Ikat Fabrics

Ikat and the Indian States

Ikat is primarily prevalent in three states of India, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Orissa, and every state has their style of cultural influence on Ikat weaving. Orissa Ikat is famous for its creative weaving and different motifs that come from the state. The famous and exquisite Ikat silk sarees are made in Orissa and bought worldwide. You can find ikat fabric in silk cotton and jute. 

Types of Ikat 

There are different types of Ikat, namely warp, weft and double ikat. Let's see what they are. 

1. Warp Ikat is a tie and dye method where only the warp yarn is resist-dyed and then woven with weft yarn. The weft yarn, in this case, may or may not be dyed in another colour. In this technique, the woven pattern comes out very clear.
2. Weft Ikat is woven when the pattern is set on the weft yarns. In weft weaving, the designs become visible as the master weaver progresses with the weave. This is a very time-consuming process, and the artisan or the weaver has to line up the weft yarns perfectly in alignment with the warp to get the perfect design on the fabric. 
3. Double Ikat is when the warp and weft yarn are resist-dyed and then woven into a cloth. Double Ikat is a process that is more complicated than the single Ikat weave and costs a lot more because of the level of expertise required to weave the fabric. 

Ikat Apparels Today

While ikat is a traditionally woven fabric of India, it has found its place in the fashion world like no other. Known for its intricate weaves, vibrant colours and excellent quality fabric, Ikat has been used by many homegrown fashion labels and globally renowned fashion houses to create edgy cuts and clothing pieces. Today you will find Ikat fabric in great demand to make Ikat cotton dresses, jackets, coats, Ikat loungewear and much more. Ikat designs are fast gaining popularity amongst the young who have woken up to the incredible uniqueness of Indian fabrics. 

Ikat Sarees

Silk Ikat sarees, more popularly known asPochampally Ikat sarees, are woven using a double Ikat method of weaving intricate and unique patterns onto silk to make these exquisite sarees. Pochampally from Orissa and Gujarat’s Patola sarees use Ikat weaves to weave complex patterns on the sarees, which take months. Pochampally Ikat sarees only had geometric patterns woven on them; however, in modern times, weavers have introduced contemporary designs that have intricate motifs such as flowers, leaves, paisleys and more.

Ikat sareesare known for their geometric designs. However, more complex structures can be seen on intricately woven Pochampally Ikat sarees and Patan Patola. Patola is only made using premium silk yarns and features a kaleidoscope of colours and designs. It is said that the weaving of hand made patola sarees is so complex that it would be difficult to replicate the designs on other sarees. 

Sambalpuri Ikat, which is made in the western belt of Odisha, is unique in its own right. The weavers weave spectacular and detailed motifs that represent flora and fauna of the region. Traditionally, Sambalpuri Ikat was made using cotton yarn-dyed using natural colours; however, now, these beautiful fabrics are made using silks and cotton-silk blends. As a result,  Sambalpuri Ikatis famous for its vibrant colours and minutely detailed motifs that stand out from the rest. To keep the traditional weave alive to match its counterparts, Sambalpuri Ikat has introduced designs that showcase portraits, flower pods, and landscapes that represent their region and culture. 

Must-Have IKAT apparel & accessories for all ethnic lovers! 

Anyone who loves Indian fabrics would understand how deeply rooted each weave is for India and to weavers where it comes from. The fact that our weavers and artisans are supremely talented in their art should only be a factor in encouraging us to buy Ikat fabrics online or directly from them. Apart from  Ikat sarees,  Ikat fabrics have been used in making several other products such as Ikat bags, Ikat dupattas, and Ikat inspired  home decor, Ikat cotton dresses and Ikat fabrics, Pochampally  Ikat Stoles and much more. You can also buy Ikat items online for giftings, such as Ikat Kurtis, sarees, pure handloom fabrics,  notebooks, and  Ikat suit materials. 

Why Buy From iTokri?

iTokri, an  Indian handloom store, has the best collection of unique handcrafted and hand-embroidered products online. All our products are directly sourced from master artisans and shipped to the customers to ensure that we provide the most authentic products. iTokri believes in building a long-lasting and trusting relationship with its customers across the globe. Our vast collection of  cotton Kurtis online,  fabrics online, jewellery and accessories are unmatched online. We are your one-stop shop for  dupattas,  handloom sarees, Indian art and Diwali gifts online. We take bulk orders too.

FAQs

Ikat is a type of weaving that uses resist-dyeing to dye the yarn before woven using weft, warp and double Ikat weaving techniques to make intricate patterns on the fabrics.

Ikat fabric is predominantly made in three Indian states, Odisha, Gujarat and Telangana. The weaves in all three states used the Ikat weaving style. However, they are unique from each other. 

Traditionally, Ikat was woven using cotton only; however, now it is incorporated in silk, cotton-silk blends and jute. 

There are different types of Ikat, namely warp Ikat, weft Ikat and the more complicated double Ikat weave.