We will continue to make embroidery together to fight for the Palestinian cause. As part of the project “Threads of the Diaspora: Weaving scraps of Palestinian Heritage,” we have set up two new workshops on Palestinian embroidery to be placed in your clothing, art, traditional pieces and designs, so that you can learn how to hand-embroider garments using the technique and motifs of Palestinian embroidery, known as tatreez. 

Tatreez, traditional Palestinian embroidery, placed on record since 2021 as a form of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, is a folk art traditionally practiced by women which has now become a symbol of Palestinian culture, identity and resistance. A form of interaction shared with similar customary arts and practices in other regions of the Arab world and Mediterranean, tatreez was used to decorate dresses, with specific shapes, colors and motifs that helped identify the region and place in historic Palestine where the pieces were woven. 

During this two and a half-hour practical workshop, participants will get the opportunity to dive deep into the art of traditional Palestinian embroidery and learn about the essential techniques of hand embroidery, with a special emphasis on the patterns and colors typical of Palestinian culture, telling age-old stories through their geometric and symbolic shapes.

Each participant will work on a garment or accessory of their own choosing (linen, cotton or denim fabrics only) to customize it with a unique design that reflects the richness of Palestinian embroidery.

During the workshop, they will receive guidance on how to adapt these traditional designs to modern garments, keeping this cultural heritage alive while creating contemporary pieces.

At the end of the workshop, those who took part will have learned the basic techniques for creating Palestinian embroidery and applied this knowledge to a personalized garment with an original, traditionally inspired design. 

Organized with the cooperation of The Tatreez Collective, the workshops will be taught by Spanish-Palestinian cultural embroiderer Dina Asfour. 

Workshop calendar: 
October 4, 2025, 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. -- Palestinian embroidery on your own clothes 3 - SIGN UP HERE 
October 10, 2025, 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. -- Palestinian embroidery on your own clothes 4 - SIGN UP HERE 

Workshop objectives: 
- Introducing participants to the art of Palestinian embroidery. 
- Teaching the basic stitches used in this type of embroidery. 
- Guiding participants as they design and customize their own garments, using traditional patterns and colors. 
- To promote an appreciation for Palestinian textile techniques and the history behind them.

Requirements for participants: 
- Embroidery materials included 
- You must bring a piece of clothing or an accessory which you would like to have embroidered (linen, cotton or denim fabrics only)
- No prior embroidery experience required.

This program has been given support by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID).