How To Stitch Mirror On Saree?

Would you like to add a touch of glamour and elegance to your saree? Well, stitching mirrors onto your saree can be a fantastic way to achieve just that. Mirrors, commonly known as “shisha” in Indian embroidery, can transform a simple saree into a stunning masterpiece. This article will guide you through the step-by-step process of stitching mirrors onto a saree, helping you create a mesmerizing attire that will leave everyone awestruck. From selecting the perfect mirrors to choosing the right technique, we will cover all the essential details to ensure you achieve flawless mirror embellishments on your precious saree.

Gathering Supplies

Before you begin stitching mirrors onto your saree, it is important to gather all the necessary supplies. This ensures that you have everything you need within reach and can successfully complete the task without any interruptions.

Choosing the right mirror

The first step in the process is to choose the right mirror for your saree. Mirrors come in various sizes and shapes, so it’s important to select one that complements your saree design. Consider the color and pattern of your saree and choose a mirror that enhances its overall aesthetic appeal.

Selecting the appropriate saree

Once you have chosen the mirror, it’s time to select the saree you want to embellish. Keep in mind the type of fabric and the color of the saree when making your selection. Some sarees may be more suitable for mirror work than others, so choose a saree with a fabric that can easily accommodate the weight of the mirrors and will not tear or stretch.

Collecting stitching materials

In order to successfully stitch mirrors onto your saree, you will need a few essential stitching materials. Make sure you have a sharp needle, strong thread, fabric glue, and a pair of scissors. These materials will help you attach the mirrors securely and ensure that they stay in place even after multiple wearings and washings.

Preparing the Saree

Before you begin attaching mirrors to your saree, it is important to properly prepare the fabric. This involves cleaning the saree thoroughly and ironing it to ensure a smooth surface for the mirror placement.

Cleaning the saree

To clean your saree, first, check the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. Some sarees may require dry cleaning, while others can be hand washed or machine washed. Follow the recommended cleaning method to remove any dirt or stains from the fabric. Once the saree is clean, allow it to air dry or use a gentle heat setting on your dryer to avoid any potential damage.

Ironing the saree

After the saree is dry, it’s time to iron it to remove any wrinkles or creases. Iron the saree on a low to medium heat setting, being careful not to overheat the fabric or the mirror work may be affected. Iron both the front and back of the saree to ensure a smooth and even surface for the mirror placement.

Designing the Mirror Layout

The next step in the mirror stitching process is to design the layout for the mirrors. This involves determining the placement of the mirrors on the saree and creating a design pattern that enhances the overall look of the garment.

Determining the mirror placement

Before attaching the mirrors, take some time to plan out their placement on the saree. Consider the overall design and the areas you want to highlight with the mirrors. It’s important to evenly distribute the mirrors and create a balanced layout. You can mark the positions lightly with a fabric pencil or use small stickers to guide you during the attachment process.

Creating a design pattern

Once you have determined the mirror placement, it’s time to create a design pattern. This can be as simple or as intricate as you desire. Sketch out the pattern on a piece of paper or use a design template to guide you. Take into consideration the shape and size of the mirrors, as well as the overall look you want to achieve. Once you are satisfied with the design, you can begin attaching the mirrors to your saree.

Attaching the Mirrors

Now that you have prepared your saree and designed the layout for the mirrors, it’s time to actually attach them to the fabric. This requires careful marking of the mirror positions, applying fabric glue, and securing the mirrors with stitching.

Marking the mirror positions

Using the markings or stickers you created during the design phase, carefully mark the positions where the mirrors will be attached. This will ensure that you maintain consistency and avoid any errors during the attachment process. Take your time to be precise and double-check your marks before proceeding.

Applying fabric glue

Once the positions are marked, it’s time to apply fabric glue to the back of each mirror. Use a small brush or a toothpick to apply a thin layer of glue to the mirror. Make sure to cover the entire back surface to ensure secure adhesion. Take care not to use too much glue, as it may seep through the fabric or create a messy appearance.

