International Day of Tatreez: New Crafts and What Your Support Means

Today is International Day of Tatreez, a day of importance in Palestine. 

Let's go back and talk about its history and the meaning of tatreez and share some of our new products with you. 

A HISTORY OF TATREEZ

Tatreez, the traditional Palestinian art of embroidery, is far more than beautiful stitching — it's a powerful symbol of identity, heritage, and resilience. Each motif tells a story, passed down from mother to daughter, woven with care, meaning, and history.

Rooted in the landscape and daily life, early tatreez patterns reflected the unique identity of each village. In Gaza, repeating cypress trees stood tall; in Ramallah, deep red threads dominated. These motifs once marked where a woman came from and her social standing — a visual language as intricate as the stitches themselves.

After 1948, when the Palestinian flag was banned, women began subtly embroidering its colors and symbols into their clothing. Tatreez became not just art, but peaceful resistance — a quiet, powerful declaration of presence and pride.

At Handmade Palestine, every stitch tells a story — of heritage, resistance, and hope. Tatreez continues to connect our people across villages, generations, and continents. It’s a powerful symbol of cultural pride and, for many women in Gaza and refugee communities, a crucial source of income in the face of genocide, occupation, and displacement.

Each handmade piece in our collection is crafted with this legacy in mind. When you shop with us, you’re not just preserving a centuries-old tradition — you’re directly supporting Palestinian women through fair trade and helping sustain livelihoods where opportunities have been shattered. 

Read more here:

NEW TATREEZ COLLECTION

Our newest collection features handcrafted treasures — from everyday accessories to heirloom-quality works of art. Here’s what’s new:

Tatreez Wall Hanging

A stunning “sampler” of stitches, this masterpiece wall hanging echoes the ones proudly displayed in many aunties’ homes across Palestine. Traditionally hand-stitched as both a decorative piece and a record of different tatreez motifs from historic Palestine, it beautifully honors that legacy. We’ve crafted it in the rich blues and reds of traditional Beer Seba tatreez — a style uniquely dyed using crushed mollusk shells from the seashore.

Cities Cushion

Each stitch represents a city in Palestine, bringing together the patterns that once identified village and origin.

Coming Soon (and we can't wait to share them with you):

Delicate, detailed, and deeply beautiful — these intricate cushion covers are truly something special.

Fallahi Thob Design Large Pouch

Crafted by the incredible Palestinian women of Manjel Ma’Qoud, this pouch is inspired by traditional thob embroidery — practical, beautiful, and full of meaning.

Large Tatreez Pouches — we’re especially fond of the lavender, navy, and red design. These make thoughtful, beautiful gifts that carry real meaning.

Tatreez Travel Bags

Explore our Palestinian embroidery crossbody bag, featuring the intricate Tatreez design. Perfect for travel, this bag blends tradition with function.

Coming Soon: Leather Tatreez Fanny Packs

Our upcoming leather collection will feature handcrafted Tatreez designs in various colorways. 

But there’s more — our new craft drop also includes:

Tatreez Table Runners 

Featuring bold and elegant designs, perfect for enhancing any table setting.

Hand-Stitched Coaster Sets

These make a thoughtful gift and are perfect for creating colorful, intentional table settings.

Tatreez Tea Towels (Set of 2)

With a beloved rooster motif

Red on Black Embroidered Shawl

Timeless, bold, and full of heritage

And if you’re feeling inspired to try tatreez yourself, our Tatreez Learning Kit is the perfect way to begin. We’re currently out of stock, but drop your email and we’ll let you know as soon as it’s back.

Thank you for standing with the women who carry this tradition forward. Every purchase is a thread in a much larger story — one of survival, beauty, and unwavering connection to home.