Sumana Bhattacharya
Saree Trivia: How to Save Zari & Embroidered Sarees?
We know how much you love your sarees. It is the additional grace for any occasion. And I know how big is the emotional journey of a saree purchase for all the saree lovers out there. Saree weaving is the art woven by weavers and appreciated by a wearer. When a woman purchases a saree, she invests her thoughts in it and wants to keep that saree for a life long.We know that a saree passes down from one generation to another, hence it needs special care. To keep your sarees fresh and beautiful, you need to give them special treatment a bit more than other garments.Do you know it is important to keep checking your sarees every three months? If you don't do so, then you find it difficult to maintain your sarees. Out of all types, maintaining embroidered or zari is the most difficult of all tasks. Maintaining a zari can be a tricky task, but no need to worry I have some of the right ideas to save your zari and special embroidered sarees any time.
How to save your zari or embroidered sarees?
Let’s find out how can you save your zari/embroidered sarees from getting destroyed:-
Place each zari/embroidered saree separately in a pure mulmul wrap around
Wrap your precious zari or embroidered sarees in a pure mulmul wrap around and store them separately to maintain their longevity. Pure mulmul wrap around keeps your sarees away from dust & humidity and allows sarees to breathe.
Zari/embroidered sarees need to be folded in a way in which embroidered side comes inside
For sarees with heavy zari/embroidered work, it is advised to fold the embellished side inwards in order to maintain its luster and also prevent any snag or tear.
Never hang your zari/embroidered saree
Do not hang your zari/embroidered sarees. This may cause the zari or embroidery to break, stretch and tear the fabric.
Place your zari/embroidered saree in a cool & dark place
Cover your zari or embroidered sarees in pure mulmul wraps and store them in a cool & dark place to keep them away from fading or discoloring.
Do dry clean the saree for the first wash
Do give for dry cleaning for the first wash. It is even better if you can give the zari worked fabric for a dry wash at least in the first three times.
Store the zari/embroidered saree in cloth bags
Do store the zari as you would any delicate precious clothing – inside cotton bags, separately. And every 2 months or so, take out the fabric, change the folds and keep it back in storage. This will prevent zari thread damage at the folds.
Do not wash zari/embroidered sarees in the washing machine
Do not wash zari fabric in the washing machine. After the first few dry washes, you can wash the zari fabric at home. Hand washes of course. Wash each item separately.
Hope you will be finding all these ideas helpful - and the next purchase with zari or embroidered work cannot be scary anymore as you are now already to save them from getting oxidized, torn, or discolored at any time.
Author's Bio
Sumana Bhattacharya completed her Masters in Economics from the University of Calcutta & was working with the Department of Education, Govt. of West Bengal to provide training to the teachers in Government Schools. She moved to USA in 2005 after getting married & is the mother of 2 kids. She is the one that drives IndyVogue every day, every hour, every minute and every second. Salute to her and her undying spirit.