Embroidery is a type of sewing that uses needles and threads to draw flowers, sparrows, drawings related to place, surrounding environment, nature and universe, and ancient “mythology” beliefs in specific colors, especially red, on silk, linen, and cotton fabrics, in order to decorate women’s clothing, household linens and baby clothes.

Embroidery art is widespread in Palestine, as a symbol of the Palestinian heritage and identity, it is called the Palestinian peasant, the Palestinian women wear it in their daily lives, occasions and celebrations, wherever they live in or out of Palestine. The type of embroidery on the dress indicates the identity of the woman who wears it: to which place does she belong, and what is her social status, is she single, married, widowed, divorced, or bride, as well as reflecting her economic status. 

After the Palestinian catastrophe in 1948, the cause and the tragedies suffered by the people of Palestine had affected the form and drawings of the Palestinian embroidery, new forms and patterns of garments were born where the drawings focused on olive branches, peace doves, and on the map of Palestine with the colors of the Palestinian flag, also it spread to the all Arab countries through thousands of Palestinians who had been obliged to abandon their country. After all the circumstances Palestinian women and girls remained attached to the Palestinian embroidered which they learned from their mothers and grandmothers. 

The Palestinian peasant stitch has several forms and colors according to the region, and for each region there is a different story:

– Ramallah:

The embroidery of Ramallah is known for the palm tree pattern on the lower section and
geometric patterns, but around 1879, floral and other new designs started to appear.
The used fabric colors change by season, summer colors are well known for using white
and natural light color linen with wine red cross stitch, and black linen in winter where
they dip the nine times in indigo dye.

– Gaza:

The Embroidery of Gaza is known for the drawing of scissors. Gaza patterns are unique and
are different from the rest of Palestine patterns and are embroidered mainly with a pattern
called Qeladeh, which means necklace. The fabrics for the garments of the Gaza region were
all woven in Al Majdal, which was the largest and most important textile manufacturing
center of the region.

Up to the mid-19th century, it was distinguished by colored side borders.
This type of material is called Beltaji, named after one of the most famous weaver families.

– Bethlehem:

Bethlehem had its own distinctive patterns which are applied to specific parts of the dresses and the items.
The embroidery of Bethlehem is known for the collar design.
The sleeves are embroidered with a pattern called “watches” in couching technique, repeated three times.
In addition a pattern called “tree of life” in cross-stitch evolving above the “watches”.
Beside the “tree of life” pattern there is a pattern called “children” on each side,
as if life goes through one’s children, to the future.

– Hebron:

The embroidery in Hebron is always done in cross-stitch. In Hebron different materials could be used,
but the basic color is always dark blue. The dresses and items are remarkable for their full embroidery
so that the raw material is no longer visible, known as Tallis. Festive garments often had Tailes patterns,
as well as a pattern called the Tents of the Pasha.

– Jaffa:

The embroidery work from the Jaffa area is characterized by precision and delicacy.
The stitches are petite, the patterns detailed and the overall effect of the pattern is elegant.
Jaffa is home to the unique Jaffa’s orange; therefore, the motif of the orange blossom was
especially popular in the local embroidery. Trees often come on the border of the pattern.
They symbolize the trees that women planted as a natural wall around their farms.  

By: Yara Sinokrot