Cotton Ikkat

Ikkat is an elaborate dying process done with silk or cotton yarns. The result is a piece of cloth made of colorful patterns. Ikkat is mainly practiced in multiple states in India, namely Orissa, Telengana and Gujarat to name a few. In fact, Ikkat has been practiced in multiple countries other than India as well since long. Ikkat patterns are dyed and bound to the threads before the cloth is woven. This differentiates it from the Tie and Dye process where the fabric is woven in the first place after which it is resist-dyed.
The technique which is known today as Ikkat had its origins in different parts of the world such as South East Asia, Central Asia, South America and West Africa. Ikkat is one of the most ancient techniques of handloom fabric crafts. The term “Ikkat” is a derivation from the Malay word “Mengikkat”, means “to tie” or “to bind”.
In India, Ikkat dates back to the 12th century when artisans from the Patan region of modern day Gujarat migrated to different parts of the country and propagated the craft.