What is Ikkat

Ikkat or Ikat, is a dyeing technique used to pattern textiles. Ikkat is created by binding yarns. Firstly,the yarn is then dyed the required number of times to get the desired pattern. When the dyeing is finished, the cloth is left to dry. The finished yarn is called the ikkat fabric and it is blurry.

Batik and tie-dye are applied to the cloth whereas in Ikaat, the dyeing is done on the yarn and not the cloth.

That is the essential difference.

Available in Delhi at:- Translate, Lepakshi, Gurjari, Orissa Emporium

Shop in Chennai:- Rangachari Cloth Store,  Kalpa Druma 

Available in Bangalore:- Fab India, Salonee Silks & cotton 

Double Ikkat

In warp  only the warp yarns are dyed and in weft only the weft yarns are dyed. Double Ikkat means the warp and the weft yarns are tied and dyed before being woven.

These fabrics are produced in Japan, Indonesia, Cambodia and Malaysia.

In India it is extensively produced in Orissa (Pasupalli), Telengana, (also known as Pochampally) and Gujarat. It is known as Patola in Gujarat. Pasupally ikkat from Orissa incorporates check designs in its patterns.

Sarees,Kurtis & Stoles

These designs are very popular in sarees .They are used in both in cotton and in silk sarees.

Duptaa in Ikaat fabrics  appear elegant and colourful and can be paired with simple plain salwars and shirts. Stoles in these fabrics make for attractive pairing with jeans.

In fact there are bags that are available with ikaat prints and designs. They look unique.

 Patola and Ikaat

Patola is a similar dyeing technique that is used in silk in Gujarat. They are extensively used in silk .