Many of Passion Lilie's fabrics are handwoven and dyed through the ancient ikat dyeing process. Ikat, meaning “to tie” or “to bind” in Indonesian, involves applying bindings, which resist dye penetration, to the threads in the desired pattern, the threads are then dyed, the bindings are removed and finally the threads are woven into fabric.
The patterns can be extremely intricate depending on the number of colors and bindings that are used. During ancient times, because its creation was so time consuming, ikat dyeing was often a status symbol of wealth and power.
ikat
Preparation
Several rows of yarn are stretched out through the length of a house. This length is approximately 10 meters and will create 24 meters when woven.
ikat
Design
The designer draws lines across the yarn to indicate the design. The design can be simple geometric shapes or a more complicated design as shown in the picture.
ikat
Bindings
Rubber bindings are placed on the yarn according to the markings of the designer. These bindings will resist the dye.
ikat
Dyeing
The yarn is then dyed with the initial base color. (5) The yarn is stretched out on poles in the sun to dry. Sun is very important in this process. The bindings are removed and if a second or third color is used in the design, then steps 1-4 will be repeated.
Ikat
Weaving
Once the yarn is completely died and dry. The yarn is placed on cones and on the loom.
It takes 32 cones of yarn to make 24 meters. There are two kinds of looms- a manual and an electric. Manual takes 16 hours and electric about 12 hours to spin 24 meters. The design process takes about 5 hours and the dying and drying process can take another 1-3 days for 24 meters. Once the loom has been spun, the 24 meters of fabric are ready!
For best results, we recommend machine washing with mild detergent in cold water and line drying. Wash colors separately. Do not soak block printed fabrics and do not dry them in direct sunlight.
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