How to sew a shalwar-kamiz?

Shalvar-kamiz, as well as sari, chuni or dupatta, is considered an integral part of the wardrobe of an Indian girl. Comparing Indian outfits with European ones, it should be noted that the clothes listed above can be called such familiar words as a suit, a cloak, a dress, a scarf. But European names can not convey the entire identity and splendor of Indian clothing.

Fashion from India

This suit is considered a traditional Indian clothing for women. Comfortable attire is the most popular in the Punjab region, that's why a suit is often called Punjabi, besides this one can hear such pronunciation as salvar-kamiz.

Since the Middle Ages suits of Punjabi have attracted Indian girls, because they give dignity and elegance to appearance. For a long time this clothing has been transformed, design and styles have changed. The main features of the suit are convenience and versatility. Shalvar-kamiz will be appropriate both in everyday life and at the celebration.

History of clothes

Salvar-kamiz is a traditional clothing worn by men and women of South and Central Asia. Also, clothing is considered national in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

And although the suit is very popular and common among girls in Bangladesh and India, but there is no real information about how the schwarv-kamiz in India turned out to be. Studies show that these clothes appeared during the Mongol invasion. But the real costumes of the shalwar kamiz spread in the 16th century after the arrival of Islam in the state.

What does the costume consist of?

The classic Punjabi is a combination of three parts:

1. Salvar (shalvar) are wide trousers. Often they are spacious from above, but downward. At the waist, the salvar is pulled together with a soft belt or lace. In addition to the spacious pants, there are tight tight models, they are called Churidar.
2. Kamize is a long tunic, which is worn along with the shalwar. On the sides there are high incisions, which allow not to hamper the movement of the girls.
3. This outfit must necessarily complement the cloak. It is called dhupatta.

Varieties of traditional Indian clothing styles

Today, designers come up with a large number of innovative models and styles. In our time, the kameez has many different neckline cuts. When making costumes use various decorative elements - sequins, beads, embroideries and much more. And although the traditional kameez must reach the knees, this is not so important, because modern garments have long bypassed all existing limits and limitations.

Common Indian shalvar-kamiz, consisting of three parts, have many kinds.

Churidar. The costume consists of narrow trousers, they can be much longer than the legs and gather in numerous folds. The tunic is often below the knee, and the scarf is put on the head.

Patiala-style. Pants trousers on a wide coquette with folds at the bottom can hide the flaws of the figure. They are complemented by a short tunic and scarf on the head. According to legend, this costume became fashionable thanks to Maharaja Patiala.

Anarkali. The bright apparel consists of narrowed trousers and tunics in the form of a sarafan, on top it is narrow, and the flare begins from the chest.

Parallel Indian costume. The three-piece suit consists of a straight tunic, straight trousers and a classic scarf.

Sharar. The robe consists of trousers flared from the hips, a short tunic with or without short sleeves, and a classic scarf.

Why do the Indians choose a shalwar kamiz costume?

With the development of freedom, the love of the Punjabi spread throughout India. And today the costume along with the sari is considered national. Salvar-kamiz is very popular among the Indian women, and there are a number of reasons for this:

• Convenience. In this outfit the girl always feels comfortable, the Punjabi will be appropriate in any weather. Moreover, this garment can be called both a dress and trousers.
• Huge selection of designs and styles. According to the form of design Punjabi are design, embroidered or printed pattern. For the production of costumes use a wide variety of fabrics. For everyday clothes choose cotton, for evening dresses, silk, organza or chiffon is best.
• Picking shalvar-kamiz on the shape and size, you can hide all the shortcomings of your figure and emphasize its merits.
• Versatility and grace. In such clothes you can go to work or walk, while the costume will make the image more feminine and romantic.

Decorating Indian clothes

Punjabi conquers at first sight. But it's not just a variety of styles, models and fabrics, a large selection of jewelry plays a significant role. And it's not only embroideries and rhinestones, the costume is decorated with various ornaments and even mirrors.

As for shoes, such clothes are best suited for sandals with stilettos or embroidered slippers. Bracelets in Indian style on hands and feet will help complete the image.

Like other clothes, Punjabi can be purchased in specialized stores, but if there is a desire to become the owner of a quality elegant outfit, then it is best to sew a shamvar-kamiz in accordance with the individual features of his figure.

Sewing of Indian clothes

And although today there are many designs of costumes, however, there are two main differences, according to which salvar-kamiz are divided into two groups: models with wide-cut trousers and trousers that tighten the legs (churidar). Their main difference is that the scissors are very narrow at the bottom, and there are a lot of wrinkles in the ankle area, and the more of them, the more beautiful the outfit will look. Punjabi with wide trousers will be an excellent option for dancing, in such a suit, any girl will feel as comfortable as possible.

If we talk about kamiz, the variety of models is simply amazing. They can be sewed from various materials, such as cotton, silk, chiffon, tulle and much more. All this is decorated with rhinestones, paillettes, appliques, embroidery, etc. The length can be short, reach the knees or ankles.

Pattern: Shalwar kamiz

The drawing of the trousers can at first sight seem quite complicated, but in reality everything is not so terrible. The main thing is to perform all the actions described in the instruction with which you work. For sewing pants, it's best to choose elastic material - jersey, lycra or stretch cotton will do.

Before starting the construction, everything should be clearly measured: the length from the waist to the ankles, the volume of the hips, the length from the waist to the knees and from the waist to the shin. In addition, you need to measure the volume of the knees, legs and ankles.

The first thing to do is to draw a straight line corresponding to the desired length of the product (length from the waist to the ankles). Then the line should be stretched down another 20 cm and mark it as a rim. After that, on the drawing, you need to measure the intermediate line, it is considered as follows: the volume of the thighs divided into three and add 5 cm.

Also on the drawing, the knee line and the shin line should be noted, they must correspond to the measurements that were previously made. At the intermediate mark, you draw a perpendicular line, it is equal to 1/3 of the hips plus 9 cm. The perpendicular line should also be drawn at the level of the knees: 1/2 of the knee volume plus 2.5 cm.

Continuing the drawing, the perpendicular lines are drawn at the level of the shin and ankle. Each of the volumes is divided in half and added at 2.5 cm. The rim line is also equal to half the volume of the ankle plus 2.5 cm.

The end of the intermediate line is marked with the point O. It is also necessary to mark the second point from the point O, it is equal to 1/12 of the volume of the hips plus 2.5 cm. At this point, draw a perpendicular line and connect it to the waist line. Next, connect all the points as shown in the drawing, and the pattern is ready.

You can use the basic pattern of any dress or tunic for tailoring the kamiz, changing the shape of the cutout or the length of the sleeve, thereby creating different models.

You can achieve the desired aesthetic effect, but for this it is important to choose the right fabric, the shape of Punjabi, its length and style. Suits shalvar-kamiz, photos of which are presented above, will help you to decide the right choice.