Tatreez pattern design

Get a free PDF with step-by-step instructions on stitching the 'Moon of Bethlehem' Tatreez motif! In Beit Lahem (Bethlehem), embroidery predominantly involved couching or cross stitching, known as Tatreez. The Tatreez designs leaned towards geometric patterns, while the couching technique embraced more curvilinear motifs. One notable geometric cross stitch design is the Moon of Bethlehem motif, also known as Qamar Beit Lahem. This motif can be crafted using single or multiple colors.

Explore traditional Tatreez patterns, and find inspiration for your next stitching project.

Once a traditional craft practiced by village women, Palestinian embroidery has become an important symbol of Palestinian culture & identity. A rich artistic tradition passed down through generations, it is now common in all of Palestine & among members of the diaspora.Palestinian embroidery is also known as Tatreez. In 2021, the United Nations’ cultural agency (UNESCO) added the art of Palestinian embroidery, or tatreez in Arabic, to its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural…

Based on traditional Palestinian tatreez (embroidery) patterns, this graphic show the skyline of Gaza growing out of an olive tree, beneath which sit two families, including doctors, press agents, pets. Along with referencing thobe (dress) panels, the geometric design also incorporates Jaffa oranges, doves & olive branches, and the traditional ‘fishnet’ of keffiyeh (scarves), modified…