Thawb Al-Masrah Making

A heritage craft of weaving and embroidering the thawb al-masrah, known for ornament and colour drawn from local identity and tradition.

Embroidery

About Thawb Al-Masrah Making

The thawb al-masrah is a festive women’s gown cut from dark cloth and embroidered with gold and silver zari thread in symmetrical motifs across the chest, sleeves and hems.

Worn at weddings and feasts, its embroidery patterns pass from woman to woman, so every gown carries the mark of its maker and her region.

How it is made

Step 1: Cutting the cloth
Step 2: Drawing the embroidery motifs
Step 3: Embroidering in zari thread
Step 4: Sewing the gown together
Step 5: Finishing and pressing

Tools

Embroidery needle
Embroidery hoop
Scissors

Raw materials

Cloth
Zari thread
Beads
Sequins

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