Sarees are one of the most beautiful and traditional outfits in India. They are worn on many special occasions like weddings, festivals, and even in daily life. To make a saree last long and look neat, some finishing work is needed after buying it. One of the most important finishing steps is pico stitching.
If you are wondering what “pico” means, don’t worry. This article will explain everything in a simple way. We will also show you how to stitch pico for saree at home or with the help of a tailor.
What is Pico?
Pico is a type of stitching done on the edge of the saree. The edge of a saree (called the fall or border) is usually raw and can fray or tear over time. Pico stitching helps to:
Prevent fraying or tearing
Give the saree a neat and finished look
Make it easier to wear and drape
Pico is done with a sewing machine using a thin fold on the edge of the saree. It’s usually done with a matching or contrast thread. check out finishing saree more services
Why Pico is Important?
Many people ignore pico and start wearing the saree directly. But without pico, the edge of the saree may start coming apart after a few washes. It also doesn’t look clean when you drape the saree.
So, doing a proper pico will:
Increase the life of the saree
Make pleats and borders look straight and tidy
Help in doing fall stitching, which is another important step (usually done after pico)
Tools and Materials You Need for Pico
To stitch pico at home, you need the following items:
A sewing machine (manual or electric)
Matching or contrast thread
A pair of sharp scissors
Pins or clips to hold the fabric
Measuring tape (optional)
The saree that needs pico
If you don’t have a sewing machine, you can take the saree to a tailor. Pico stitching usually costs between ₹30 to ₹60 depending on the area.
Step-by-Step Guide to Stitch Pico for Saree
Follow these easy steps to do pico stitching:
1. Wash and Iron the Saree
Before starting pico, make sure the saree is washed and properly ironed. This helps to remove creases and gives a smooth edge to work on.
2. Trim the Edges (if needed)
Sometimes the saree edge is not straight. Use sharp scissors to cut and make it even. Be careful not to cut too much.
3. Fold the Edge
Take about 0.25 inch (or around 0.5 cm) of the saree edge and fold it inwards. Some people like to double fold for extra strength, but single fold is enough for pico.
4. Pin or Clip the Fold
Use pins or clips to hold the fold in place before stitching. This helps in keeping the edge straight and avoids mistakes.
5. Set the Sewing Machine
Use a normal straight stitch setting. Choose a matching thread for a clean look or a contrast thread if you want a stylish finish.
6. Start Stitching Slowly
Start from one corner and slowly stitch along the fold. Make sure to keep the fold even. Don’t rush. Go slow and steady.
7. Backstitch at Start and End
At the beginning and end of the stitch, do a few backstitches to lock the thread. This will prevent the stitching from coming off later.
8. Trim the Extra Thread
After stitching, use scissors to cut any hanging threads. Check the full edge to ensure there are no loose threads or gaps.
Tips for Best Pico Stitching
Use good-quality thread: Cheap thread breaks easily and doesn’t look neat.
Try on a sample first: If you’re new, try stitching on a small piece of cloth before starting on the saree.
Use a fine needle: A thin needle works best for delicate fabrics like georgette, chiffon, or silk.
Practice neat folding: The more even the fold, the better the final look.
How Long Does Pico Take?
If you are doing it at home, it may take around 30 to 45 minutes depending on your experience and saree length (usually 5.5 to 6 meters). Tailors often take a day or two to return the stitched saree.
Can You Stitch Pico by Hand?
Technically yes, but it is not recommended. Hand pico takes a lot of time and doesn’t give the clean finish that a sewing machine provides. It’s better to use a sewing machine or go to a tailor.
Pico After Fall Stitch or Before?
Pico is always done before fall stitching. First, you finish the edge with pico. Then, the saree fall (a thick cotton strip added to the inner side of the lower saree edge) is stitched over it.
Conclusion
Pico stitching is a small step, but it plays a big role in maintaining your saree. Whether it’s a new saree or an old one, doing proper pico makes it easier to handle and keeps it looking beautiful for a long time.
You can do it yourself at home if you have a sewing machine, or you can visit your local tailor. Either way, don’t skip it—your saree deserves that perfect finishing touch!
