As someone who loves sarees, I’ve realized there’s one thing that ensures my sarees always look flawless—the saree fall. It might seem like a tiny, insignificant piece of fabric, but trust me, it can make or break your drape. Over time, I’ve learned just how essential this little strip of fabric is for both the appearance and durability of my sarees. If you’re new to wearing sarees or unsure about the purpose of a saree fall, let me walk you through everything I’ve learned.
What Exactly Is a Saree Fall?
Think of the saree fall as the foundation of your saree drape. It’s a strip of sturdy fabric, about 5 inches wide and 3 meters long, that’s sewn onto the hemline of the saree. This fabric runs along the inside of the saree, covering the pleats and lower drape section, but never the pallu. The saree fall isn’t visible when worn, but it does all the hard work to make the saree look structured and graceful.
Why I Always Attach a Saree Fall Fabric
When I first started wearing sarees, I didn’t understand the fuss about a saree fall. But after one of my favorite sarees got damaged because I skipped it, I’ve never gone without one again. Here’s why:
- It Keeps the Saree Strong and Durable:
Sarees, especially lightweight ones like chiffon or georgette, can tear easily if they aren’t reinforced. The saree fall adds strength to the hemline, so I don’t have to worry about accidental snags or fraying. - It Adds Grace to the Drape:
A saree fall gives the saree some weight, which keeps the pleats neat and the drape elegant. Without it, lightweight sarees can look flimsy and unstructured. - It Protects Against Wear and Tear:
The lower hem of a saree often brushes against the ground or gets caught under footwear. The fall acts as a buffer, saving the saree fabric from damage. - It Makes the Saree Look Polished:
I’ve noticed how a saree fall completely changes the look of my saree. It adds definition and ensures everything stays in place, even during long hours of wear.
How I Pick the Right Saree Fall
Choosing the right saree fall fabric isn’t just about grabbing the first one you see. Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks:
- Match the Color:
The saree fall should blend seamlessly with the saree. If the saree has a broad border, I pick a fall that matches the border. For sarees without borders, I go for a fall that matches the base color. - Choose the Right Fabric:
Cotton and terry-cotton falls are my go-to because they’re sturdy and easy to stitch. I avoid polyester falls—they’re slippery and tricky to sew. - Check for Color Fastness:
One hard lesson I learned was to always test the fall fabric for color bleeding. A quick wash before stitching ensures the fall won’t ruin the saree with color stains later.
How I Attach a Saree Fall
Attaching a saree fall might seem daunting at first, but it’s actually pretty simple once you get the hang of it. Here’s what I do:
- Lay the saree flat on a surface and pin the fall along the hemline on the wrong side.
- Use a running stitch to secure the bottom edge of the fall first.
- Carefully stitch the upper edge, making sure the thread doesn’t show on the front.
If I’m in a rush, I sometimes take my saree to a tailor, but doing it myself is satisfying and ensures it’s done exactly the way I want.
Can You Wear a Saree Without a Fall?
In a pinch, I’ve worn sturdy sarees without a fall, but it’s not something I recommend. Thin fabrics like chiffon or delicate silks absolutely need a fall for proper draping and protection. Trust me, it’s worth the extra effort to get one attached.
Adding a saree fall might seem like a minor detail, but it’s an absolute game-changer for how your saree looks and feels. Whether you’re new to wearing sarees or just looking to perfect your draping game, don’t skip this essential step—it’s what makes all the difference! Check out out Saree fall fabric collection