Securing the mirrors with stitching

After applying the fabric glue, carefully place each mirror onto the marked positions on the saree. Press down gently to ensure that they adhere properly to the fabric. To further secure the mirrors, use a needle and thread to stitch around the edges of each mirror. This will add extra durability and prevent the mirrors from falling off, especially with repeated wear and washing.

Finishing Touches

Once all the mirrors are securely attached, it’s time to add the finishing touches to your mirrored saree. This involves cleaning off any excess glue, reinforcing the stitching, and trimming any loose threads.

Cleaning off excess glue

After attaching the mirrors, you may notice some excess fabric glue on the surface of the saree. Use a cotton swab or a clean cloth dampened with water to carefully remove any visible glue residue. Take care not to scrub too hard or use any abrasive materials that may damage the fabric or the mirror work.

Reinforcing stitching

To ensure that the mirrors stay in place, it is important to reinforce the stitching around each mirror. Go over the previously stitched areas again, adding more stitches if necessary. This will provide additional strength and prevent the mirrors from loosening over time.

Trimming threads

Finally, take a sharp pair of scissors and carefully trim any loose threads around the mirrors. This will give your mirrored saree a neat and polished appearance. Be sure to trim the threads as close to the fabric as possible without cutting into the stitches or the fabric itself.

Alternate Stitching Methods

While the traditional method of attaching mirrors to a saree involves individually stitching each mirror, there are alternate stitching methods that you can explore. These methods can save time and effort while still achieving a beautiful mirrored effect.

Using mirror work borders

One alternate method is to use pre-made mirror work borders. These borders come with mirrors already attached, and all you need to do is stitch the border onto your saree. This saves you the time and effort of individually attaching each mirror and still allows you to achieve a stunning mirrored effect.

Applying mirror patches

Another option is to use mirror patches. These are pre-cut pieces of fabric with mirrors attached. They can be easily stitched onto your saree, creating a unique and eye-catching look. Mirror patches come in various shapes and sizes, which allows you to play around with different design possibilities.

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind while stitching mirrors onto your saree:

Experiment with different mirror sizes

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different mirror sizes. Mix and match small and large mirrors to create visual interest and variety in your design. Play around with different mirror shapes as well to add depth and texture to your mirrored saree.

Practice stitching on a spare cloth

Before you begin stitching mirrors onto your actual saree, it’s a good idea to practice on a spare piece of fabric. This will help you familiarize yourself with the stitching process and experiment with different techniques and designs. Use a similar fabric to your saree to get a better understanding of how the mirrors will look and behave once attached.

Caring for the Mirrored Saree

Once you have successfully stitched mirrors onto your saree, it’s important to take proper care of the garment to ensure its longevity and maintain its overall appearance.

Dry cleaning

To preserve the mirror work and the fabric of your saree, it is recommended to dry clean it. Professional dry cleaning will help remove any dirt or stains without causing any damage to the mirrors or the fabric. Follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer and communicate to the dry cleaner that your saree has mirror work to ensure proper handling.

Avoiding rough handling

When wearing and storing your mirrored saree, it is important to avoid rough handling. Be gentle when wearing the saree and refrain from pulling or tugging on the mirrors. When storing the saree, fold it carefully and place it in a secure and dust-free environment. This will prevent any accidental damage to the mirrors and ensure that your saree stays in pristine condition for years to come.

Conclusion

Stitching mirrors onto a saree can elevate its overall look and transform it into a stunning work of art. By following the steps outlined in this article and with some practice, you can master the art of mirror work and create a truly unique and eye-catching mirrored saree. Remember to gather all the necessary supplies, prepare the saree properly, design an attractive layout, and attach the mirrors securely. With proper care and maintenance, your mirrored saree will continue to dazzle and impress for years to come. So unleash your creativity and enjoy the process of stitching mirrors onto your saree!