The fall (a 5-inch wide strip of preshrunk cotton fabric) gives a saree the essential weight required to drape smoothly, pleat crisply, and protect delicate lower borders from floor abrasion. Improper fall stitching creates unsightly puckers on expensive Kanjivaram or Banarasi silks.
1. 5 Golden Rules of Saree Fall Attachment
- • Rule 1: Always Preshrink: Soak cotton falls in room temperature water for 30 minutes and steam-iron completely dry before sewing.
- • Rule 2: Starting Offset: Leave the first 8 to 10 inches of the saree's tucking border free before stitching the fall.
- • Rule 3: Machine Bottom Stitch, Hand Top Stitch: Sew the bottom hem on sewing machine (straight stitch #3) and top edge strictly by hand with fine invisible hemming (turpai).