Do you have a cupboard full of old sarees and have no clue what to do with them? Then you have come to the right place because we believe in sustainability. A peek at a celebrity’s wardrobe will give an idea of how to make stylish outfits out of Banarasi sarees like Priyanka Chopra and Kriti Sanon. Their designers did a terrific job of giving an innovative and contemporary twist to Banarasi sarees at the Nita Mukesh Ambani-hosted event at the Cultural Centre (ICYMI). That is just one example; there are countless ways to revamp your old sarees to make stylish dresses, skirts, lehengas, and more.
How To Make A Dress From An Old Saree?
There are myriad ways to convert an old saree into a pretty dress. All you need to do is cut a vintage designer saree and sew it up for a stunning effect. Put together your creative ideas and the skills of your tailor and repurpose your old silk saree to turn them into something completely new, say a tunic, Anarkali dress, a lehenga, and more. The best part of recycling your sarees is that you can recycle any saree and not your silk sarees only. You can give a makeover to your georgette, net, or cotton sarees with as much flair. If you are doing it alone, keep a few tools handy to repurpose your old saree.
A sewing machine – If you have one, then great, however, if you don’t have one, borrow one from your neighbor or head to your tailor to give him instructions on how to repurpose an old saree or get a needle and thread.
A measuring tape – Tailoring is all about the correct measurements; in this case, a measuring tape can help you make precise cuts on the saree.
A pair of scissors – Go snip-happy with a pair of sharp scissors.
Pins – To tuck in the fabric where and when necessary.
Hem tape – When you do not see the two fabrics together, hem tape can help fuse the two.
DIY Dress Ideas Which Are Made from Old Sarees
Anarkali Dresses Made From Old Sarees
A saree dress is the easiest to create and looks luxe and regal. A perfect hand-me-down banarasi saree from your mother can transform into a glamorous dress. Tie one end of the fabric and bring it around your neck while you take the other end and tie it around your waist. Then drape the cloth over your hips to create a skirt-like effect. This DIY summer dress is fuss-free; all you have to do is sew your Anarkali, one at the bust side and attach a frill at the upper part of the Anarkali. It is the easiest DIY hack to turn an old saree into an Anarkali dress.
Modern Lehenga Choli From Old Silk Saree
Create a perfect lehenga choli look with a gorgeous Banarasi silk saree. Make a tube top as you cut one end of the saree and tie it around the top. Leave the other end long and drape it around the shoulder to create a great design. Ensure you use the saree borders as the lehenga choli borders, or use it on your blouse or the dupatta, so you get to use each inch of the saree.
Skirts From Sarees
Why use one fabric when you have more than one at your disposal? Cut thin fabric strips from the old floral printed silk saree and tie them together. Use pins to attach the strips diagonally till you have three strips of cloth to distribute them equally. For a more circular and fuller skirt, add a few more to give it a more princess-ey appearance.
Modern High Neckline Gown From Old Saree
Nothing looks chicer than a high neck or mock neck long gown. If you have been drooling over high-fashion party gowns, in luxe stores, and grimacing at jaw-dropping prices, don’t worry, you can make one at home with the old available saree. Cut your saree into a rectangular shape to ensure it reaches your wrists from your neck. Then double-fold the fabric and sew the seams at the top edge. Leave a space at the bottom before sewing it, to ensure you can insert your hand. Use a pretty item to tie around the seam and create a bow at the back. This dress gives some room and isn’t skin-tight. Wear it with sleeves or without them, whatever rocks your style boat.
A Dress With A Low-Cut Back
Create a plunging back dress for a cocktail party as you incite your inner designer goddess. This DIY hack is easier than you thought; you have to sew your old saree and wear it over a tank top. This way you will have adequate fabric to cover your stomach and create a plunging back look. Wear your hair up to draw attention to your back.
A Sleeveless Dress From Saree
How about a modern take on an old fabric to give a more Grecian draped skirt with a fitted corset? Cut the designer saree into three pieces to get your skirt, corset, and lining. Then sew the pieces together keeping the right side of the fabric outwards, and then fold them inside-out. Give a big pat on your bag for your creativity.
Party Wear Gown Made From Old Sarees
Party Wear Gown needs more than a piece of nine-yard saree, a yard for the front of your gown, and one behind the gown. To create sleeves, the pattern must gel with the dress; but cut the cloth in half and sew them on one side. It will create a perfect maxi gown.
An Off-Shoulder Dress From Saree
For a DIY off-shoulder dress, get a pretty silk saree and cut front and back panels. Drape the fabric and ensure it rests at the center of your upper bust. Sew an elastic inside the hem to get a crimped or ruffle effect. Make it fancy with something dainty like lace. Sew the trim to the top edge of the panels and around the neckline; add the sleeves.
Cocktail Dress FROM Old Saree
You can get a cocktail dress without any stitching whatsoever! Just drape the saree around with a belt to get the best fashionable party gown you could buy. There are numerous ways to create a scintillating dress out of an old, outdated saree, and a cocktail dress is just one of them. Use a belt or accessory to tighten the waistline and lend a more structured look to the outfit.
FAQs on How to Reuse Old Sarees
How are designer gowns made from old sarees?
Transforming an old saree into a beautiful contemporary designer gown may need creativity, but it is doable. Spruce up your basic sewing knowledge to jump into the gown-making activity. Ensure you have the right tools when you sit down to create something aesthetic and contemporary. Sketching before you start cutting the vintage saree will help you, as you will have a clear idea of how to go about things.
Can we make Sharara dresses from old sarees?
Georgettes are the best fabrics to make sharara pants and kurtas. Lighter fabrics like crepes and georgettes lend a free-flowing vibe and a modern contemporary co-ord look. You can also add zari to jazz up the look. Add a contrasting dupatta to complete your look.
What type of dresses can be made from old sarees?
When it comes to creating magic with vintage wedding silk saree sarees, the sky is the limit. Repurpose your sarees into kurtis, Anarkali dresses, skirts, or stylish evening gowns. You can create your fusion outfits, combining classic with contemporary in a heartbeat.
There are traditional sarees that are not at all movement-friendly, and they sit snug in the corner of your wardrobe for years together. When you transform them into more wearable Anarkali suits or party wear gowns, you not only repurpose your old saree but ensure that they remain relevant with changing times. You also add a contemporary touch to priceless pieces that deserve more than one look. Reinvent and recreate the old and turn them into something modern and chic; as they say, sustainability is the name of the game.
