If you're here, you're likely already familiar with tatreez, the art of traditional Palestinian hand embroidery. However, whether you're new to the craft or looking to refresh your skills, this step-by-step guide will assist you in getting started with tatreez.
Materials Needed:
- Fabric: 14-count Aida fabric is a common choice among tatreezers, particularly for beginners. Higher counts result in smaller Xs. Other options suitable for cross-stitching include linen and evenweave. If you wish to stitch on clothing or non-cross-stitch fabric, you can use waste canvas attached to any fabric.
- Thread: DMC is a popular choice due to its wide color range, consistent color batches, and accessibility. DMC 6-strand embroidery floss and DMC Pearl Cotton 8 are preferred threads for stitchers.
- Needles: A tapestry needle with a blunt tip and a large eye is recommended for easier threading. For 14-count fabric, use a size 24 tapestry needle.
- Scissors: Sharp embroidery scissors are essential for cutting thread.
- Embroidery Hoop/Q-Snap (optional): Helps keep fabric taut while stitching, facilitating the process.
- Pattern: Design your own pattern, purchase a tatreez kit, or obtain a digital tatreez pattern to begin.
Step 1: Prepare Your Fabric
- Begin by cutting your fabric to size, leaving at least 2 inches of extra fabric on each side for framing or finishing.
Step 2: Thread Your Needle
- Select the color of embroidery floss for your first stitch.
- Cut a length of thread equivalent to your forearm's length.For embroidery floss, separate the six individual strands and use two. For pearl cotton 8, use one strand without separation.
- Thread your needle.
Step 3: Start Stitching
- Refer to your pattern to determine the starting point.
- Bring the needle up from the back of the fabric to the front at the designated starting point.
- Follow the pattern and count carefully to ensure accuracy.
- Take your needle through point 1 diagonally up through point 2.
- Leave a tail of thread on the back of the fabric to stitch over.
- Continue making diagonal stitches, ensuring to stitch over the tail of thread on the back to secure it.
- Once a row of diagonal stitches is completed (/), go back to complete the row () to create X stitches.
Step 4: Finishing Your Stitches
- To finish a length of floss, secure the thread on the backside of the fabric by weaving it through existing stitches.
- Trim any excess floss close to the fabric with your scissors.
Step 5: Completing Your Project
- Continue stitching until you've completed the entire pattern design.
- Gently wash the fabric with lukewarm water and soap. Press out excess water with a towel and iron on the reverse side to remove wrinkles.
- Frame your completed tatreez piece or turn it into a decorative item such as a pillow or wall hanging.
Now that you have gathered your materials and selected a pattern, it's time to let your creativity shine through your tatreez!