Exploring Ikat

This past year, it seems that Ikat designs were sweeping the market place and are still picking up steam.  Ikat is a dyeing technique used to create textile patterns by implementing a resist dyeing process similar to tie-dye. 

The word “ikat” actually means “to bind.”   The defining characteristic of Ikat is the dyeing of patterns, by means of bindings, into the threads before cloth construction, the weaving of the fabric, takes place.  Bindings resist dye penetration and are applied to the threads in the desired patterns and the threads are dyed. Alteration of the bindings and the dyeing of more than one color produce elaborate, multicolored patterns. When all of the dyeing is finished the bindings are removed and the threads are ready to be woven into cloth.

Ikat patterns are found in many countries including India, Japan, Thailand, Cambodia, Spain, Guatemala, and Mexico to name a few.  I have really been drawn to the unique and vibrant patterns and colors.  Here are some amazing Ikat designs that have caught my eye.