Trend of the Week: Ikat Print

As you scroll through Passion Lilie’s collection of fashionable and ethical apparel, you can’t miss the ikat print. It’s both eye-catching and fun, it has a huge range, and it looks great on everything from statement pieces to entire dresses. Western cultures have been making ikat for centuries, and its creation is one we take great pride in. Ikat patterns can be found in Peru, Guatemala, Indonesia, Uzbekistan, and more. It’s a technique that has developed across the globe. Our artisans make ikat prints by hand in India, and we’d like to highlight the process for you to give new meaning to your ikat apparel.

Creating the Ikat Print

Ikat translates from Indonesian to English as “to tie” or “to bind.” Its name comes from the hands-on process of creating the pattern, described below. Although the results look like a print, ikat is actually a dyeing process rather than a printing process.

Step One

Many rows of yarn are laid out and stretched to about 10 meters, which will ultimately make 24 meters when woven. The rows of yarn will depend on how many different colors will be used in the ikat “print” creation process.

Step Two

The artisan draws lines on the yarn to indicate the final ikat print or pattern.

Step Three

Rubber bindings are placed along the lines to mark the pattern. These rubber bindings are crucial because they resist the dye. If it weren’t for these, the entire fabric would end up colored, and the pattern would not create the ikat print as expected.

Step Four

The yarn is dyed with the base or main color. All Passion Lilie products, including those with ikat prints, are made using plant and vegetable dyes, eco dyes, or organic dyes. We believe in using sustainable, environmentally responsible practices through every step of the process, so you can feel good about wearing our apparel and avoid harsh chemicals. You can learn more about ethical shopping with our ethical shopping guide.

Step Five

Next, the yarn is stretched out on poles in the sun to dry. Sun is very important to the ikat print creation process. Once the yarn has dried, the bindings are removed. If more colors are needed in the design, then steps 1–4 will be repeated until the final ikat print is complete.

Step Six

The ikat print is complete! The yarn is then placed on cones and on the loom.

Wearing the Ikat Print

Due to the care and attention to detail required by this process, each ikat print is truly one of a kind. The result of this process is fun, trendy fabrics that can be converted into a wide variety fashionable pieces. Browse several of our top ikat print items today and expand your wardrobe!

Beach Breeze Dress

This dress is perfect for the beach or even just to wear to work as a reminder of the sandy shores and ocean waves. The bright blue and white are a cheery combination, while the silhouette hugs your curves in all the right places.

Grey with Red Poncho

This poncho is a trendy way to switch things up from your usual jacket or blazer. The tie in the front is flattering yet comfortable. Embrace this ikat print anywhere from the office to your next special occasion.

Caribbean Ikat Scarf

With its bright blue hues and aquatic ikat print, this scarf can’t help but remind us of the Caribbean Sea. The tassels at the bottom add a little bit more fun to the texture as well. Wear it around your neck at dinner to accessorize your outfit, or wrap it around your shoulders to keep warm when the air conditioning is blasting.

Chevron Headband

There’s nothing quite like a stylish headband to keep your hair out of your face. Whether you’re having a bad hair day or simply want to accessorize, this ikat print headband would be a great addition to your closet.

Learn More About the Ikat Print

If you’re curious to learn more about the ikat print and its creation process, check out our Ikat Process video. Shop our collection for more ikat print apparel and accessories, and feel free to contact Passion Lilie with any questions. We love sharing the hard work of our artisans, and we know you will, too!