How to Sew a Sari
- 1). Choose a fabric that is fluid and airy; chiffon, satin or silk works best for saris because these fabrics are lightweight and will form the various shapes of the sari easily. A fabric with a multitude of colors will allow you to wear various accessories and shoes easily, while a solid color fabric is a bit more limiting for accessorizing. Stay away from stiff fabrics because they do not easily conform to the sari wrap styles.
- 2). Purchase six to seven yards of fabric if you are of average height and size. If you are taller or larger, purchase eight to nine yards of material. Make certain the fabric is all one piece, so you won't have to sew a seam in the material. Sari dresses are formed from one continous piece of fabric. Purchase a spool of thread in a complementary color.
- 3). Lay the fabric flat, fold in 1/4 inch around the entire rectangle of fabric, and use an iron on a cool setting to press down the fold. Repeat the folding and ironing so that the raw edge of the fabric is hidden inside the fold. Pin about every 6 inches with straight pins to hold the folds in place.
- 4). Thread the sewing machine with the spool of thread and sew along the edge of the pinned folds, removing each pin just before it reaches the sewing foot. Do not sew over the straight pins. Continue stitching along all four sides of the rectangular piece of material. Clip all loose threads. Iron the entire piece of fabric.
- 5). Tie the sari dress on your body over the traditional undergarments of the sari, which include a tight-fitting blouse and a floor-length petticoat or skirt. There are a variety of ways to tie the sari, some that are casual and others that are more formal. Experiment with your body type and shape to discover the look you are most comfortable with.