Do you have a beautiful old lehenga that you don’t wear anymore? Instead of letting it gather dust, why not transform it into a trendy sharara? This guide will walk you through the process, providing clear instructions, expert tips, and even some styling advice to help you create a stunning outfit that combines tradition with modern fashion. Let’s get started!
How to Convert a Lehenga into a Sharara: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Materials You’ll Need
- Step 1: Prepare the Lehenga
- Step 2: Mark and Cut the Lehenga
- Step 3: Creating the Sharara Legs
- Step 4: Stitching the Sharara
- Step 5: Adding the Waistband
- Step 6: Final Touches and Customization
- How to Style Your Sharara
- Sustainability and Ethical Fashion
- Conclusion
Materials You’ll Need
Before you start, gather the following materials:
- An old lehenga
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
- Tailoring chalk or fabric marker
- Sewing machine
- Elastic band
- Matching thread
- Pins
- Optional: Decorative trims, lace, or embroidery
Step 1: Prepare the Lehenga
Let’s begin by prepping your lehenga. Lay it flat on a large surface and remove any embellishments, belts, or zippers that could get in the way. If your lehenga has intricate embroidery or heavy work, handle it carefully to avoid damaging the fabric. In the video, the belt was removed first, making it easier to work on the lehenga.
Pro Tip: If your lehenga has a lot of flare, you’re in luck! The more fabric you have, the better the sharara will turn out. This process works best with lehengas that have a considerable amount of material to work with.
Step 2: Mark and Cut the Lehenga
Using a measuring tape, mark the length you want for your sharara. Generally, 37 inches is a good length, but you can adjust according to your height. Once you’ve marked the length, draw a line down the center of the lehenga to divide it into two equal halves—these will become the legs of your sharara.
Carefully cut along the marked lines. Don’t worry if it looks rough; you’ll be refining it in the next steps.
Pro Tip: Save any leftover fabric pieces. They can be used later for other projects, or to add extra flair to your sharara!
Step 3: Creating the Sharara Legs
Now that you have two separate pieces, fold each in half lengthwise. This folding helps create the wide leg shape characteristic of a sharara. Measure 15 inches from the top for the waistline and mark 12 inches for the thigh area. From the thigh, taper down to the ankle to create a flare.
Cut along these lines to shape the legs. The wider you make the bottom cut, the more flared your sharara will be.
Alternative: If your lehenga fabric is too delicate, consider lining it with a softer material to add structure and comfort.
Step 4: Stitching the Sharara
It’s time to bring your sharara to life! Start by sewing the inner leg seams. Place the right sides of the fabric together, pin them, and then stitch along the pinned edges, leaving a 1.5-inch seam allowance.
Next, sew the crotch area. Align the front and back pieces, pin them together, and stitch carefully to ensure the seams match perfectly.
Expert Tip: Use a sewing machine with a strong needle, especially if your lehenga has thick fabric or heavy embroidery. This will prevent needle breakage and ensure clean stitches.
Step 5: Adding the Waistband
To make your sharara comfortable, you’ll need to add a waistband. Measure your waist and cut an elastic band slightly shorter than your waist measurement for a snug fit.
Fold the top edge of the sharara over the elastic, allowing a bit of extra fabric to cover the band. Pin it in place, and then sew around the waistband, making sure the elastic is evenly distributed.
Customization Idea: Add a decorative border or lace to the waistband for an extra touch of elegance.
Step 6: Final Touches and Customization
With the waistband in place, try on your sharara to check the fit and length. If necessary, hem the bottom edges to your desired length.
Now is the time to get creative! Use the leftover fabric or trims to add borders to the legs, or embellish the sharara with sequins or beads. You can even repurpose any embellishments you removed earlier from the lehenga.
Pro Tip: If you want to add volume, sew in a lining or use a stiffer fabric for the lower part of the sharara.
How to Style Your Sharara
Now that your sharara is ready, here are some styling tips to make the most of your new outfit:
- Top Options: Pair your sharara with a fitted kurti, a crop top, or even a short jacket. For a traditional look, opt for a matching or contrasting kurti. For a modern twist, try a crop top with intricate embroidery.
- Accessories: Complete the look with statement jewelry. Chandelier earrings or a maang tikka can elevate the outfit for festive occasions. For a more casual vibe, go for minimal jewelry and let the sharara be the focal point.
- Footwear: Sharara pants look great with heels, especially if you want to add height and enhance the flare. For a more traditional touch, juttis or mojaris work perfectly.
Styling Tip: Consider the occasion when styling your sharara. Heavier accessories and more intricate tops are great for weddings, while lighter, simpler combinations are perfect for parties or family gatherings.
Sustainability and Ethical Fashion
By converting your old lehenga into a sharara, you’re not just creating a new outfit—you’re also making a statement about sustainability. Upcycling old garments reduces waste and promotes a more mindful approach to fashion. In a world dominated by fast fashion, this DIY project allows you to contribute to a more sustainable and ethical wardrobe.
Did You Know? The fashion industry is one of the largest contributors to global waste. By reusing and repurposing old clothes, you’re helping to reduce this impact.
Conclusion
Transforming a lehenga into a sharara is a fantastic way to breathe new life into an old garment. With the steps outlined in this guide, you’re well on your way to creating a beautiful, unique outfit that combines tradition with modern style.
Don’t forget to share your creations with us! Tag us on social media or leave a comment below to show off your DIY sharara. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends and family who might be looking for creative ways to upcycle their wardrobes.
Happy stitching, and remember—fashion is what you make of it!
