S4E11. Sit Up and Stitch the Palestinian Dream with Nisreen

Send us Fan MailNISREEN IS A PALESTINIAN TATREEZ ARTIST BASED IN THE UK (@nisreensthreads). Nisreen’s tatreez journey began during lockdown when she stumbled upon the tradition and decided to give it a try. Starting with simple motifs, she taught herself using YouTube and Instagram tutorials—gradually falling in love with the rhythm and meaning behind every stitch.Her first major project was a denim jacket embroidered with the names of Palestinian villages, which she wore to protests. The response was overwhelming. It wasn’t just a garment—it was a walking statement of memory and resistance. That project sparked a deeper connection to her heritage, eventually inspiring her to begin stitching her own thobe. Though she’s never set foot in Palestine, each motif she selects is intentionally tied to a region, flower, or village—turning research into reclamation.For Nisreen, tatreez is a source of grounding, pride, and power. It’s her way of telling the world: we are here, we have always been here—and we are not going anywhere.BUT make sure you sit properly! Posture is critical for your tatreez practice.You’ll hear about:>> 0:43: Nisreen meets Amanne in Paris>> 4:54: Nisreen’s connection to Palestine>> 11:18: Her Palestinian identity growing up in the UK>> 14:48: Tatreez is Palestinian and Nisreen’s journey>> 22:40: Going from zero to tatreez on a denim jacket>> 26:14: Nisreen’s next goal, a thobe!>> 33:53: Her tatreez design style>> 37:15: Connecting with family and others through tatreez>> 47:13: What’s next for NisreenRate, Review, & Follow on Your Favorite Podcast Platform“I love Palestinian embroidery and Tatreez Talk.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us elevate the vibrant narratives of Palestinian embroiderers and support more tatreez-ers — just like you — in learning more about tatreez and connecting with each other. You can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcast, and others -- just scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. We’re adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!Links Mentioned>> Nisreen’s Threads on EtsyBoycott Resolute RGL. Click here for more information. Boycott ZARA and all Inditex brands—Bershka, Massimo Dutti, Pull & Bear, Stradivarius, Oysho, ZARA Home. Click here for more information.Follow us @tatreeztalkFollow Amanne @minamanne & Lina @linasthobe