The term “ikat” refers to the dyeing technique used to create the designs on the fabric. It is a resist dyeing process, where bundles of yarn are tightly wrapped together and then dyed as many times as is required to create the desired pattern. This dyeing process is different because the yarns are dyed before being woven into cloth. These are incredibly special, and the colours alone will fill you with joy each you wear or use whatever you make in this textile.

The characteristic quality of Ikat fabric is its apparent blurriness to the design. This blurriness is a result of the difficulty a weaver's faces while making the finished cloth. This blurriness can be reduced by using finished yarns or by using a better technique of craftsmanship. Final Ikat fabric with minimum blurriness, in a variety of colours and with complicated patterns is difficult to make and is hence, more expensive. The end result is a piece of cloth that is dyed in a variety of colors. In the case of Ikat, the yarns are first bind before dying; and this makes it different from the tie and dye technique, where the fabric is already woven.

Hand-woven Ikat is traditionally made in three states of India – Odisha, where both single and double Ikats are woven; Gujarat, which is famous for Saurashtra Patolas and Patan Patolas and Andhra Pradesh’s Pochampalli weaves. Ikat must be a part of every wardrobe, Indian or not. Ikat, which involves pre-dyeing the yarn before weaving, is a very elaborate and painstaking process. There are three different Ikat weaving techniques. Here they are:

WARP IKAT: Lengthwise or longitudinal yarns of fabric are referred to as warp yarns. In warp Ikat, the warp yarns of the fabric are dyed with this Ikat technique; whereas, weft yarns areas are dyed in a solid color. Before weaving the fabric, the entire Ikat pattern is visible through warp yarns. Warp Ikat gives an overall look of the desired Ikat pattern with plain weft yarns.

WEFT IKAT: Weft is a yarn that runs back and forth in a fabric. Weft is the vertical set of yarns running along with the fabric. In weft Ikat, the weaving or the weft yarns carry the dyed patterns. The pattern only appears when the weaving proceeds. Weft Ikat is however, slower than warp Ikat because the weft yarns need to be carefully adjusted as per the design, before weaving. Slow weaving maintains clarity of the design.

DOUBLE IKAT: Weft is a yarn that runs back and forth in a fabric. Weft is the vertical set of yarns running along the fabric. In weft Ikat, the weaving or the weft yarns carry the dyed patterns. The pattern only appears when the weaving proceeds. Weft Ikat is however, slower than warp Ikat because the weft yarns need to be carefully adjusted as per the design, before weaving. Slow weaving maintains clarity of the design.

Ikat fabric is used in a variety of categories:

Uses in Apparels: From blouses to stretch pants, ikat-method dyeing is used everywhere in the fashion industry. Ikat is more common in women's clothing than it is in mens.

Accessory Uses: Scarves, shawls, and headscarves are all common applications of ikat in accessories. Of course, shoes, purses, belts, and other items may also bear ikat patterns, but these designs may simply be printed rather than authentically bunch-dyed.

We as a brand truly believe in sustainability and authenticity, Ikat collection along with being charmingly refreshing in design and aesthetics, it is also made in the most eco-friendly way. We offer beautiful patterns, in bold and muted hues, in hand-woven Ikat kurtis and palazzos, dresses and dupattas etc. Made from organic cotton, these ensembles are super breezy and are perfect for any occasion. Re-define your wardrobe with our Ikat collection. Flawlessly tailored for comfort, these outfits are endlessly versatile. Wear them while lounging at home or go for a quick rendezvous. The modern silhouettes and fine details of the Ikat patterns make them perfect summer pieces. At trueBrowns, we continuously aim to be a brand that connects and relates to your needs.