Bethlehem is known to have the most sophisticated embroiderers who would be commissioned by city women to make or embellish their thoub. The type of stitch that dominated was tahriri (couching stitch), which requires meticulously laying thread across the surface of a garment and fastening it into place with small stitches of other pieces of thread. The metallic threads and patterns are said to be influenced by the different costumes of the clergy in this Christian town. The velvet sleeves on this blouse is embroidered with the beautiful motif known as sa'at (watches).
