Badan Collective
Thobe Guide for Independent Learners
Thobe Guide for Independent Learners
WHO THIS IS FOR
This Thobe Guide was created for independent learners who would like to learn the hand-embroidery of a Palestinian dress (Thobe) from the comfort of their home. The comprehensive instructions included will walk students through the making of a six-branch dress practiced throughout Ramallah and other regions during the 1960-70's to current times.
If you are the type of stitcher who prefers to go at their own pace, is ready to take their tatreez skills to the next level, and is only missing the access, knowledge, and tools to create your own thobe, then this Thobe Guide is for you! Read on!
MATERIALS INCLUDED
1. A Printed Thobe Paper Pattern that was developed by Badan Collective with professional seamstresses, pattern makers, and size graders. This pre-measured and sized pattern will help you prepare and cut the pieces of your thobe as well as assemble them after tatreez.
*This Paper Pattern is based on the Six-Branch Dress—a pre-1948 style found in the Ramallah region and named after the six vertical bands of embroidery that run from waist to hem.
2. A Comprehensive Instruction Manual. This will walk you through the 1. preparation, cutting, 2. stitching, and 3. assembling of your thobe. It also includes illustrations on where and how to attach the Waste Canvas to the individual thobe pieces.
3. Two Video Instructions to give you a visual representation of the Instruction Manual.
4. Intifada Thobe PDF Designs for Stitching digitized by Badan Collective. The tatreez designs included are for the 1. chest panel, 2. badan/skirt, and 3. the sleeves.
*This digitized Intifada Thobe design (optional) is a term coined by Widad Kawar for dresses that emerged during First Intifada, 1987-1993. We adapted this design for our Thobe Guide to signify that learning the creation of a thobe in the diaspora is our act of resistance. Students may stitch the provided Intifada Thobe design or create a design of their own.
THOBE GUIDE WITH WASTE CANVAS
All Waste Canvas provided will come in a standard 3 yards, 12 count sourced directly from Palestine. This is the best Waste Canvas to use for a Palestinian thobe and is now accessible for purchase along with this Thobe Guide.
*If additional Waste Canvas is required, please email us at info@badancollective.com with your request.
SIZES
Our Printed Thobe Paper Pattern has been measured and sized for your convenience. All that's left for you to do is choose your preferred size from Small, Medium, Large, and X-Large before checking out, and you'll be set to go to start your thobe journey!
Small (2-4): 37-42 inches wide
Medium (4-6): 39-44 inches wide
Large (8-10): 41-46 inches wide
X-Large (12-14): 44-49 inches wide
*All sizes are all based on the standard U.S. size chart.
ADDITIONAL THOBE MATERIALS NEEDED, NOT INCLUDED:
Along with this Thobe Guide and in order to complete your thobe, you will also need:
1. Fabric
2. Threads Balls
3. A Needle, Scissors, and Tweezers for Waste Canvas Removal
5. Optional Saya Fabric
*Our Instruction Manual will give you all the tips you need to purchase the best fabric and thread balls!
BADAN COMMUNITY DISCOUNT
If you have previously taken an Advanced Waste Canvas Workshop (Tatreez on Totes) with Badan Collective or have purchased an Advanced Tatreez Kit from our shop, please email us at info@badancollective.com for a $15 discount code. We love to support our students in growing and elevating their tatreez skills.
MORE INFORMATION
To learn more about the history behind the Intifada Thobe, visit our blog post How Can a Palestinian Thobe Be an Act of Resistance?
To learn more about the process of creating this Thobe Guide, swipe through the photos above detailing our journey to bring this resource to life for our tatreez community.
To have a sense of community while stitching your thobe so you’re not isolated, join our group of stitchers at The Badan Village.
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Shipping and Returns
Shipping and Returns
DOMESTIC
At BADAN, our small team works hard to hand-package and ship out your orders in a timely fashion. Most orders are fulfilled in a day, though our typical fulfillment timeline is 3-5 business days. Please note this is separate from shipping time. Once your order is processed, the shipping time varies based on the shipping method that is chosen. Please keep in mind that during holiday periods, this time can be a little longer.
INTERNATIONAL
BADAN ships internationally. All additional taxes, customs, and import duties are the responsibility of the customer. We do, however, do our best to minimize your costs upon arrival in your country. We have a 14-day return policy, which means you have 14 days after receiving your item to request a return.
RETURNS
We understand that sometimes things just don't work out! If this happens, we will be happy to help you initiate a return. To request one, you may contact us at info@badancollective.com. Your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unworn or unused, with tags, and in its original packaging. If your return is accepted, we’ll send you instructions on how and where to send your package.
Please note we do not cover return shipping fees for non-damaged items, and funds take 2-3 business days to appear on the original payment method.
Care
Care
Hand-embroidered tatreez items or woven fabrics can be hand-washed or machine-washed cold using delicate settings and light laundry detergent. We then recommend air drying. This helps preserve the longevity of your piece and further aid in its preservation for years to come.