Get Ready to Drape
Before even considering the pleats and tucks, preparation is key. Gather your essentials: a saree, a matching petticoat (underskirt), a blouse, and safety
pins. The petticoat should be the same color as the saree or a shade that blends seamlessly. Ensure the petticoat fits snugly at your waist. Ironing the saree is crucial; this prevents wrinkles and makes draping much smoother. Consider wearing heels; they influence the saree's length and final drape. Have enough safety pins handy; they are your best friend! Also, find a well-lit area with a full-length mirror to observe the process at every step.
The Petticoat Prep
The petticoat forms the saree's foundation. Start by wearing it and adjusting the waist to fit comfortably, usually around your navel. Next, tuck the plain end of the saree (the non-decorative part) into the petticoat, starting from your navel and going around your waist. Make sure the bottom edge of the saree skims the floor. As you tuck, ensure the fabric is neatly tucked in, all around. This creates a clean base. The tucked portion should wrap completely around your waist once, leaving a few inches of the saree free to create the pleats. Once the entire first section of the saree is tucked in, you're ready for the next stage: the pleats!
Making the Pleats
This is where the magic begins! Hold the remaining untucked portion of the saree and start making pleats. Aim for pleats of consistent width, typically 4-6 inches each. The number of pleats depends on the saree's length and your preference. Gather the fabric, creating vertical folds. Hold the pleats together neatly and evenly. Once you have all the pleats ready, hold them together and check the length. The pleats should fall to the floor, covering your feet. Now, carefully tuck the pleats into the petticoat at the center of your waist, just in front of your navel. Ensure the pleats are straight and well-aligned.
Draping the Pallu
The pallu is the decorative part of the saree that drapes over your shoulder. Before pleating the pallu, decide its length; the most common style is to let it reach your mid-thigh or below. Spread the pallu and start pleating it, similar to how you pleated the front part. Make neat, even pleats. The width of the pallu pleats might be narrower, depending on your preference. Once pleated, drape the pallu over your left shoulder. Adjust the length, ensuring it hangs gracefully. Use a safety pin to secure the pallu to your blouse at the shoulder, preventing it from slipping. This is the point where you determine if you want to keep the pallu on the shoulder or bring it to the front.
Securing the Saree
Once the pleats are tucked in and the pallu is draped, the next step is to secure everything with safety pins. Pin the pleats at the waist, both at the top and the bottom, to keep them in place. Then, pin the pallu to the blouse at the shoulder. Use additional pins to secure the pleats near your waist, ensuring they don't move around. Be cautious when pinning; avoid pricking your skin. Also, use the pins discreetly to avoid making them visible. If you are unsure, seek assistance from a friend or family member. Once you are satisfied with how the saree looks, double-check all the pins.
Final Touches and Style
With the basic draping done, assess your saree in the mirror. Ensure the pleats fall straight and evenly. Adjust the pallu; ensure it drapes elegantly over your shoulder. The border of the saree should fall at the appropriate level. Experiment with different styles of pallu draping. You can leave the pallu loose, pin it to your shoulder, or bring it forward, depending on the occasion and your preference. Add a belt around the waist to accentuate your figure or style it. Accessorize with matching jewelry and footwear to complete your look. Most importantly, ensure you feel comfortable and confident in your beautifully draped saree!
