The Supplies You Need to Start Your Tatreez Journey

If you’ve been curious about Palestinian embroidery and wondering how to start your own Tatreez journey, you’re in the right place. Of course, you can pick up a Beginner Tatreez Kit from Min Amanne Tatreez Designs, or pick up the supplies yourself from a local craft or embroidery shop.

Tatreez doesn’t need a lot of fancy or expensive tools to get started. With just a few basic supplies, you can begin stitching your own connection to Palestinian heritage and artistry.

I started Min Amanne Tatreez Designs because I’m passionate about making Tatreez more accessible, especially to Palestinians living in diaspora. Whether you’re picking up a needle for the first time or getting back into stitching after a break, here’s what you’ll need to begin.

A Tatreez Pattern or Motif

Every Tatreez project starts with a pattern. You can find Tatreez patterns from Palestinian artists—I offer some through my shop! Please be mindful that copying someone’s original design is inappropriate and unethical. There are plenty of free resources like Tirazain and free designs out there.

Choosing your pattern is one of the most exciting parts — each motif carries history, meaning, and artistry from different regions of Palestine.

Tip: If you're a beginner, start with a small, simple motif before tackling larger, more complex designs.

Aida Fabric

14 count Aida fabric is the standard fabric most Tatreez artists recommend for beginners. It has a grid-like weave that makes it easy to place your stitches evenly. If you find the holes in 14 count a little small, you can try 12 count or 10 count Aida, which create slightly larger stitches and are easier on the eyes.

Personally, I love stitching with 16 and 18 count which creates smaller stitches. Yes, I use magnifying glasses when I stitch. What can I say? I love a challenge.  

Helpful tip: The “count” refers to how many stitches fit within an inch. A lower count = bigger holes and bigger Xs.

Tapestry Needle (Size 24)

You'll want a size 24 tapestry needle. Tapestry needles have a blunt tip, which slides easily through the holes of Aida fabric without splitting the threads. Be sure to avoid embroidery needles, which are sharper and meant for tightly woven fabrics like linen or denim.

Embroidery Floss or Pearl Cotton 8 Thread

When it comes to thread, you have a choice:

• Pearl Cotton 8 is the traditional thread commonly used in Palestine, coming in balls and skeins. It’s a strong, twist thread that doesn’t separate into strands. The thickness and durability of Pearl Cotton 8 makes it a favorite for stitching wearables like a thobe.
  
  
• Embroidery Floss is more widely available and very beginner-friendly, with a wider selection of colors. It comes in six easily divisible strands, so you can adjust the thickness of your stitches. Use 2 strands at a time to stitch, or 3 strands if you prefer the thickness of Pearl Cotton 8.
  

I personally prefer embroidery floss, mostly because I stitch on higher count fabric making Pearl Cotton 8 way too thick for me to work with. Truly it comes down to a personal preference, both threads are completely acceptable for Tatreez.

Embroidery Scissors

A small, sharp pair of embroidery scissors makes a huge difference. They allow you to cleanly cut your threads and keep the backside of your project neat — a hallmark of beautifully stitched Tatreez work.

Embroidery Hoop (Optional)

Embroidery hoops are optional when it comes to Tatreez stitching. Some people prefer to hold the fabric in hand, while others find a hoop helpful to keep the fabric taut. I include small hoops in my beginner kits to make it easy for you to frame your finished motifs if you'd like!

Starting Your Tatreez Journey

The beauty of Tatreez lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of supplies, you can begin a lifelong journey of creativity, cultural connection, and storytelling through stitches. My Min Amanne Beginner Kits are designed to include everything you need to get started, but you can also pick up your supplies individually at your local craft store.

Fair warning: Once you start stitching, you might find yourself falling deep into the world of fabrics, threads, and motifs — and loving every second of it!

If you’re ready to begin, browse our Tatreez Kits and Patterns or check out more tutorials. I can’t wait to stitch alongside you.