ikat
Americannoun
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a method of printing woven fabric by tie-dyeing the warp yarns warp ikat, the weft yarns weft ikat, or both double ikat before weaving.
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a fabric made by this method.
noun
Etymology
Origin of ikat
1930–35; < Malay: to tie, bind
Explanation
Ikat is a method of weaving that uses tie-dyed thread. The colorful patterns of ikat cloth have a distinctive blurry look. The blurriness of most ikat patterns comes from the fact that they're woven using pre-dyed, multi-colored yarn, making the patterns imprecise. Before a weaver starts the painstaking process, bundles of ikat threads are wrapped and dyed, with the process often being repeated several times. It's similar to batik or tie-dying, but the individual fibers are resistance-dyed rather than an entire piece of fabric. In Indonesian, ikat means "to bind."
Vocabulary lists containing ikat
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Expect 153 guestrooms and a signature restaurant by American chef Andrew Carmellini, along with the eclectic interiors of kaleidoscopic Murano glass chandeliers, peppy ikat fabrics and whimsical wall coverings by famed Martin Brudnizki Design Studio.
From National Geographic ● Apr. 18, 2023
Over 100 ikat examples will be on display in the exhibition, including pieces from the museum’s collection.
From Seattle Times ● Dec. 27, 2022
Its designs and colors can have endless variations, from multicolored stripes to ikat patterns that are popular for robes.
From New York Times ● Nov. 3, 2022
He bought his first ikat for $700 after seeing it hanging in a gallery window on Madison Avenue in 1975, and went on to acquire hundreds more.
From Washington Post ● Dec. 10, 2020
The servants’ houses have atap walls covered with samir or kajang matting— Rumah orang gaji itu dinding-nia ikat atap apit samir atau kajang.
From A Manual of the Malay language With an Introductory Sketch of the Sanskrit Element in Malay by Sir William Edward Maxwell
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