How to convert sarees into dresses and other contemporary garments

Converting a saree into a dress or another contemporary garment is a great way to give new life to an old or unworn saree. Not only is it a sustainable way of fashion but also allows you to have a unique and personalised garment.

 

 Here are a few steps you can follow to transform a saree into a dress:

• Choose a saree: Start by selecting a saree that you like and that is in good condition. Consider the fabric, colour, and design of the saree when making your choice. A saree that is lightweight, flowy and has a good drape will be ideal for conversion into a dress. It’s also important to consider the size of the saree, you might want to opt for a larger saree to get a bigger dress.

• Measure and cut: Measure the length of the saree from the top of the pallu (the decorative end of the saree) to the bottom edge. Cut the saree to this length, leaving a few inches extra for hemming. You can also choose to cut the saree to a shorter length to make a knee-length dress or even a top.

• Create the bodice: Fold the saree in half widthwise and mark the centre of the saree. Cut the saree from the top edge down to the centre mark, creating two panels. These panels will become the bodice of the dress. The bodice can be cut in different styles to give different looks such as a V-neck, round-neck, or a sweetheart neckline.

• Add straps: Cut two strips of fabric from the saree to use as straps. These can be sewn onto the bodice to create a sleeveless dress or to make a dress with sleeves. You can also use the border of the saree as straps. If you are looking to make a dress with sleeves, you can cut the sleeves from the saree border or even use the Pallu.

• Create the skirt: Fold the saree in half lengthwise and mark the centre. Cut the saree from the centre mark to the bottom edge, creating two panels. These panels will become the skirt of the dress. The skirt can be cut in different lengths to give different looks such as a pencil skirt, an A-line skirt, or even a full skirt.

• Assemble the dress: Sew the bodice and skirt panels together at the waistline, creating the dress. Hem the bottom edge of the dress to finish it off. You can also add a lining to the dress to make it more comfortable to wear.

• Accessorise: Add any additional embellishments or accessories to the dress as desired. You can add a belt to cinch the waist or even add a scarf to the dress to give it a different look.

There are different ways to convert a saree into a dress. The above steps are just one way, and you can experiment and find what works best for you. For example, instead of cutting the saree in half widthwise , you can choose to drape the saree over a dress form and then mark and cut the saree according to the desired shape.

Another way to convert a saree into a dress is to use the saree to make a tunic or a top. For this, you can cut the saree to a shorter length and then add a band around the waist to give it a fitted look. You can also use the Pallu of the saree to make a top by cutting it to a shorter length and adding a band around the waist.

Sarees can also be converted into skirts, pants, and even jackets. To convert a saree into a skirt, you can simply cut the saree to the desired length and then add a band around the waist. You can also add a lining to the skirt for added comfort and to make it more opaque. To convert a saree into pants, you can cut the saree to the desired length, add a band around the waist, and then add legs to the pants.

To convert a saree into a jacket, you can cut the saree to the desired length, add a band around the waist, and then add sleeves to the jacket. You can also add a collar or a hood to the jacket to give it a different look.

It's important to keep in mind that when converting a saree into a dress, top, skirt or pants, it's essential to consider the draping and fall of the saree, as well as the pattern, design, and the placement of any embellishments on the saree. It's also essential to consider how the saree will lay on the body and how it will move when worn.

Conclusion

In conclusion, converting a saree into a dress or another contemporary garment is a great way to give new life to an old or unworn saree. It's a sustainable way of fashion and also allows you to have a unique and personalised garment. With a little creativity and a bit of sewing, you can create a variety of contemporary garments from an old saree, including dresses, skirts, pants, tops, and even jackets.