How to Make a Sari Multi-Wear Wrap Dress

Sari multi-wear wrap dresses, a single piece of material folded around the body, have been used in the Indian culture for centuries. Such dresses are making quite the fashion statement in the United States as well, displaying a symbol of history, acceptance and free spirit. Making a sari multi-wear dress is a simple project you can make in an afternoon that lasts a lifetime. Mix up the shape of your dress to fit nearly any event or occasion and to express your own personal style.

Instructions

1. Visit your local fabric store. Purchase a 6-yard length of material. You may need more or less material based on your body type. Choose an ethnic design or large floral design to make a splash; it's your sari, so choose a material that speaks to you.

2. Try the Nivi style. Hold the sari horizontally along your lower body and tuck the material into a skirt or pants. Wrap the material around your body and make several pleats from the leftover material at the front of the body. Use a safety pin to keep the pleats together. Untuck the starting end from your waistband and wrap it around your back, bring material to the front and along one shoulder. Use another safety pin to fasten the material to your shirt.

3. Try the Maharashtrian style. Place the center of the sari at the back of the waist and tie the ends in the front. Use the leftover material to wrap around the legs. Swing the decorative ends over your shoulders or waist.

4. Try a tribal style by gathering the ends of the sari to tie over your chest, leaving the body of the material to drape behind your back.

5. Try the Madisaara style. Wrap the sari around your waist and knot tightly. Gather the draping end of the material and tuck some of the material near your right hip. Pleat the end and bring behind your legs to tuck into the waist. Gather the rest of the sari to your right to drape over your left shoulder. Cinch the other side of the draping sari into the left waistband. Note: A 9-yard size sari is needed for this style.

Tips & Warnings

• Pair the sari with a tank top or plain shirt and pants or a long skirt for casual wear. Try the sari as a dress for formal occasions or as a swim suit cover up.

References

• ExoticIndia: How to Wear a Sari
• Utsav: How to Wear a Sari?