Tatreez Kit – Jerusalem

This DIY kit, designed to become a wall hanger, features authentic tatreez patterns derived from two head shawls originating from Lifta* village in the Jerusalem region, dating back to 1900–1920, Palestine. Lifta had a variety of unique dress styles, and we are dedicated to preserving them. The head shawl patterns were chosen for their distinctive, easy-to-replicate designs, ideal for reimagining as wall decor.

In this kit, we focus on two main patterns. The Qamar bi Reesh (Feathered Moon) pattern in its Jerusalem variation is a composite design, with the central moon motif featuring unique extensions that set it apart from other areas of Palestine. The second pattern, Walls of Jerusalem (Aswar el Quds), is a composite motif featuring rows of cypresses, trees, and other vertical tatreez motifs, forming a linear design that resembles the walls of Jerusalem’s Old City.

The patterns were sourced from the Widad Kawar Collection, and the kit includes a pattern stitch manual along with a small pamphlet explaining the traditional dress styles of Jerusalem and its surrounding villages, with details on where each style was worn.

*Lifta (Arabic: لفتا): A depopulated Palestinian village on the outskirts of Jerusalem, Lifta lies along major routes like the Jerusalem-Jaffa and Jerusalem-Ramallah roads, connecting to nearby villages such as Deir Yassin, Ein Karem, al-Jura, Beit Iksa, Qalunya, and al-Qastal.

Kit Contents:

• Aida embroidery fabric, 14 count, Ecru linen color, 36 cm x 45 cm

• 3 embroidery tapestry needles

• Embroidery yarn in 7 colors

• Flyers with information on:

1. The origins of Palestinian native dress
2. The Jerusalem village thobe
3. Step-by-step poster-style instruction manual, detailing how to embroider the design using the traditional Palestinian falahi cross-stitch.