Smithsonian: ntroduction to Palestinian Thobe Embroidery: Panel Design

For generations, Palestinian women have gathered with their daughters to work collectively on embroidery projects, bonding with one another over a cup of tea. Guided by Wafa Ghnaim, who began her training in embroidery with her mother at age 2, learn the history of the traditional Palestinian thobe, as well as the basic cross-stitch on waste canvas.

The skirt of a Palestinian thobe typically features heavily embroidered panels that give the skirt a mural-like quality. The panels can be heavily ornamented for special occasions.

Students of all skill levels are introduced to panel patterns and learn how to stitch them onto denim using waste canvas. Waste canvas allows artisans to adorn any piece of cloth or clothing and is an important skill to master in order to create traditional Palestinian embroidered garments.

This class combines detailed instruction on how to complete a small panel segment using the Cleopatra design on waste canvas with discussion of the pattern’s meaning and history.