Intermediate Tatreez Workshop with Samar Abdrabbou
Open: 14:00 - 17:00 hrs
Tickets: € 20 / €15 if attending both days
Discover the art of Tatreez, the traditional Palestinian embroidery that weaves together history, stories, and cultural identity. Each intricate motif and pattern carries meaning, reflecting the resilience, creativity, and heritage of Palestinian communities. Tatreez is more than decorative stitching, it is a living tradition that connects the past with the present, offering a unique opportunity to engage with a craft that is both artistic and deeply meaningful.
This hands-on, two-part workshop offers an immersive journey into Tatreez, combining cultural insight with practical skills. The first session introduces the foundations of embroidery, guiding you step by step through traditional techniques while exploring the symbolism behind classic patterns. In the second session, you will learn how to apply Tatreez to clothing and wearable items, experimenting with designs to create your own personalized pieces.
The workshop is led by Samar Abdrabbou, a Tatreez artist and founder of SAMARKAND, who is coming all the way from occupied Palestine to share her expertise and passion.
Don't be afraid of the word ‘intermediate,’ no experience is required. You'll learn everything you need on the day!
All materials are provided, and no prior experience is required. By the end of the workshop, participants will leave with completed Tatreez pieces, enhanced skills, and a deeper appreciation for this enduring and inspiring art form.
During this intermediate workshop you will learn to stitch Tatreez on clothing.
For participants ready to take their Tatreez further, this session focuses on applying embroidery directly to garments and wearable items.
You’ll learn:
How to adapt traditional Tatreez patterns to clothing.
Techniques for stitching on different fabrics.
Tips for combining motifs and creating unique designs.
About Samar
Samar Abdrabbou is a Palestinian cultural practitioner and human rights advocate, and the founder of Samarkand, a cultural initiative dedicated to preserving and sharing the Palestinian art of Tatreez “traditional embroidery”. She holds a BA in International Law and Human Rights from Bard College and is currently based in Palestine, where she also works as Programme Manager at Made in Palestine (MIP), a non-profit supporting Palestinian communities through humanitarian and economic initiatives. Through Samarkand, Samar works with Palestinian women artisans, research, and storytelling to position Tatreez as a living practice of cultural memory, identity, and resistance.
Snacks will also be provided during this workshop, and remember to bring some items of clothes to stitch on to.
The workshop also comes with a free ticket to a double documentary screening on Sunday evening (29/3) where we will be showing multiple films about Palestinian art. Also a discussion with both directors will follow the films.
See more of Samar's art on Instagram www.instagram.com/samr.knd/
