Upcycling Tatreez Embroidery

Weekly schedule

About this program

The art of Palestinian embroidery (tatreez) is strongly influenced by the earth, with traditional patterns mimicking symbols found in the local environment. Tatreez is traditionally used to adorn, repair, update, and alter existing clothing, with many individuals wearing two or three thobes (traditional panel dresses) throughout their adult lifespan. In this three-week course, students will learn the rich history of Palestinian embroidery and how to independently prepare, create, and execute basic tatreez patterns, using the traditional art of tatreez to upcycle and repair existing garments. Alexandra Verma (she/they) is a Palestinian-Indian-Chilean multi-disciplinary artist born and raised in Toronto, Canada. Having worked in the arts since 2019, she has had the privilege of working in various mediums over the years. She began teaching tatreez in 2023 and has since had the privilege of working with numerous local art organizations and charities to bring the art of tatreez to marginalized communities. Growing up, Palestinian culture was ingrained in her everyday life, from the foods she ate to the clothes she wore. A storyteller at heart, Alexandra is determined to celebrate the rich culture and tell the stories of her people beyond the simplistic Western narrative of “the oppressed” through art. The workshop includes the patch fabric, the needles and the threads. Refund requests must be made 7 days before the workshop.