Stitches for witches
“Traditional” Palestinian cross stitching for crafters and witches alike.
my Story
Tatreez Witch began with stitching. Tatreez is traditional Palestinian cross stitching, and it has been a powerful force in my life. Tatreez has helped me reconnect with my Palestinian heritage, and find an artistic way to resist colonization and cultural erasure. Stitching led to Witching because of the powerful symbolism in Tatreez. Every motif I stitched felt like a powerful object that I could use to direct my intention. I began to create more of my own designs and develop my Tatreez Witchcraft.
My little Tarot set up on my watermelon table. Is my candle sitting on a mason jar lid? Absolutely, and I stand by that decision.
What is WItchcraft???
There are an infinite number of ways to answer this question, because there are an infinity of ways to practice witchcraft. Witchcraft is personal and everyone practices it differently. My form of witchcraft is secular, and I use this craft as a way to meditate and analyze my thoughts and perspectives. Because I am a visual person, I often use tools like Tarot and art to meditate on ideas that I want to release or grow. I create my designs with intention, choosing or creating each motif to create something powerful and beautiful.
Do i have to be Palestinian or a witch to stitch these designs?
Absolutely not. I am a firm believer in inclusivity, you can be from any religion or culture to use these patterns. The only thing I ask, is that you show up with respect and solidarity for the Palestinian cause. So much of my culture has been appropriated in an effort to erase. Tatreez has been a way for Palestinians to preserve cultural knowledge, and persevere through colonization.
Basically as long you understand that colonization = bad, and believe all religions and spiritual belief systems are valid, and while we’re at it if you aren’t: racist, zionist, homophobic, fascist, transphobic, sexist, a believer that the witch trials were a good idea, someone who believes the United States has never done anything wrong, someone who puts raisins in salad (it’s just as important as the rest I promise), firmly against cross stitching for whatever reason.
As long as you’re none of those things, you are so very welcome here.