[Kristin]

Ikat fabric can be made from silk, cotton or wool, the patterns are created before the cloth is woven on a loom. This is possible because each thread has already been pre dyed, when the strands are set on the loom the pattern of the cloth being made is in the complete control of the weaver. The cloth originated in the Far East with the Chinese originally having the monopoly on it because the country had so many silk worms, but as the plants spread then countries like Indonesia and India started to produce this fabric also.



When it first appeared Ikat fabric was only affordable by the rich of that era, tribal chieftains used to prize the fabric and had them made into expensive robes that they wore to ceremonial occasions.  When the cloth reached Europe people started to use it on furnishings as well as clothing and thus its popularity was assured. In some countries Ikat fabric is made from wool and made into clothing that people use to protect themselves from the cold winter months.



Ikat fabric has always been popular and the bright patterns will add a touch of elegance to any situation, interior designers make use of the fabric to refurbish upholstery and soft furnishings. The cloth is dyed by us putting the strands of the threads in beads which allow just a little of the dye to get into the outer edge of the bead and give the blurring effect that Ikat fabric is so well known for. The secrets of the dyeing process has been handed down from generation to generation  within families and it has been tradition that the women of the house do the dyeing, whilst the men became master craftsmen and wove the material into the pattern.



When Ikat fabric is used with interior design the look it portrays is one of luxury and because it comes in silk, cotton or wool the prices can be very reasonable when purchased by the yard. Ikat pattern is used in fashion with designers making garments for women that look stunning when they are worn, most fashion houses will say that when wearing Ikat fabric smaller garments like tops or blouses look better than full dresses.

Ikat fabric adds a touch of class to any situation and if you have a room in your home that will be refurbished soon then taking a look at some Ikat designs could inspire you.


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