Discover Tatreez: the art of Palestinian Embroidery – October 17
$85.00 CAD
Taught by Cristina Zoghbi
Discover the art of Palestinian embroidery, known as tatreez.
In this 3-hour workshop, you'll master the basics of cross-stitch and learn to read and interpret traditional Palestinian motifs. Our facilitator, Cristina Zoghbi will also guide you through the meaning behind different thread colours, the symbolism woven into each motif, and the rich history of tatreez itself.
Beginners are welcome! No experience needed.
All materials are provided and each participant will receive a kit with three projects:
- The Bethlehem Cypress Tree (complete in class) Worked together as a group, this piece comes with traced Aida fabric and step-by-step stitch guidance. You'll leave with a finished, frameable piece by the end of the workshop.
- A second embroidery of your choice (start in class, finish at home) Pick from a variety of Cypress tree motifs found across Palestine, along with border patterns and nature-inspired designs. You'll get started during the workshop and complete it at your own pace at home. This is your chance to let your creativity take the lead.
- A water-soluble tatreez patch (take home) Featuring a sprouting Cypress tree seed from the Jaffa region, this patch can be stitched onto any fabric — your favourite scarf, shirt, or denim jacket — to bring tatreez into your everyday wardrobe.
Throughout the workshop, you're welcome to browse reference materials and admire hand- and machine-stitched pieces for inspiration on future projects.
Zaatar tea will be served, and every participant leaves with a gift. As a personal contribution, the instructor will be donating a portion of her teaching proceeds to SOS Children's Villages — an orphanage supporting children in Bethlehem and Rafah.
- Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
- Time: 1-4pm
- Location: Sweet Paprika Studio (4035 rue St-Ambroise, room 292, Montreal)
- Fee: $85 + tax (includes all materials)
- Language: This is a bilingual workshop (English & French)
- This workshop is open to adults, and teens 16+
- Workshop will run with a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 10 students.
Cancellation policy: We require payment in full in order to reserve a space. We have a 5-day cancellation policy. Your payment will not be refunded unless you cancel at least 5 days before the workshop start time. We reserve the right to cancel classes due to low enrollment. Should this occur, all class fees will be refunded.
About the Instructor
Cristina Zoghbi comes from a family of artists, though she's always been more of a hobby artist herself, picking up different crafts over the years. Lately she's found her way to Palestinian embroidery, Tatreez, something her grandmother first showed her. She studied languages and international development, and along the way did art solidarity projects in Colombia and Palestine, often using art as a way to raise funds and support communities. Tatreez feels like a natural continuation of that — a small, steady way to stay connected to her heritage and share it with others interested to learn more about Palestine’s rich cultural heritage.
