Ikat has enduring appeal as an interior fabric design. More interesting than a stripe, it can either be the star of your interior design or a subtle addition, depending on the colour and size of the Ikat print you use. At Fabrics Galore, ikat fabrics are one of our most popular designs in our furnishing and upholstery collections. Discover why Ikat is such a popular design choice and how to introduce it into your home décor.
How is Ikat Made?
Ikat’s distinctive design is traditionally created by resist-dyeing bundles of yarn (rather than the woven fabric) in sections to create the desired pattern. Resist dyeing the yarn before weaving the fabric results in the characteristic blurred edges due to the difficulty in matching the yarns.
Usually, either the warp yarns are dyed (known as warp ikat) or the weft yarns are dyed (known as weft ikat) . However, double ikat refers to the highly skilled process of tying and dyeing both warp and weft yarns before the weaving process. Double ikat can be quite expensive due to the additional labour involved.
What Type of Fabric is the Ikat Technique Used On?
- Natural fibres work best for Ikat due to the resist-dyeing technique which is done by hand.
- Linen, cotton or linen and cotton blends work best for Ikat.
- Silk and wool are also used.
What is the Difference Between Woven Ikat and Printed Ikat?
Authentic Ikat made using the manual resist dyeing technique described above, is incredibly labour-intensive and therefore results in a beautiful but expensive fabric. Nowadays, Ikat fabrics are often printed rather than woven, allowing a more affordable version of Ikat to be available to people wishing to introduce Ikat in their interior decor.
Our Ikat Collection at Fabrics Galore
Our Ikat fabrics are printed on a high quality 100% linen or a linen and cotton blend. The natural fibres provide an authentic look to the Ikat designs which replicate the trademark blurred edges created by the resist dyeing technique.
Where did Ikat Originate?
The word ikat is derived from the Malay/Indonesia word which means to bind or tie. It is an ancient technique for resist-dyeing cloth, which was common across Africa, Asia and South America, although it is most widely associate with Indonesia, where it is used for everyday clothing and ritual garments. It is assumed that historical trade routes brought the technique to Europe where Mallorca emerged as a major production centre in the 18th century.
For a fantastic overview of Ikat textile production around the world, do visit Clothroads whose mission is to showcase different textiles from across the globe.
Different Ways to Use Ikat in Interiors
Sofas & Stuff V&A Brompton Collection
Ikat works best in a room when it is either a single bold statement piece or a complementary accent piece. Although Ikat’s origins are steeped in tradition, the design works equally well in modern interiors. The slightly faded blurred design makes it easy to find a colour which complements the rest of your room’s scheme. Find out how to introduce it below:
Examples of high commitment big statement ikat pieces
Designer Kit Kemp's Willow Sofa
- Curtains (works best in rooms with tall ceilings)
- Feature wall panels
- Upholstered headboards
- Sofas and chaises longues
Examples of low commitment accent pieces
Mon Deco Shop's cushion collection
- Blinds (perhaps framed by neutral curtains)
- Cushions and pillows
- Dining chairs
- Foot stools and pouffes
- Occasional use chair
- Lampshades
- Duvet covers and bed throws
- Tablecloths and napkins
How to Style Ikat
- Unless you are a pattern maximalist and love to clash different prints, we recommend pairing Ikat pieces with an otherwise neutral décor.
- If the room is small with low ceilings, choose a smaller Ikat print so as not to overwhelm the space.
- In a busy room, choose a large-scale Ikat repeat pattern which will seem less chaotic to the eye.
- Either match one of the colours from the ikat elsewhere in the room or choose an ikat which contains a key colour already in the room.
- Avoid pairing ikat with other bold patterns like paisley, other geometric prints or floral fabrics, although it can work well with a soft stripe.
Which colours work best for Ikat fabric?
- Most Ikat fabrics contain more than one colour to accentuate the distinctive design.
- Any colour can work so choose Ikat colours which complement your existing décor or if designing a whole room from scratch, select other textiles which pick out colours from the ikat.
- In a neutral room, you can go bold with indigo blue, emerald green or red Ikats.
- Choose muted ikat colours for a room which already features lots of colour.
- Ikat can work really well in a beach-themed space using shades of blue.
Insider tip: our best-selling ikat is a soft denim blue colour with subtle spots of dusky pink.
How do you Care for Ikat?
- Sunlight will fade natural dyes so try to avoid using Ikat for curtains and chairs that will receive full sun
- Ikat design is excellent at hiding small stains but spot-clean upholstery as soon as possible.
- If using Ikat for curtains, consider using a blackout lining which will protect the dyes from fading.
- Linen and cotton ikat smaller pieces like cushion covers may be machine washed on a cool 30-degree setting.
- Larger ikat soft furnishings like curtains and blinds should be dry-cleaned.
- Ikat upholstery must be professionally cleaned following manufacturers’ advice.
How Will You Style Ikat?
Using Ikat in interiors delivers a unique vibe. It can be both bold and cosy, exotic yet homely, and used on statement pieces like sofas and curtains or subtle accent pieces like cushions and ottomans. However you want to experiment with Ikat in your interiors, browse our Ikat collection to find your favourite designs and colours.
Authored by: Annabelle Rigg, Online and Store Manager at Fabrics Galore London
Reviewed by: Paul Johnston, Owner and Founder of Fabrics Galore London since 1992
Feature Image Credit: Clothroads
