Saree Pre-Pleating Workshop Builds Entrepreneurial Skills at KWC

Report on Hands-on Saree Pre-Pleating Workshop

The Entrepreneurship Development (ED) Cell of Kamaraj Women’s College, Thoothukudi, in collaboration with WEWA Trust, organized a Saree Pre-Pleating Workshop on 13 October 2026 at Kamarajar Kalvi Arangam. The workshop took place from 10.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and aimed to develop practical skills while introducing students to self-employment opportunities in the fashion and styling industry.

Expert trainers from WEWA Trust guided students through various saree folding, pleating and draping techniques. Moreover, the programme combined live demonstrations with practical training to help students develop skills that could support future entrepreneurial ventures.

Objectives of the Saree Pre-Pleating Workshop

The workshop focused on the following objectives:

• Develop practical skills in saree pre-pleating and draping
• Introduce students to professional saree folding techniques
• Provide hands-on training in precision pleating and pinning
• Demonstrate box-folding methods for convenient saree draping
• Help students work with different fabric textures
• Promote creativity, precision and professional styling skills
• Create awareness about self-employment opportunities
• Encourage micro-entrepreneurship among young women

Inaugural Session

The programme commenced at 10.00 a.m. with a warm welcome address and a brief introduction to the objectives of the workshop.

The introductory session highlighted the importance of practical skill development and its role in creating self-employment opportunities for young women.

Furthermore, the programme emphasized how creative and service-based skills can help students explore small business opportunities.

The session encouraged participants to approach saree pre-pleating as both a useful personal skill and a potential professional service.

Live Demonstration by WEWA Trust Trainers

Expert trainers from WEWA Trust conducted live demonstrations on different saree pre-pleating techniques.

The demonstrations covered:

• Saree folding techniques
• Precision pleating
• Proper pinning methods
• Box-folding techniques
• Preparation for convenient saree draping

The trainers explained the importance of accuracy and careful handling while preparing sarees for draping.

Moreover, they demonstrated how proper folding and pleating can help create a neat and well-arranged appearance.

The demonstrations gave students a clear understanding of the steps involved in professional saree preparation.

Hands-on Practical Training

The Saree Pre-Pleating Workshop included an interactive practical session in which students applied the techniques demonstrated by the trainers.

Participants received hands-on guidance while practising different folding and pleating methods.

Furthermore, the trainers helped students understand how to arrange pleats carefully and secure them using suitable pinning techniques.

The practical session encouraged students to improve their precision, coordination and confidence.

As a result, participants gained direct experience in preparing sarees through structured pre-pleating methods.

Working with Different Fabric Textures

An important part of the workshop involved practising saree pre-pleating techniques using different fabrics.

Students worked with:

• Silk
• Cotton
• Georgette

The trainers guided students in handling the different textures and understanding how fabric characteristics can influence folding and pleating.

For example, silk, cotton and georgette differ in their weight, texture and draping behaviour. Therefore, students learned the importance of adjusting their techniques according to the fabric.

Moreover, this practical exposure helped participants understand the need for care and precision when working with different saree materials.

Professional Saree Draping Skills

The workshop introduced students to the importance of neat and consistent pleating in professional saree styling.

Participants explored techniques that can make saree draping more convenient and improve the overall presentation.

Furthermore, the trainers emphasized the value of precision, patience and attention to detail in delivering a professional styling service.

These skills are particularly relevant to fashion styling, event preparation and bridal services.

The session encouraged students to recognize how practical training can help them develop confidence in offering specialized services.

Entrepreneurship and Self-Employment Opportunities

The Saree Pre-Pleating Workshop also highlighted the business opportunities associated with professional saree draping and pre-pleating services.

The resource persons explained how these services have gained importance in the event, fashion and bridal styling industries.

Furthermore, students learned that saree pre-pleating can serve as a potential micro-entrepreneurship venture for individuals interested in offering specialized styling services.

The discussion encouraged participants to consider how they could use their newly developed skills to explore self-employment.

Moreover, the programme demonstrated how practical knowledge and creativity can support small business ideas.

Interactive Question and Answer Session

Following the practical training, the resource persons conducted an interactive Question and Answer session.

Students had an opportunity to clarify their doubts about saree folding, pleating, fabric handling and professional styling.

The trainers responded to their questions and provided further guidance on the techniques covered during the workshop.

Furthermore, the interaction helped students connect their practical learning with possible applications in professional services.

Certificate Distribution

The programme included the presentation of certificates to active participants in recognition of their involvement in the workshop.

The certificate distribution acknowledged the students’ interest and participation in the practical training activities.

Moreover, it encouraged them to continue developing their skills and explore further learning opportunities.

Programme Outcomes

The Saree Pre-Pleating Workshop provided students with opportunities to:

• Learn professional saree folding and pre-pleating techniques
• Practise precision pleating, pinning and box-folding methods
• Gain hands-on experience with silk, cotton and georgette fabrics
• Understand the importance of fabric handling and neat presentation
• Develop practical styling skills and confidence
• Improve attention to detail and coordination
• Explore career opportunities in fashion, event and bridal styling
• Understand the potential for self-employment through saree pre-pleating services
• Develop awareness about micro-entrepreneurship
• Receive practical guidance from experienced trainers

Conclusion

The Saree Pre-Pleating Workshop organized by the Entrepreneurship Development Cell of Kamaraj Women’s College in collaboration with WEWA Trust provided students with a valuable practical learning experience.

Through live demonstrations and hands-on training, participants learned saree folding, precision pleating, pinning, box-folding and fabric handling techniques.

Furthermore, the programme introduced students to potential self-employment and micro-entrepreneurship opportunities in the fashion, event and bridal styling industries.

The workshop concluded at 1.00 p.m. with an interactive Question and Answer session, certificate distribution and a Vote of Thanks to the college management, WEWA Trust members and student coordinators.

Overall, the programme successfully combined skill development, creativity, practical training and entrepreneurial awareness, encouraging students to explore new opportunities for professional growth and financial independence.