There are many types of fabric patterns – stripes, dots, checks, plaids, florals, paisleys and many others. We all know what kind of patterns those are, but there is another fabric pattern that is more exotic. This little known pattern is called ikat and trendy homeowners and interior designers have started using it more in recent years.
Ikat fabric is an ancient fabric that is believed to have been around since the first millennium AD. Although not fully known, it is believed that ikat originated in Indonesia. The word ikat comes from the Indonesian language, meaning "to tie" or "to bind," which explains how the fabric is woven. This ancient technique is very difficult because it requires a separate dye bath for every color that is used. Therefore, to create an intricate design, a weaver must protect already dyed portions by tying a dye-resistant fiber around them. This is called resist-dyeing. And because the pattern is carefully determined at the beginning of the process, all the threads must remain in order after they are dyed. Finally, they are woven together to create an ikat-patterned cloth.
Most of the threads above have been dyed in blue. The white portions are protected by a plastic fiber and will be dyed in another color next. The weaver must be careful to keep the threads in order because the pattern has already been predetermined. Source: Mekong River Textiles.
Lorraine ikat headboard, available in queen or king. Sold at: Anthropologie.
Bravado Ikat, from the Tea House collection, available at Thibaut.
Let's face it, most of us don't like their entire home to be covered in bold and powerful colors, but we like to add elements of "pow" to a timelessly neutral design. And what better way to do that than to add some colorful ikat throw pillows to a neutral living space? We found this idea in a recent article written by Christopher Petkanas for House Beautiful.
Blue and white ikat accent chair with red twist cord trim detail. Featured in Hampton Designer Show House 2008. Designer: Christopher Maya.
Light blue ikat chair and curtain, designed by Soane.
Atherton in Earth 10926
Manteca in Indigo 10884
Spencer in Chocolate 11149
Valenzuela in Carnival 11235
Valenzuela in Twilight 11234
| rabiya |
05/15/2010 11:06:07
Im so glad that you are blogging about ethnic and cultural topics in design. Much better than those superficial design blogs out there. |
| Ina |
05/23/2010 00:44:36
Hmmm...I had no idea what ikat is. That is why I like your blog. It actually teaches you new things. |
