10 Ingenious Old Saree Dress Design Ideas for a DIY Makeover

Has that Banarasi or Kanjeevaram at the back of your closet not seen the light of day in a while? Then why not create a brand-new look out of a well-loved and old saree? Perhaps you have grown tired of your traditional silk saree but love it too much to give it away. Don’t fret, you can hang on to those beautiful 9 yards and give it a brand-new lease on life. 

Dresses made from old sarees have a uniqueness about them that lends a special charm. Revamp and upcycle your cherished saree collection into chic and elegant outfits with our clever old saree dress design options!

All you need are a few basic tools to convert your old saree into a DIY makeover: 

• A measuring tape, 
• A sewing machine (or needle and thread for absolute beginners), 
• Elastic, 
• Fabric chalk and 
• A pair of scissors

So, get your materials ready and read on for some easy DIY old saree dress design ideas for a spectacular and memorable makeover.

Must-Try DIY Projects: 10 Old Saree Dress Design Hacks

When deciding on the old saree dress design, keep in mind which occasion you need the dress for. Is it a traditional wedding in Jaipur or an informal soiree in Goa? Also, reflect on other factors, such as the material and type of saree you are using, since it will affect the drape and fall of your final product. Here is our list of nifty DIYs: 

1. Convert your old saree into a floor-length silk gown

For this Old Saree Dress Design DIY, you will need a well-fitted T-shirt and a long skirt as a template. 

• Take your old saree and fold it in half. 
• Trace out the T-shirt and the skirt onto the saree. 
• Leave a seam allowance and cut out the top and skirt. 
• Sew the front and back pieces together either with a sewing machine or by hand.
• Attach the top with the skirt. 

And voila! Just like that, you have the perfect designer gown made from old sarees that will no doubt be a showstopper at any event!

2. Flowy georgette anarkali from an old saree

When using georgette sarees, remember to get a lining that will prevent it from being see-through. Note, however, that the sleeves can be left without lining. 

Here you can use the same technique for cutting and sewing as before and pair it with a matching churidar. Georgette or chiffon dresses made from old sarees look enticingly delicate and feminine.

3. Sleeveless modern lehenga from an old saree

Did you know that you can stitch a lehenga in no time?

Just take an old silk saree and use the same method as with the gown. This time the top and bottom pieces can be left separate. Just finish the hems and attach the old saree border to the skirt. In no time, you will have a bold and sumptuous outfit ready to turn heads at the next wedding.

4. Recycle your old saree into a halter neck kurti

Kurti dresses made from old sarees can turn into luxurious and unique pieces of ethnic wear. For this one, use a halter neck top as a pattern and simply attach a brocade or lace collar for a sophisticated fancy saree look.

5. Off-shoulder frock from an old saree

To convert your old saree into an Off-shoulder frock, use the same technique as the gown. Just shorten the length of the umbrella skirt and extend the neckline on one side to make an off-shoulder cut.

As always, sew both pieces together and finish the hems. Use a old silk saree for a more polished ethnic look, or choose a crepe or georgette fabric for a more western-style getup.

6. Short dress with spaghetti straps from an old saree

This modern old saree dress design is a really simple and rewarding project. Use a well-fitting spaghetti top to trace out the top half of the dress. Adjust the length of the skirt as desired and attach it to the upper half. 

Pro tip: Use the saree’s borders and pallu creatively to enhance your dress’s beauty. You will find that a DIY attitude can make an outfit even more memorable than just buying something new.

7. Convert old saree into a kurta with front slit

A simple saree, perhaps a georgette or chiffon one, works best for this garment. Just leave a slit in the bottom piece at the front of the kurta. Pair with some tight denim or matching leggings. 

This look is for those who enjoy standing apart from the crowd but still want that traditional touch. 

8. Umbrella skirt with border from an old saree

Here, all you need to do is fold your old saree in half and cut it into a 50-inch square. Fold again, this time to make a triangle. Take your measuring tape and from the corner, keep marking out a curve of 50 inches to make the hem. Cut and sew the front and back pieces together, cut out the waist and attach an elastic band. Lastly, stitch the border to the hem. And there you have it, an extremely easy old saree dress design hack!

9. Statement dupatta from an old saree

Use a silk or heavily embroidered saree for this project. The heavy borders create a dazzling dupatta that can be worn elegantly with a plain kurta and churidar. This one is a must-try project; it’s really not so difficult and can be finished instantly! 

10. Draped cocktail dress from an old saree

And lastly, for those who have no patience for sewing, this one requires no stitching whatsoever! Simply drape the saree using pins and a belt to create a fashionable party gown. This outfit can be styled in multiple ways to transform any old, outdated saree into a glamorous evening gown.

Adjusting an old saree dress design pattern to your individual needs

Remember to have fun with these DIY projects and make them your own. Our list provides you with a basis on which your creativity can shine. You can, for example, add your own embellishments to these old saree dress design ideas and, if needed, ask a trusted tailor to do the finishing touches. When done with patience and enthusiasm, you will find that these one-of-a-kind pieces will keep getting you compliments and admirers at every turn.

FAQs on Old Saree Dress Design