
Tatreez Traditions- An absolute Gift! They’ve got step by step instructions with photos and diagrams for everything from your first cross stitches, to your first motif, sampler, tapestry etc. They’re the most comprehensive FREE Resource we’ve come across.
Roba Yusuf’s Youtube Tutorials- A fantastic place to start, especially if you’re an Arabic speaker. Roba starts from the ground up, explaining different tatreez materials and provides LOTS of step by step videos that can take you from your first stitches, to wherever you want to go. Videos are in Arabic and some have English subtitles. Honestly, just watching these helps, regardless of what language you speak. She also has similar styles of videos for other arts/ crafts.
TatreeZine- A Printable Beginners Guide to Palestinian Embroidery. Probably the most thorough beginner instructions we’ve ever seen. Shows where your needle goes along with diagrams of what the front and back of what your Bethlehem Star should look like.
Purchasable Options/ Tatreez 101 Kits
Note: While many sites sell Tatreez 101 Kits that come with thread, needles, fabric, and a pattern, we want you to know that it is usually cheaper to purchase materials yourself. The quality of instructions provided vary. Since the main stitch used for tatreez is the humble cross stitch, for folks on a budget, we find the free resources listed above more than sufficient. Tatreez Kits are good for those that prefer to have portable written instructions, value convenience, and/or need a good gift for the prospective tatreezer in your life.
Taita Laila’s Instructional Pamphlet- (£12.00)- This pamphlet is how Mo learned to stitch! While Taita Laila also sells Tatreez 101 kits, we do feel that this pamphlet is the star of the show. It contains (6) motifs/patterns as well as detailed diagrams of where your needle goes at various stages of the cross stitch.
Folkglory- ($30-50) These kits are great for those looking to learn in style. Well designed instructional pamphlets and Beginner Kits with varied levels of complexity, and several colorful patterns in each kit distinguish Folkglory’s kits from other more basic offerings. They provide EVERYTHING you need to make multiple samplers/ tapestries.
Badan Collective ($17-59) - Offers kits for kids! Also offers kits with varying levels of difficulty including more complex stitches and use of waste canvas to make an included tote.
Too Cool for a Kit- Supply List
Pearl Cotton Thread- Size 8
Note: We know a lot of folks prefer floss, but we recommend Pearl Cotton as it is more traditional and easier to learn with since it doesn’t require separating threads
Aida Cloth - 14count- (count refers to the number of holes/ stitches per inch) - Good for learning, samplers, projects one wishes to frame etc.
Note: We recommend 11 count (lower count= larger stitches) for learners with who prefer to visualize things a bit bigger or who may have visual limitations
Waste Canvas- 14 count - For projects where one wants to stitch directly on a garment or other soft item.
Note: This is considered a more “advanced” or complex way of stitching. Most of us learned to stitch using Aida and moved on to waste canvas once we were comfortable with our skills.
Size 24 Tapestry Needle- Dull, for use on Aida Cloth or other Evenweave fabrics
or Size 5 Embroidery (aka Crewel) Needle- Sharp, for use on any type of fabric, though can make stitching on Aida Cloth more difficult.
Scissors - Preferably Embroidery scissors, but we’re not the boss of you… We’ve definitely used a dental floss case in a pinch
Note: These sizes are recommended because they work well together and are readily available at big box craft stores. You may find that different size materials work better for you.