What To Do With Old Sarees – 21 Creative Things You Can DO
Instead of trashing those old sarees, repurpose them into flowy dresses and classy suits.
Pratima Ati is a postgraduate in International Business from Staffordshire University. After working in Marketing and Business Development for a few years, she jumped ship to pursue two things she loved – fashion and writing.
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Experience: 3 yearsAsmita De is an associate editor with over three years of experience. She graduated in English Literature from the University of Calcutta. She has collaborated with several digital companies and reputed publishing houses as an editor.
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Experience: 2 yearsPahul Nanra is a content writer with a penchant for all things fashion and beauty. She has two years of experience in writing across beauty and lifestyle genres. She is an English Honors graduate from Delhi University with a diploma in Fashion Designing from YMCA.
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If you are wondering what to do with old sarees, you are in for a treat! We will help you uncover a treasure trove of creative ideas to upcycle those forgotten pieces into stylish and functional items. You will be amazed to see the umpteen options that you have when it comes to being creative with your old and unused saree. And the best is that you can save the cost of fabric when you make something of your choice out of the old saree. Plus, you get to keep the saree with you for a more extended period of time in the form of something different. This way, you can refrain from letting go of the special memories or meanings associated with the piece of cloth. So if you want to treasure the old sarees, then you must really try out the projects to recycle or upcycle them in the ways we have given below. Now don’t hold yourself up any longer. Get started with your mission. Come on!
- No Stitch: Wear your saree like a skirt by adding pleats to your innerwear skirt or leggings for a circular lehenga or skirt look. Pair this with a tunic top or crop top.
- Accessorize: Add belts and chains to saree dresses to completely change the look.
- Veil: Simple, flowy sarees can be used as veils for wedding outfits. You may also use a part of your mother’s wedding saree as a veil.
- Bedsheets: Cotton sarees make great bedsheets and making matching pillow covers for them is easy.
- Jumpsuit: Block color sarees in nylon and cotton materials can make great jumpsuits.
In This Article
What To Do With Old Sarees – 21 Creative Things You Can DO
1. You Can Just Change An Old Saree Into A New Saree
If there is that one special saree with frayed pallu or slightly torn edges, you do not have to get rid of it. More often than not, the most damage for the old pattu and silk sarees is in the border. So, either at home or with the help of a tailor, rip off the pattu border and stitch it up with a new Kundan work, sequin, or zari based patch work border. Add some tassels or pom poms to the pallu. To repurpose old sarees is no rocket science after all. It is simple and can be a stylish update within the world of Indian traditional dresses. You may give your saree a fresh look while also extending its lifespan by implementing these simple modifications.
2. Get A Salwar Suit Made From Old Sarees
Old sarees make for some beautiful looking salwar suits. Even if the borders are damaged, you could use the body of the saree for the top, use contrast patchwork borders for the hemline, neckline and sleeves. For the bottom and dupatta, you could either use another old saree or mix and match or craft it with what you have.
3. Or Maybe A Kurta Made From An Old Saree
If there is not enough for an entire dress, just get a kurta stitched and match it up with either a contemporary looking palazzo, simple leggings or dhoti pants depending on the kurta model. You have got yourself a brand new dress from an old saree.
Trivia4. Lehenga Or A Half Saree From Old Sarees Are A Great Option Too
Lehenga or half saree from an old silk saree is a great option. If you do not have enough for the entire outfit, use it in bits and pieces. Once you cut out enough for the lehenga, use the rest for the blouse. If it’s a half saree, you could keep it simple, for a lehenga beef it up with borders, sequin, zardozi, embroidery or lace of your choice. Follow the pattern for the blouse and dupatta as well. Viola! A lehenga out of an old saree, which you can also sell or donate.
5. A Summer Maxi Dress With Old Cotton Or Pattu Sarees
Because we can never get enough of maxi dresses right? Just pick up those old cotton sarees and give it a refreshing makeover this summer. Or, do the same with a pattu saree for an opulent one piece.
6. Turn Your Old Sarees Into Skirts
It’s such an easy yet interesting idea. Just a couple of these done and pair it up with a simple black, white or any plain T-shirt, tank top or even a shirt for a boho-chic look.
