A Banarasi border lace is one of the most underrated and most transformative tools in the Indian ethnic wardrobe. A single metre of beautiful Banarasi border lace — with its intricate golden zari motifs and rich silk base — can completely transform a plain saree, dupatta, or kurta into something that looks custom-made and expensive. Here are 7 creative DIY ideas for using border lace on sarees and ethnic wear.
What is Banarasi Border Lace?
Banarasi border lace is a narrow strip of woven fabric — typically 1 to 4 inches wide — featuring the intricate zari (gold or silver thread) motifs characteristic of Banarasi weaving. It's sold by the metre and used to embellish sarees, dupattas, kurtas, blouses, and home textiles. Taniva's Banarasi border lace starts from ₹499 per metre — a small investment that delivers a dramatic transformation.
What You'll Need
- Banarasi border lace in your chosen colour and width
- Fabric glue (for no-sew options) or needle and thread
- Scissors and measuring tape
- Iron and pressing cloth
- Safety pins (for temporary placement before sewing)
7 Creative DIY Ideas for Border Lace on Sarees
Idea 1: Add a Border to a Plain Cotton Saree
The most classic use of border lace — and the most dramatic transformation. A plain Bengal cotton saree in white or cream becomes a festive, richly detailed saree when you add a Banarasi border lace along the bottom hem.
How to do it:
- Measure the length of your saree's bottom hem.
- Cut the border lace to length, adding 1 inch extra on each end for folding.
- Pin the lace along the hem with safety pins, ensuring it's straight and even.
- Sew with a simple running stitch along both edges of the lace, or use fabric glue for a no-sew option.
- Press gently with an iron on low heat through a pressing cloth.
Result: A plain cotton saree that looks like a custom-designed festive piece. Cost of transformation: under ₹500.
Idea 2: Embellish a Plain Dupatta
Add Banarasi border lace along both short ends of a plain Chanderi or Georgette dupatta to create a richly bordered dupatta that looks far more expensive than it is.
How to do it: Sew or glue the border lace along both short ends of the dupatta, folding the edges neatly. For a more dramatic look, add lace along all four edges.
Best combination: Yellow Banarasi border lace on a white Chanderi dupatta — stunning for Navratri and Mehendi ceremonies.
Idea 3: Create a Decorative Saree Pallu
Add Banarasi border lace along the edges of your saree's pallu (the decorative end that drapes over the shoulder) to create a richly framed pallu that photographs magnificently.
How to do it: Sew the border lace along all four edges of the pallu section. Choose a lace that contrasts beautifully with your saree colour — golden lace on a teal saree, silver lace on a maroon saree.
Idea 4: Embellish a Kurta Neckline
Sew Banarasi border lace around the neckline of a plain kurta to create an embellished, festive kurta without any embroidery work. This is one of the most popular DIY ethnic fashion techniques.
How to do it: Use a narrow (1-inch) border lace and sew carefully around the neckline, following its curve. Use fabric glue for curved sections if sewing is difficult.
Best for: Plain cotton or linen kurtas that need a festive upgrade for Navratri or Diwali.
Idea 5: Add Lace to Kurta Sleeves
Sew Banarasi border lace along the hem of kurta sleeves — a simple, elegant embellishment that adds a traditional, handcrafted quality to any plain kurta.
How to do it: Measure the circumference of each sleeve hem, cut the lace to length, and sew or glue along the hem edge.
Idea 6: Create a Decorative Blouse Border
Add Banarasi border lace along the bottom hem of a plain saree blouse to create a richly detailed blouse that complements any festive saree. This is particularly beautiful on a plain silk or cotton blouse.
How to do it: Sew the border lace along the bottom hem of the blouse, ensuring the lace is visible below the saree's waistline when draped.
Idea 7: Embellish a Stole or Shawl
Add Banarasi border lace along both short ends of a plain silk stole to create a richly bordered stole that looks like a premium piece. This is one of the easiest and most dramatic DIY transformations.
How to do it: Sew or glue the border lace along both short ends of the stole, folding the edges neatly. The transformation takes less than 30 minutes and costs under ₹500.
Choosing the Right Border Lace
| Lace Colour | Best With | Best Occasion |
|---|---|---|
| Golden Zari | Any colour saree or dupatta | Festivals, weddings, Diwali |
| Yellow Banarasi | White, cream, green sarees | Navratri, Mehendi, Onam |
| Silver Zari | Dark colours — maroon, navy, black | Winter weddings, formal occasions |
| Contrast colour | Plain sarees in any colour | Casual festive, everyday ethnic |
Where to Buy Banarasi Border Lace Online
Taniva's Banarasi Border Lace collection offers premium quality zari border laces in multiple colours and widths — starting from ₹499 per metre. Our laces are handloom-inspired with genuine zari detailing, photographed in natural light so you see exactly what you're getting.
Related Guides
- How to Use Banarasi Border Lace to Elevate Any Ethnic Outfit
- Bengal Cotton Saree — Why Every Woman Needs One
- How to Style a Dupatta — 10 Different Ways
Shop Taniva's Banarasi Border Lace collection at taniva.in — from ₹499 per metre, with free delivery across India.
Because the most beautiful details are always the ones you add yourself. ✨