Ikat

Ikat is everywhere these days. I decided to do some research to find out more about this look and thought I’d share it with you.

Ivory/Straw window panel from West Elm

Ikat (sometimes spelled Ikkat) is actually one of the oldest forms of textile decoration. It’s actually a method of weaving using a resist dyeing process. This process is said to be similar to tie dying on either the warp or weft fibers (vertical or horizontal fibers). 

$19.99 at World Market

Many Ikat motifs may have ethnic, ritual or symbolic meaning and some believe that the cloth actually has magical powers. Often times the motif or design is blurred, this is typical for Guatemalan ikat however South American and Indonesian weavers are known for creating near perfect alignment. 

Like I said, the look is very popular right now, unfortunately these are often times inexpensive printed designs instead of the in depth dyeing and weaving process. Either way, it’s a really great look! 

Gorgeous sheet set from Anthropologie