Birds of Ramallah

A beginner tatreez kit perfect for anyone who wants to learn the traditional Palestinian art of tatreez embroidery. 

Palestinian tatreez draws inspiration from everyday objects, and birds hold a special place in the traditional Palestinian dress (thobe). Birds became a popular Tatreez motif in the 1920s, particularly in the central region of Palestine around Ramallah, Al-Khalil, and Jerusalem.

Birds were believed to be messengers from heaven, often called “birds of paradise”. They symbolized positivity and happiness, bringing good luck and joy to the person wearing the dress.

This tatreez kit features a selection of bird designs from the Ramallah region. The Birds of Ramallah tatreez kit comes complete with everything you need to start your first embroidery project - including all materials, instructions, and a quick background of the history of tatreez.

What comes in the kit? 

• 5'' embroidery hoop
• Black OR white Aida cloth 12'' x 9''
• DMC needle size 24
• DMC 6-strand floss (6 colors)
• Birds of Ramallah Tatreez pattern
• Step-by-step instruction manual explaining how to do the traditional Fallahi (or farmer's) cross-stitch
• An information page about the artistic, cultural, and political history of tatreez

Every kit is handcrafted by Rahaal here in San Jose, California.