Introduction to Saree Draping

Saree is an unstitched rectangular piece of cloth which measures in length 6 to 9 yards. In North India and most of the parts of country women wear 6 yards saree. While in Maharashtra and Tamilnadu women wear 9 yards saree. And in Kerala women wear two-piece saree. In every state of India people have difference in language, food and in cloth wearing style. While we talk about saree then its fabric, weaving style, embroidery and draping style everything change with the region of country.

First we will talk about with identifying the different parts to saree…

Saree is wrapped around the body while making pleats to be tucked in the middle of waist with one end lying on any of the shoulder. The part of the saree that lie on the shoulder is called “pallav”, “pallu” or “aanchal”. This is generally heavily decorated part of saree.

While wearing saree, upper and lower side of saree is generally decorated similar to palla of saree… these are called saree border.

Apart from this when you drape a saree some parts of saree are identified like the image below:

So these are the sections need to be identified while draping saree. Now what all you need to drape the saree…

While draping saree you need following:

• A Saree
• Well Fitted Blouse
• Petticot
• Safety Pins
• Saree Pins(Decorated/Simple)
• Cloth Clips
• A  Pair of Sandals

Saree has already been explaind. So we will know about blouse now. Blouse is usually a short top worn with saree to cover the upper body. Nowadays saree are available with matching blouse pieces. Otherwise blouse can be purchased or stitched according to colour of saree. Blouses are available in different fabrics can design. Blouse’s design increase the grace and sensuality of saree.

Petticot is a long skirt worn around the waist under the saree to cover the  bottom part. Petticot helps in tucking saree conveniently and neatly. Petticoat is usually made of cotton fabric. While wearing net saree it can be of satin or shimmer fabric to increase the grace of saree. Color of the petticoat should be according to saree's base colour.

Safety Pins helps in kepping the pleats and border style intact. It saves you from the falling of pleats. If saree  is properly pinned up then it will stay where it should be.

While selecting pins then make sure its tip is not rough otherwise it will create damage to the fabric of saree. Big and small pins both will be needed in draping saree. Perfer the pins made of stainless steel.

Saree pins are also known as brooches. These are used to secure waist pleats. It is also available in different colors and designs. These are made of plastic and metals.

Cloth Clips are used in draping while making pleats of pallu and waist pleats. For beginners these are really helpful. With the use of clips you are saved from pinning and unpinning of pleats. It helps in case of slipping of pleats from hand while turning the pleated part.

Last not the least is footwear. Although it has a very small role in saree draping but very important one. Always wear you footwear while starting to drape the saree. Because only then saree’s length can be kept properly.

So, keep these things in mind while draping the saree.

Happy Saree Draping!!!