Palestinian cross-stitch embroidery (Arabic: tatriz) is a splendid example of a traditional Palestinian handicraft. It is an exclusively female artistic tradition, characterized by elaborate patterns and vibrant colors. It is an intricate medium through which Palestinian women express their creativity, culture and sense of regional identity.

Across the country, Palestinian embroiders use the same techniques, but the styles and colors are unique to each region. The patterns are a combination of geometric, floral and arabesque designs. They may include images of houses, trees and birds. Abstract and animal motives, similar to those used in oriental carpets made in the eastern Mediterranean region, are also common. In general, a wide variety of fabrics, such as cotton, linen, and wool are used in embroidery.

Embroidered dresses (Arabic: thawb) come in a wide range of colors and styles to suit the season or the marital status of the wearer. A summer thawb, for example, is made of light, natural colored fabric, whereas black is the color for winter wear. Vibrant, heavily embroidered dresses are traditionally worn by married women. The predominant use of red usually symbolizes a married woman in her childbearing years. A predominantly blue outfit indicates a girl’s unmarried status.

In addition to traditional dresses, scarves and headgears, PACE's Handicrafts Exhibit has modern embroidered articles on offer, such as wall hangings, purses, pillow cases, table covers, mirrors, coffee plates and wall signs of various kinds. Most of the works are from Palestinian camps and villages such as Beit Rima, Deir Ghassaneh, Beitin, al Jib, Jifna, ‘Aboud, Beitunia, Qalandia and Jalazone. They contain designs that have their origins in different districts such as Ramallah, Hebron, Bethlehem, and Gaza.

PACE's Traditional Palestinian Handicrafts Exhibition

Embroidered Palestinian Dresses: come in different styles and colors especially in white and black with red embroidery. Price varies from 300$ to over 1000US$ depending on the volume of embroidery on the dress. 

Embroidered Women Jackets: Come in different styles and colors especially in white and black with red and blue embroidery. Price varies between 150$ to over 500US$ depending on the volume of embroidery on the jacket.

Embroidered Vests: Come in different styles and colors especially in white and black with red and blue embroidery. Price varies between 100$ to over 150US$ depending on the volume of embroidery on the vest.

Embroidered Women Shawl:  Come in different styles and colors and shapes especially in white and black with red and blue embroidery. Price varies between 40$ to over 150US$ depending on the volume of embroidery on the Shawl.

Embroidered Women Hand Bag: Come in different sizes, colors and shapes. Cost varies from 10 US$ to over 70$ depending on size and volume of embroidery. 

Embroidered Wall Hangings: Come in different forms, colors and sizes. Cost varies from 15$ to over 150$ depending on size and volume of embroidery.