Lesson 15: Textile Designs for Apparels: Saris and Dress Materials
Parts of a saree on the basis of patterns/ designing
Body: The main part of the saree which occupies a larger space in relation to border and pallav and much of the decoration is done on the body of the saree.
Border: The border in a saree may be small or broad ranging from 1-6 inches, sometimes it is up to knee length called skirt border. It is a very distinct part that adds beauty to the saree which is present on both sides of the saree. Some times the fabric sett of the border and body varies the former being compactly woven then the later. This compact structure of the border helps to improve the drape of the fabric.
Pallav: The end piece of saree is known as “Anchal or Pallav”. It is an auspicious part of the saree which is drawn over the head during festival, functions and rituals. It is the also the most important part of the saree, where much of the embellishment is worked. Pallava design is the most thoughtful task for a textile designer. Design of pallav should be matching with designs of field and border and still it should be different. The effect of unity in diversity should be there. Use of colour also plays an important role. It may be of contrasting or of same colour as body. Designing for a same colour pallav is rather more difficult because than a designer has to create a rich effect with lines and shapes only. Pallav should not break the harmony of whole saree. It should blend with other parts.
The border and pallav usually have a similar or identical pattern where the body some times may be same or different. Several colour ways are used in the saree to bring harmony, unity, emphasis, rhythm and proportion. The designs are produced by applying all elements of art in combination of shape, size, form and texture. The patterns usually composed of natural, geometrical, stylized, ethnic, traditional and abstract motifs.
Participants