Getting Started with Tatreez: A Beginner's Guide 🪡
Tatreez, or Palestinian embroidery, is a beautiful and meaningful art form passed down through generations. If you're looking to start your tatreez journey, you don’t need much to begin!
Intifada dress, 1987-1993, from the collection of Tiraz: Widad Kawar Home for Arab Dress, image by Tanya Traboulsi, courtesy of the Palestinian Museum.
What is Tatreez?
Tatreez is a traditional Palestinian embroidery style that has been passed down through generations. It is characterized by intricate, geometric patterns that are stitched onto fabric, often telling stories of heritage, identity, and resilience. Historically, Palestinian women used tatreez to decorate clothing, household textiles, and accessories, with each region having distinct motifs and color schemes. Today, tatreez continues to be a powerful expression of cultural pride and artistry, embraced both as a traditional craft and as a contemporary form of creative expression.
🪡 If you're ready to begin your tatreez journey, you won’t need much to get started! I’ve put together a list of essential supplies, and even better, I’ve created beginner kits with everything you need (restocking soon).
Most of these supplies can be found at your local craft store, but I’ve also included links for you to shop online:
1. Aida Cloth
Comes in a variety of "counts," which indicate how many stitches make up an inch (example: 14-count Aida cloth has 14 stitches in 1 inch). The grid-like structure makes it easier to create uniform stitches. Traditionally, Palestinian women used linen or cotton fabrics, but for beginners, Aida cloth is a great choice.
2. Thread
Pearl cotton balls are typically used for tatreez, but we also use six-strand embroidery floss. Pearl cotton thread comes in different sizes, with size 8 being the most commonly used for tatreez. The size of the thread affects the thickness of the stitches, smaller numbers indicate thicker thread, while larger numbers indicate finer thread.
3. Tapestry Needle
These needles have a blunt end and a large eye, making it easier to pass through the holes in the fabric. Look for tapestry needles (sizes 22-26) or embroidery needles with a large eye to accommodate multiple strands of floss.
4. Embroidery Scissors
Small, sharp scissors designed for precision cutting of thread. A sharp pair of embroidery scissors is essential for clean cuts and precise work.
5. Embroidery Hoop (Optional)
While tatreez is traditionally done without a hoop, beginners may find an embroidery hoop helpful to keep the fabric taut and makes it easier to create uniform stitches. Hoops come in various sizes and make great frames for displaying your pieces. A 5- to 8-inch hoop is a good starting size.
6. Pattern or Motif
Whether printed on paper or available digitally, a pattern guides you on where to place each stitch. Tatreez patterns are usually made up of geometric and symmetrical motifs passed down from Palestinian culture. You can find patterns in books, online, or on my website, where I sell digital patterns for beginners. Tirazain.com is also a great source for traditional Palestinian motifs.
7. Patience and Passion
Tatreez is not just about stitching; it’s about storytelling, heritage, and mindfulness. Approach it with patience, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Every stitch you create connects you to a rich history of resilience and artistry.
Starting tatreez is a rewarding journey whether your goal is preserving tradition, expressing creativity, or simply enjoying a meditative craft.
What’s the first tatreez project you’d love to work on? Let me know in the comments!
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