How is Ikat made?

Ikat is a style of weaving that uses a resist dyeing process similar to tie-dye on either the warp or weft before the threads are woven.  Designs generally are worked out on graph paper first to create a pattern or design. Then the design is drawn onto the warp and/or weft threads, wrapped and dyed. The precision of the wrapping determines the clarity of the design.

The loom is set up after the threads are dyed leaving a guide for the weaver to work from. Great care must be taken in putting the warp on the loom, keeping all the threads in position is necessary for the design to work. The natural movement during weaving gives ikat designs a feathered edge which characterize this technique . At the Gaiya Community Center in Ubud, Master weavers are teaching traditional skills to future generations.