Textile technique

Ikat

A resist-dyeing method patterns yarn before it is woven into cloth.

Also searched as: warp ikat, weft ikat, double ikat, kasuri

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A symbolic surface study. This technique has no single fixed pattern; this is not a construction diagram or photograph.

How it is made

Selected areas of yarn bundles resist dye, then the yarns are positioned during weaving. Warp, weft or both sets can carry the design.

How to recognize it

Slight alignment variation can give motif edges a feathered appearance.

Common uses

  • Robes
  • Scarves
  • Furnishing cloth

What to distinguish

An ikat-style print imitates the appearance without yarn-resist dyeing. The Japanese term kasuri identifies yarn-resist textiles in that tradition.

Sources & further reading

Research checked 2026-09-27. Descriptions are original summaries; references support terminology and construction, not every product sold under a name.

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