How Simple Motifs Can Create a Rich Saree Look

Recently, I designed this saree using screen printing. It is a silk saree with a rich zari border, where the base color of the border is a deep maroon. The pallu carries very grand zari weaving, which already gives the saree a strong and elegant presence.

I spent quite some time deciding how to redesign this saree — whether to go with hand embroidery or screen printing. While even simple embroidery can enhance a saree beautifully, in this case, the heavy weaving on the pallu and the bold border needed to be balanced carefully.

Finally, I chose screen printing, as it allowed the motifs to complement the richness of the saree without overpowering it.

The Beauty of Simple motifs on saree:

The screen printed saree

The saree has an off-white body with a maroon border and pallu. Both the border and the pallu feature rich zari weaving, adding depth and elegance to the overall look.

I chose a floral screen print design that complements the border perfectly. The motifs are printed all over the body of the saree, giving the impression of flowers gently scattered across the soft, beautiful base.

This subtle detailing enhances the saree without taking away the attention from the grand border and pallu.

The Role of Placement of simple motifs in saree design

Placement of motifs is very important in saree design. Sometimes, placing motifs along the border works beautifully, especially when the border is broad.

In this saree, however, there was more space in the body, so I chose to spread the motifs all over instead of restricting them to the edges. This helped maintain balance and made the design feel complete.

For the motifs, I selected maroon and gold to match the richness of the border and pallu. I placed them alternately, creating a gentle rhythm across the saree.

It feels as though the maroon and gold flowers from the garden of zari weaving in the border and pallu have softly scattered across the subtle and delicate body of the saree.

Closer view of the motif:

The motifs

Just to add little more elegance, I added small Kundans in the middle of the floral motif.

This saree is a reminder that good design is not about adding more, but about making the right choices.

With a rich border and grand pallu already defining its character, the saree did not need heavy work. Instead, carefully chosen motifs, balanced colors, and thoughtful placement brought everything together.

The maroon and gold flowers do not dominate the saree — they quietly enhance it, creating a sense of harmony between richness and simplicity.

Design, in the end, is about balance. When every element supports the other, even the simplest details can make a saree look complete, elegant, and truly special. Screen printing always help a lot in designing saree.

Love, Laugh and Live the life to the fullest,

-Ranjana