Ikat (or Ikkat) means “to tie” or “to bind” in the Indonesian language. Ikat is a style of weaving that uses resist-dying on the fabric to create the pattern. Resist dying is when products (wax, paste, chemical agent) are used to prevent the dye from reaching all the fibers. So this specific placement of product will create the beautiful patterns you see. Ikat is said to have started in India and crossed into other countries/cultures due merchant trade. However, some say it is difficult to pin point the exact country of origin.
How it’s Made
Most commonly, Ikat is made by dying the “warp” and not the “weft”. The warp is the set of lengthwise yarns through which the weft is woven. The warp has the resist agent put on it in the pattern desired. Then, the fabric is dyed and put on the loom. The pattern is then visible on the yarn on the loom. The weft, one continuous strand, is then woven through the warp, creating the finished fabric. You can also resist dye the weft, which is much more difficult since you have to create the pattern over and over on one strand of yarn. Crazy!