Ikat is a historical dyeing technique originating from Indonesia, which found exponential growth in India and other Asian countries. The word Ikat, which literally means ‘binds’, is a craft that employs resist dyeing yarns using binds prior to dyeing and weaving the fabric. The result is a fabric that has its own signature blurry effect. India has its own historic variety of Ikats based on the region it was specialised in.
The weaving of Ikat is an extremely complicated and artistic process as it is made with precise decisions for each placement of yarn that needs to be woven. First, the yarns are bound together with resists depending on the pattern required for the fabric. These bound yarns are dyed, dried, and then the weaver places them in inaccurate positions to form the required pattern to ensure that there is no mistake. These are then woven together resulting in the patterned fabric called Ikat.
Ikat is a historical dyeing technique originating from Indonesia, which found exponential growth in India and other Asian countries. The word Ikat, which literally means ‘binds’, is a craft that employs resist dyeing yarns using binds prior to dyeing and weaving the fabric. The result is a fabric that has its own signature blurry effect. India has its own historic variety of Ikats based on the region it was specialised in.
The weaving of Ikat is an extremely complicated and artistic process as it is made with precise decisions for each placement of yarn that needs to be woven. First, the yarns are bound together with resists depending on the pattern required for the fabric. These bound yarns are dyed, dried, and then the weaver places them in inaccurate positions to form the required pattern to ensure that there is no mistake. These are then woven together resulting in the patterned fabric called Ikat.
FACTS ABOUT IKAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
The blur lines in the pattern of the Ikat fabric are caused due to complexity that is involved in weaving the patterned cloth. This blurred texture adds to the beauty of Ikat and helps us identify authentic Ikat fabrics.
Ikat is made in a highly defined and detailed manner and the best Ikat could only be churned by great craftsmen. In ancient times, Ikat fabrics were known as the symbol of wealth. Owing to its intricacy, Ikat is also known as the poetry of loom.
(Source: https://www.the-sustainable-fashion-collective.com/2015/08/28/need-know-ikat-weaving)
Ikats are generally defined by their Ikat weaves and they can be categories into 3 types:
Types of Ikat Weaves
Warp Ikat
In warp ikat, the warp threads are dyed and the weft threads are left undyed. The pattern appears only after these warp threads are dyed and woven together. These are the most common forms of Ikats that are now available.
Weft Ikat
Weft ikat is produced just like warp ikat but Weft ikats are much slower to weave than warp ikat because the weft yarns must be carefully adjusted after each passing of the shuttle to maintain the clarity of the design. They are only done by trained craftsmen in very few parts of India
Double Ikat
Double Ikat weaving is an artistic process that involves resist dyeing of both weft and warp yarns. It is the most difficult and time-consuming weave but the end result is an intricate patterned fabric that is nothing like any other Ikat. Patola work is a great example of Double Ikat weaves. It can also be generally seen in Ikat Sarees like Pochampally and Puttapaka.
Modern Day Ikat
Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat are best known for their ikat productions. The most famous and complex of ikat textiles are the Patola of Gujarat. These double-ikat, sari-length silk cloths were only made in the early 2000s by a small group of weavers in Patan. Many high street fashion brands have utilized this fabric and replicated the same in their designs using Ikat cloth in different ways.
Not limited to traditional outfits, ikat cloth is now also used in western and Indian modern designs including Ikat dresses, Ikat skirts, Ikat shrugs, Ikat overcoats, etc. Our personal love for Ikat has made us re-invent ikat cloth in various modern fashion trends.
IKAT DRESSES
There’s nothing more powerful than a woman embracing her body with beautiful dresses, preserving the traditional way of weaving. Our Ikat dresses are a statement to that.
IKAT JUMPSUITS
Our Ikat jumpsuits add a contemporary touch to Ikat, that can be used also as modern formal wear. They are comfortable and stylish for all-day wear yet traditional in their own sense.
IKAT SKIRTS
Our Ikat skirts are style statements that show the evolution of Ikat with changing times for the modern fashionable women.
IKAT JACKETS
Ikat dresses as formal wear are something we have deeply explored. The Ikat jackets give an authentic touch for refined modern formal wear with traditional designs.
IKAT SHRUGS
A touch of Ikat design in every outfit can make it elegant, we believe that in modern essence Ikat is a symbol of elegance.
IKAT MASKS
The August Co. strongly believe in zero wastage of fabrics for a sustainable environment. We upcycle our fabrics into specially curated ikat masks, for the current times.
We hope Ikat has found a place in your heart, just like us.