7. Turn Your Mother’s Chiffon Sarees Into A Kaftan Style Kurta
We can never get enough of kaftan, can we? They are oh-so-comfortable, elegant and airy. You can easily convert an old chiffon or georgette sarees for this style.
8. Stitch Great Looking Dupattas With Old Sarees
A gorgeous and grand pattu or zari dupatta with a simple raw silk or jute Anarkali suit looks splendid. Also, why invest in an expensive dupatta, when you can make an expensive-looking one from an old patch saree with almost no cost at all. I’ve tried this look and loved my dupatta. Plus, you can mix and match these for more than just dress. Talk about value for money.
Trivia9. Anarkali Dresses With Old Sarees Are Amazing Options Too
Now, instead of the dupatta, swap the fabric for an Anarkali dress. If you do not have enough for the bottom (which mostly will be the case), get a plain legging and a flowing dupatta. Keep everything else simple and let your top do the talking. Doll up in huge vintage chand-balis, big bindi, and a chignoni A famous classic hairdo involving tying a low-lying knot at the back of the head or the nape of the neck, usually paired with traditional outfits. updo to stay true to the vintage theme.
10. And, The Most Obvious Salwar Kameez
Yes, a simple salwar kameez is a most obvious choice, and one of the easiest old saree hacks to bring in old charm to your wardrobe. And, it works like magic on any old pattu or silk sarees.
11. Matching Dress With Your Kid
A legacy we all relate to. I remember my mother doing this for me, and I’m sure most of us have similar memories. But, get similar dresses stitched and get twinning with your daughter or nieces. Special ways of upcycling old sarees. If you have any small bits of saree left over, you can also make matching outfits or costumes for their stuffed toys or dolls.
12. Turn Your Old Saree Into A One Piece Gown
Yes, one piece ball gowns are so in right now. But why don’t we take a step backward and reuse an old saree to get a one piece gown stitched? If it’s not enough, by all means, use extra fabric that goes with the theme.
13. Get A Kurta With Palazzo Pants
Silk or cotton saree or any material that won’t tear up easily can be transformed into this contemporary palazzo pants designs. But, just be sure to use a suitable lining material for the Palazzo.
14. Capes, Over Coats and Jackets – Whatever You Prefer
Capes, over coats or half jackets, are all fun ways to blend your traditional old sarees even with your contemporary outfits like jeans, leggings or even shorts. Indie-fusion with old sarees.
15. An Old Saree Into A Shirt? Why Not?
If you are a sucker for shirts and dresses/kurtas are not your thing, you can still use an old saree to make a shirt or a short kurta to wear it above your jeans/shorts. I mean, why not? When it looks this good! A style I cannot wait to try.
16. Sharara From A Saree
Transforming an old saree into a stylish sharara is an excellent way to repurpose it without wasting fabric. Sarees with intricate and heavy work are ideal for this makeover. Begin by separating the saree into two sections, using the length of the fabric for the sharara pants and the pallu for the top. The heavy work on the saree will look elegant on the sharara flare. Use the pallu to create a matching top, perhaps a chic kurta, blouse, or even a stylish crop top, depending on personal preference. And here you are with a stunning and unique outfit perfect for the next special occasion.
Old Sarees For Home Decor
If you are still wondering what else you can do with old sarees, there’s more traditional craft coming up. Home decor is your answer. And here’s how you can do it!
- Doormat
Looking for inexpensive ways to add grandeur to your household? All you need are a few old sarees. Door mats, place mats or even table runners are all fun ways of reusing old sarees and making something entirely new.
- Curtains Or Wall Decor
Curtains, wall decor, wall hangings or even for decking up your double cot beds. You just need an eye for detail and wait for it to transform the place with rich cultural heritage.
- Pillow Or Cushion Covers
Or get cozy pillow covers, add tassels or pom-poms to take it to the next level. You can also try converting these old sarees into quilts, blankets, or rugs by quilting them. You can also try making them upholstery.
