Ikat Saree
Introduction
In the mind of anyone who thinks about ikat, one tends to visualize intricate diamond-shaped patterns, curvy scrolls, and paisley patterns.
Did you know that what appears to be printed patterns on fabric is really a complicated weaving method that uses specially dyed threads to develop the pattern on the fabric as the weaver weaves? Ikat is a tie-dye textile art, but it has its own distinctive flavor, even though it is a tie-dye textile art.
The Ikat dyeing process is an elaborate process of dying silk or cotton fabrics.
The result is a piece of cloth that is bathed and glittered in colorful patterns, which is most often associated with sarees in Orissa.
Before the cloth is woven, the Ikat pattern is dyed and glued into the threads before it is woven.
This process differs from the Tie and Dye process, which involves the fabric being woven first.
What is the history of Ikat sarees?
Ikkat is a technique that is widely known today throughout different parts of the world, such as South East Asia, Central Asia, South America and West Africa, and is derived from a variety of different places all around the world. Among the oldest methods of dyeing fabrics is Ikat.
Ikat is derived from the Malay word mengikat, which means to tie or bind something.
Based on sources, Orissa Ikat dates back to the 12th century, when artisans from Patan moved from Gujarat to Orissa.
What is the Ikat Saree Making Process?
Generally, Orissa Ikat is made by tying the fabric with rubber bands or other tying materials to resist the dye from soaking into the textile material.
The basic fabric material for the Orissa Ikat is either silk or cotton and the tools required to carry out the process are a pick, scissors, dye vats, rubber bands, or other tying materials to resist the dye from fully soaking into the fabric.
Ikat Pattern Varieties
There are three main varieties of Orissa Ikat that are on display:
- The process of single Ikat entails dyeing either a warp yarn or a weft yarn as part of the process.
- It is also possible to produce combined Ikkat, which involves both warp and weft yarns being used in different parts of the fabric at the same time.
- It involves both warp and weft threads being tied together in a very precise manner in order to create a completed pattern when the threads from both axes mesh together at certain points in order to display the completed pattern.
Ikkat Saree Maintenance
Ikat sarees are extremely delicate and require special care to preserve their optimal texture and luster. To efficiently care for your ikat silk sarees, follow the procedures below:
Avoid putting perfume on them directly.
When wearing a saree, do not spray perfume or body mist directly onto it. This might cause fabric damage and ruin the texture of your saree.
Keep away from direct sunlight.
Keep the state in a cold, dry location at all times. When your ikat silk saree is exposed to sunshine, it might discolor the fabric.
Storage that is appropriate
To keep insects at bay, always fold the saree properly and place it in a cotton or muslin cloth. To keep insects at bay, place some camphor or neem leaves near the saree.
Cleaning Services
Silk sarees with the ikat design pattern are often quite delicate, so professional cleaning (dry cleaning) is recommended to ensure thorough cleaning and preservation of the saree.
When to wear Ikat sarees?
There is no doubt that Orissa Ikat sarees appeal to the tastes of celebrities such as Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as well as world leaders alike.
For many middle-class housewives in Orissa, the lower-priced Orissa Ikat sarees serve as everyday clothing.
However, the premium sarees have a special place at weddings, festivals and public functions when they are worn.
Where to buy Ikat sarees?
Currently, Ikkat sarees are made in three states: Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, and Gujarat.
It’s usually cotton sarees in Orissa, but silk sarees in Andhra Pradesh.
It’s easy to get these ikat sarees online if you don’t want to go to these places.
They’re affordable and perfect for every occasion.
Interesting Facts Of Ikat Saree
- To make one length of an Ikat saree, it may take two people up to seven months together to complete one length of a saree, which is true of the traditional process of making the sarees by hand.
- Even with the automated process of producing one length of a saree, there are 14 elaborate steps involved in the process of producing a single length of a saree.
Why is ikat expensive?
There is a large amount of work involved in making a saree.
The weaver works on one item for several weeks or even months, carefully handweaving everything by hand.
It is expensive to weave a saree because of the high-quality silk, gold threads, and expert labor required.
Where is ikat from India?
Telia Rumal from Andhra Pradesh is one of the most unique forms of Indian ikat weaving, as the yarn is not only tied-dyed, but it is also treated with a special oil to give the fabric a characteristic sheen that gives it a distinctive look.
There are several places in Odisha in India that weave warp ikat patterns, but the most famous are Sambalpur, Bargarh, Sonepur, and Boudh, which is a small town in Odisha where this type of ikat is made.
Conclusion
It is with great pleasure that we conclude our comprehensive article on Ikat Sarees.
I hope you were able to gain some valuable insight into its historical relevance as a result of our thorough discussion of this topic.
Thanks to their unusual mix of cotton and wonderful designs, these Ikkat Sarees are quickly becoming one of the most important forms of ethnic clothing today.
Without a doubt, these are the pride of India.
