Ikat patterns have quickly become one of the most popular styles in the fabric and upholstery industries. However, resist dyeing has been around for centuries and is responsible for everything from the 1960’s American tie-dye to modern Saris (the colorful robes popular with women in India and Pakistan). This is some serious flexibility!
The Ikat pattern is thought to have originated in Indonesia, but it can be found in nearly every culture in the world and may have been developed independently in many countries. ‘Ikat’ is Indonesian for ‘thread’; though in language today it can be used to describe the cloth or the process of resist dyeing. The neatest thing about the traditional technique used is how the warp or weft fibers are dyed, such that when woven a “programmed” pattern begins to emerge.
If you look closely at the fabric above (
GH #11322 Ocean) you can see how the weft fibers stand out in the pattern. Bight, bold colors are also evident in the IKAT fabrics to showcase the beautiful, intricate patterns. Not only will we see them all over and throughout the home – they will continue to be seen on runways, in store front windows and on your neighbor’s shoulder bag.
Please email us your thoughts and photos of your projects using Ikat fabrics at
socialnetworking@greenhousefabrics.com and we will display them here next week!
Find out more about Ikat here:
http://www.galenfrysinger.com/new_york_museum_ikat.htm
That's so interesting! I never realized how widespread resist dyeing techniques were. My grandmother used to make batik fabrics, which I now understand is another form of it. Thinking about complex patterns and global traditions makes me appreciate handcrafted textiles so much more. Though completely different, it reminds me of the simple joy of playing Eggy Car - seemingly basic, but with surprising depth once you get into it.
ReplyDeleteI am very impressed with the Ikat patterns – both classic and modern, just like the way Drift Boss combines traditional and electronic music. Every time I see the Ikat pattern, I think of how each note in the game is “programmed” to create a complete melody – truly artistic!
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