How to Tie a Sari

BEFORE YOU BEGIN: If you are wearing your sari for a ‘bit of fun' like a Bollywood Night or Indian Dinner Party then going to the expense of making the blouse or buying a petticoat may be un-necessary. If so, begin by finding a tight fitting top like a t-shirt with very flitted sleeves, a sexy singlet top, crop-top or similar. (The tighter and shorter, the better the look.)

You will also need something to tuck your sari into.....if you do not have the traditional petticoat, then we suggest a silk scarf, a fabric belt or a length of fabric long enough to tie

1. Tie a sash or belt tightly around your waist. (Make it as tight as possible as it will loosen by itself during wear.) Remember, you are relying on the sash to keep your sari on so fasten it well!

2. Begin tying the sari at your waist by grabbing the end and a portion of the sari fabric in the same way you might tie a sarong. Make sure you start with the sari end in your right hand and the main length on your left.

making-the-Pleats

3. Now tuck the sari into the sash all the way around your waist. Make sure that the hem of the sari covers your feet and rests just on the floor.

pleats 4. Begin from the tucked end and start making pleats of around 10-15 cm. Make about 7-10 pleats. (The number of pleats will be determined by the length of your sari and your waist size....it's all fully adjustable so don't worry!)

Wrapping 5. Make sure the pleats fall straight and then tuck them into the front of your waist to cover the point where you tied the fabric. The pleats should point to your left.

Over-the-Shoulder 6. Drape the fabric right around you, going left to right and then bring it neatly under your right arm finishing it over your left shoulder

Back-View-Pallu 7. The pallu which is the ornately finished end of a sari should fall behind your back somewhere between bottom and knee level. You can adjust the length by making more pleats or loosen some if needed.

finished 8. Check the border. It should be straight as it crosses between your bust and shoulder and you can then pleat the shoulder fabric and fix it with a pin or brooch if you feel you need to.

proof creative - web design Adelaide