Transforming a Plain Saree with Simple Hand Embroidery

This is the plain saree I transformed using hand embroidery.

The saree I designed

It is always enjoyable to embroider on plain fabric. The process becomes much easier because there are no printed patterns or multiple colors to interfere with the design. Choosing thread colors is also simpler when the fabric has a single solid shade.

For this project, I selected a plain cotton saree with a broad zari border. The deep dark blue color of the saree provides a beautiful background for hand embroidery and allows the design to stand out clearly.

Since I am a great admirer of peacock motifs, I decided to use a peacock design for the embroidery. The graceful curves and elegant shape of the peacock make it a perfect motif for saree borders.

Planning the Design

The saree is made of pure cotton. Since cotton has a soft and natural texture, I did not want to use very glossy or heavy designs. Instead, I preferred a simple and sober color combination that would complement the fabric.

While looking through my stash, I found a lace that matched the saree beautifully. I decided to attach this lace along the border. Once the lace was fixed, choosing the embroidery colors became much easier.

The matching lace attached

I simply followed the colors already present in the lace and selected dark blue, light blue, and a touch of golden thread for the embroidery.

Here is the saree after the embroidery was completed.

The saree with hand embroidery

Peacock Embroidery Design and Placement

Along the border, you can see the peacock motifs embroidered in a repeating pattern. To complement the border design, I added small paisley motifs on the body of the saree. These were embroidered using blue and green threads so that they harmonize with the peacock designs.

Here is a closer view of the embroidery.

The closer view of the saree

For this work, I used chain stitch and stem stitch, which are simple yet elegant embroidery stitches. To enhance the peacock motifs, I decorated them by attaching small kundans, adding a subtle sparkle to the design.

I am planning to design a kuchu and blouse for this saree. Let me know what will suit this?

Love, Laugh and Live the life to the fullest,

-Ranjana