Required Materials
How to Start a Tatreez Project
Before diving into your first project, it's essential to gather the necessary materials. This post will explore the key items you'll need to start your Tatreez embroidery adventure.
1. Cross-Stitch Fabric
Cross-stitch fabric provides a grid-like structure of evenly spaced points. These points serve as a guide for creating precise and uniform cross stitches. The choice of cross-stitch fabric will depend on your project type.
First decide whether you'd like to embroider a clothing item, a decor item, or a sampler.
Waste Canvas
For embroidering clothing items, such as shirts, thobes, bags, etc., it is recommended to use waste canvas on top of the item. The size count used for cross stitch fabric refers to the number of stitches per inch, with a higher count providing a finer stitch. A size 14 waste canvas will create 14 cross stitches per inch. See Creating a Design for an explanation.
Waste canvas is sewn to the project material before starting. Waste canvas offers the convenience of easily removing it once your embroidery is complete, leaving behind only your beautiful stitches.
Aida Cloth
For decor items and Samplers 11-18 count Aida cloth is commonly used. Size 11 Aida cloth allows for 11 cross stitches per inch and is often recommended for beginners because its larger visible points make it easier to embroider and follow the pattern accurately. See Creating a Design for an explanation.
Unlike waste canvas, Aida cloth in these projects is not attached to another item and it is not removed when the design is complete. Aida cloth provides a stable and easy-to-stitch surface with visible grid lines that assist in achieving precise and even stitches. Once completed, these embroidered decor items and samplers can be framed or displayed as standalone pieces, showcasing your creativity and skill in traditional Palestinian embroidery.
An 11-count fabric indicates 11 stitches per inch.
2. Thread
When it comes to Tatreez embroidery, the choice of thread is crucial in bringing your designs to life. There are various types of threads that can be used, each offering unique qualities and effects. The following are the most common two.
DMC Pearl Cotton
Pearl cotton thread is the most popular choice for tatreez embroidery. It is highly recommended for its smoothness and durability. It provides a medium-weight thread that is perfect for achieving intricate designs. Pearl cotton thread is made of mercerized cotton, which gives it a subtle sheen.
Size 8 pearl cotton is the most popular. Size 8 refers to the thickness or weight of the thread. It is slightly thicker than embroidery floss but thinner than size 5 or size 3 pearl cotton. The larger the thread size number, the finer the thread becomes. Size 8 is a versatile option that works well for both intricate details and filling larger areas.
DMC Embroidery Floss
Embroidery floss is also commonly used for Tatreez with a wide availability in craft stores. Size 25 is the most commonly used. It is made of 6 loosely twisted strands that can be separated and recombined to achieve different thicknesses and effects. It can be kept as is or separated into strands of three or two before stitching to achieve the desired thickness. When working with embroidery floss, it is essential to ensure that the strands are properly separated and not twisted or tangled. Although time-consuming, this will ensure cleaner and smoother embroidery.
3. Needle
When it comes to choosing the right needle, there are several reputable brands available, including DMC, Tulip, Bohin, and John James. These brands offer high-quality needles that are durable and designed specifically for embroidery projects.
Embroidery Needles
Embroidery needles are typically longer than sewing needles, with a sharp point and a larger eye. The length of the needle allows for easy maneuvering through fabric layers and ensures that you have enough space to hold and control the needle while stitching. The sharp point facilitates smooth and precise insertion into the fabric, making it easier to create even and neat stitches when you are working with two laters (Waste Canvas + Fabric).
The size of the embroidery needle can vary, with smaller numbers indicating larger needle sizes. For heavier-weight fabrics like denim or canvas, a larger needle is recommended (Size 1-3). On the other hand, for lighter-weight fabrics like linen or cotton, a smaller needle, such as size 5 is suitable.
Embroidery needle packages typically have all sizes 1-5 allowing you to choose the right size needle that fits your choice of thread and passes through the fabric smoothly without causing any damage.
Tapestry Needles
As an alternative to embroidery needles, tapestry needles can be used. They have a blunt tip which makes them ideal for working on fabrics like Aida cloth, linen, or evenweave fabric. They prove especially effective for sampler projects or decor items where the needle primarily interacts with the Aida cloth as the sole fabric, therefore not needing a sharp point.
The larger the number of tapestry needles the smaller the needle size, just like embroidery needles. This should be considered when determining which needle to use for which count of Aida cloth/waste canvas, as a higher count indicates smaller point openings. A higher number needle (which is thinner) is recommended for higher count fabric.
For example, a size 22 needle is recommended for 11-count Aida cloth, whereas size 24 is recommended for 14-count Aida cloth
4. Essential tools
Alongside the primary materials, a few essential tools will facilitate your Tatreez project:
Embroidery Scissors: These specialized scissors are crucial for cutting threads neatly. You can opt for either clippers or embroidery scissors, whichever you find more comfortable to work with.
Tweezers: Tweezers come in handy when pulling out stitches or removing waste canvas. They provide precise control and help in achieving clean, polished embroidery.
Pins: Use pins to secure your fabric, waste canvas, or Aida cloth in place during the stitching process. They help maintain tension and prevent shifting.
Sewing Thread: It is useful for securing the waste canvas to your project material. It ensures stability during the embroidery process.
Embroidery Hoops: Although Tatreez does not traditionally use external tension to stretch the fabric for stitching, beginners can use hoops to strengthen their skills.
By gathering these essential materials, you're well-prepared to embark on your first Tatreez embroidery project. You are now ready to start creating a design!
