Embroidery: the slow craft we keep coming back to
From tatreez on a thobe to a single flower in a hoop, embroidery is one of the oldest crafts in the region. We asked our makers why it still matters.
Embroidery is patient work. A small piece can take a whole evening; a traditional thobe can take months. In a world of fast fashion, that patience is exactly what makes it special.
A craft with roots
In Jordan and Palestine, tatreez, the cross-stitch embroidery on traditional dresses, carried the story of a village in its colours and patterns. Today's makers borrow those motifs for cushions, bags, bookmarks and framed hoops.
How to spot good hand embroidery
- The back is tidy: threads are tied off, not left loose
- Stitches are even in size and tension
- The fabric lies flat around the design, without puckering
Every stitch is a decision. That is the difference you feel when you hold it.
Embroidered pieces need gentle care: wash them by hand in cool water, roll them in a towel to dry, and iron them face down on a soft cloth.
