The Accuracy of Ikat Sarees

India is known as the homeland of a multitude of fabrics and textile designs produced in vivid colours and patterns. One of these many textiles is Ikat - a handwoven fabric that carries a charm of its own. Ikat is much more than just a beautiful fabric. It involves an ancient weaving tradition that has been in practice for at least a thousand years. The Ikkat saree weaving is very distinct and features a range of patterns from geometric lines to abstract design. A fuzzy or blurry effect is a signature element of the Ikkat pattu sarees and is more expensive than the classic Ikat sarees.

Origin and Weave

The technique of Ikkat craft has its origins around the world. Some parts of Asia like Central Asia, South East Asia have demonstrated strong Ikat traditions. The word Ikat has Indonesian origin - derived from the word ‘mengikat’, meaning to tie or to bind.

Ikat is not India’s indigenous textile art but has come to India in the form of trade with China and Indonesia. In recent times, the finest quality of Ikat sarees from India has been in demand worldwide. The special thing about Ikat weaving in India is that it came to be developed as a prominent handloom art in major states like Odisha, Gujarat, and Telangana. Over the years, these Indian states have evolved their own style of dyeing and weaving of Ikat sarees.

The main fabrics used for Ikat are silk and cotton. Ikat patterns are dyed and bound into the threads before the fabric is weaved. The colours used in dying were originally derived from plants and trees and the designs were made with vertical symmetry that results in a similar pattern on both sides.

The difference between a Single and Double Ikat

Single Ikat is a tie and dye method where only the warp is resist-dyed and interwoven with the weft. In this process, the weft is dyed with a solid colour or has no colour at all. The design patterns are clearly visible on the warp even before it is woven. Such a technique is time-consuming as weavers need to precisely line up the yarn for perfect design outcomes.

The double Ikat weaving technique involves both warp and weft yarns that are resist-dyed before weaving. The use of double Ikat is limited and is produced only in three countries: India, Indonesia and Japan. As a matter of fact, double Ikkat sarees are the most difficult to make and are very expensive. In this technique, both warp and weft are tied in a greatly precise manner in such a way that they are woven together to create a specific design pattern.

Varieties of Ikat

The Ikat weaving techniques are closely restrained as family traditions that have been passed on from generation to generation. Over the years, artisans have evolved their own style of dyeing and weaving Ikat sarees. It is a complicated weaving technique and requires great mathematical precision, patience, and strong imagination.

Patola Ikat

Patola Ikat sarees are woven in major cities of Gujarat - Rajkot and Patan. Also known as Patan Patola, the Ikat silk sarees use the double ikat weaving technique. The highly complex double Ikat weave features motifs like geometric designs, and are inspired by ancient sculptures.

Odisha Ikat

The Ikat craft is known as Bandha in Odisha. It is predominantly practised in the Sambalpur region along with areas like Boudh, Sonepur, Cuttack and Bargarh. In Odisha, single Ikat and double Ikat weaving techniques are practised. The Sambalpuri Ikat sarees are often used for ceremonial purposes and can be recognised by hazy borders and nature-inspired motifs.

Pochampally Ikat

Pochampally Ikkat sarees have marked their rightful place in the global market. The weaving process is done in the Pochampally region, Andhra Pradesh. The uniqueness of Pochampally Ikat sarees lies in the smoothness of the fabric. The Pochampally ikkat silk sarees are woven in the double Ikat technique and are well known for symmetric designs made with natural dyes and the finest silk yarn.

Puttapaka

Puttapaka Ikat weaving is done in the village of Puttapaka, Telangana. Unlike, single Ikat weaving technique used in Ikat pattu sarees, the resist-dyeing process is done on the warp yarn and not on the weft. Puttapaka is also famous for Ikat cotton sarees and is mostly sold under the name of the more popular Pochampally.

Buy Ikat Sarees Online

Kankatala is a pioneer in silk sarees with multiple stores across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka. We offer fascinating designs and patterns of ikkat sarees online. We sell carefully handpicked, handwoven Ikat sarees online, both in-store and online. You can find a huge collection of handloom sarees, silk sarees, cotton sarees in different colours, designs and patterns. Browse through a wide range of Ikat print saree and Ikkat cotton sarees online for casual occasions and authentic Ikat silk sarees online for ceremonies and weddings.

Which place is famous for ikat?

The ikat weaving technique is practised only in 3 major states in India such as Gujarat, Odisha and Telangana. All three states have their own variety of Ikat saree and have developed their own style of dyeing and weaving. However, you can purchase all varieties of ikkat sarees online at Kankatala.

Why is ikat expensive?

Ikat is an ancient weaving tradition that has been in practice in major parts of Asia. Ikat comes in two varieties: single ikat and double ikat. The authentic Ikat sarees are expensive because the design is created in the yarn before weaving the fabric. It is a complicated weaving technique and requires great calculative precision, patience, and vivid imagination.

Is ikat and pochampally the same?

Ikat is a technique of weaving, where the design patterns are dyed on the yarn before weaving the fabric. Pochampally is a place in Telangana where the Ikat weaving technique is predominantly followed. Pochampally Ikat sarees are popular globally for their smooth texture and lightweight nature.