A 4-page embroidery pattern featuring the chest panel of a festive Palestinian thobe produced during the late 19th and early 20th centuries in Gaza. The motifs include traditional amulet’s, tree’s of life, and the iconic Gaza arch in the chest panel. The chest panel has clear indications that the woman once nursed her child(ren), and is well worn and adorned. The maker of this dress was once known, likely her years as a mother were spent in this thobe. The embroidery on the dress is being reclaimed by the Palestinian community through the use and stitching of this pattern. This pattern intends to keep the legacy of the maker alive by making it accessible for restitching by current and future Palestinian generations.

The dress is in the collection of the British Museum, and can be found here: https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/W_As1970-12-1. Please note the colors are approximations.

Please note this is not a dress pattern that helps with dress reconstruction. It is an embroidery pattern only. All pattern purchases are final sale. After purchase, you will be emailed a link to download the pattern. The link expires after 24 hours. All patterns are printable on standard letter paper size. Wafa suggests printing and organizing them in a binder with plastic sheet protectors. Please contact Wafa Ghnaim, wafa@tatreezandtea.com, with any questions.