- Tote Bags Or Wallets
Tote-bags, large wallets or handbags with pattu border and accessories for handles make eclectic statement pieces and all of them by recycling your old sarees.
Recycling your old sarees into pretty home decor items adds a personal glow-up to your living space while also allowing you to preserve cherished memories attached to the fabric. Plus, it is a cost-effective and sustainable way to give your home a makeover.
On the topic of sustainability, scroll down to read what are the sustainable benefits of upcycling old sarees.
Sustainability Benefits Of Upcycling Sarees
When you upcycle sarees, you are getting creative. You are also making a positive impact on the environment. This fun process allows you to transform beautiful fabrics into something new while also addressing the pressing issue of textile waste. Here are the sustainability benefits of repurposing sarees.
- Revitalizes Fabrics: Breathes new life into old sarees by giving them a fresh purpose.
- Reduces Textile Waste: Minimizes the amount of fabric that ends up in landfills.
- Conserves Resources: Saves natural resources that would otherwise be used to produce new textiles.
- Promotes Eco-Friendly Practices: Encourages sustainable habits in fashion and daily life.
- Combats Fast Fashion: Stands against the negative environmental impacts of the fast fashion industry.
- Supports A Healthier Planet: Contributes to a more sustainable future for upcoming generations through mindful fashion choices.
Infographic: 6 New Outfits You Can Create From Old Sarees
If you have a bunch of old sarees and don’t know what to do with them, you have come to the right place. We have rounded up six new outfits you can make from your old sarees from the comfort of your home. Check out the infographic below and get inspired! Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
Nobody likes to discard a saree, no matter how old it is. While some sarees hold good-old memories for some people and represent the old-school motifs that one might want to preserve, others carry a family’s legacy that ought to be passed down the generations. So, you need to know what to do with old sarees and how to keep their shine and fabric intact forever. Follow the tips and tricks mentioned in this article, and don’t let the significance that your old saree holds fade away just because it has aged. Let it shine forever and speak of endless good stories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can old sarees be restored?
Yes, you can restore old sarees with the help of professional darners. They can weave and fix the damaged parts without affecting the original essence of the saree.
How do you preserve a Banarasi saree?
Store the Banarasi saree away from sunlight, dust, and moisture. Fold the saree so the front weaved part is not exposed, and wrap a newspaper around it. Pack it in muslin or cotton clothing and take it out once in 4 to 6 months.
How do I modernize an old saree?
You can pair it with a modern and fashionable blouse and accessories and give it a new look.
How can old sarees be used to make unique and colorful quilts or blankets?
You can cut various pieces of the sarees and then sew them together, and finally sew them together with an old quilt or blanket to repurpose it or make a new one.
What are some creative ways to use old sarees to create accessories such as scarves or bags?
You can repurpose your old sarees as scarves by cutting them into your desired size or stitching a few different pieces to make a very colorful scarf. You can also sew the scarf to your old cloth bag handle to give it a fresh addition, or sew saree patches over your old bags to create a new look or design altogether.
How can old sarees be used to create unique and colorful wall hangings or tapestries?
You can cut a piece of your saree and get it framed, or just sew the hems and use it as a wall hanging.
What are some fun craft projects that can be done using old sarees, such as making paper or a gift wrap?
You can take an old container or a cardboard box and cover it with a piece of your saree. The box can also be embellished with various sequins or beads to add a glamorous touch. Or you can simply wrap your gift in saree fabric if that is your aesthetic.
What are some ways to upcycle old sarees into beautiful and unique jewelry?
Draw your desired shape using thin cardboard and cut fabric scraps out of the sarees. Stick the fabric with fabric glue, and using a pushpin or a thick needle, make a hole for the hook. You can add embellishments or sequins to make it look fancier or leave it at that.
Key Takeaways
- Try making a salwar suit from your favorite saree.
- A long saree material can be a perfect curtain.
- You can make cushion covers using old saree fabric.
- Create a beautiful Lehenga Choli from your saree.
Learn how to reuse old sarees at home and give them a new life with creative ideas featured in the video below. Check it out!
Read full bio of Pratima Ati
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