Ikat Scarves Coming to Indigo Handloom

This fall, Indigo Handloom will be introducing ikat scarves, custom-made in cotton and silk.

In the West, the word “ikat” represents a seemingly ethnic, brightly-colored pattern, which looks like it was designed on an Etch-a-Sketch.

Handwoven Ikat

But, “ikat” is so much more than just a pattern.  The real “ikat” is an incredible process of creating a pattern in the warp of the cloth through binding and dyeing certain sections of each thread.  Once the pattern is set up, then the weaving begins.  One of the most expensive and most difficult ikats to weave is the “double ikat,” also known as the “Patola ikat.”  In this method, both the warp threads and the weft threads are involved in the design and both are dyed before weaving.

To determine whether a design is a true ikat, check the back side of the fabric.  If the pattern only appears on the front side, it is just a printed fabric, not a true ikat.  A true, yarn-died ikat has the pattern on both sides of the cloth, and each side is equally beautiful.

Just as the fashion world is embracing ikat-inspired patterns, true ikat artisans are struggling to survive.  There are just a few places left in the world where you can find traditional ikat weaving. 

Here is one article about a family who has been weaving ikat continuously for generations.

We're so pleased that you will be able to join us at Indigo Handloom in supporting this ancient tradition of ikat weaving as our scarves become available this Fall.