|
This is a resist treatment in which the yarns to be woven (either warp, weft, or both), are dyed before being woven,
knitted, crocheted, or otherwise worked. Ikat resist techniques may be used to create wonderfully intricate patterning.
Traditionally, ikats are native to Asia, particularly, Indonesia, India, Japan, and China, but the art is very much alive in
Africa and South America as well. Ikat is created by wrapping and binding portions of the thread in a calculated
pattern. The material used to bind must resist the dyestuff being used. Usually, ikat tape (extremely strong poly plastic
tape) is used because of its nature to resist all dyes. However, a cotton yarn which is not affected by acid dyes, may be
used as a resist material on wool and silk yarn. The entire bundle may be immersed into a dyebath, or multiple colors
of dyes may be directly applied. When complete, these resisted yarns are woven or otherwise constructed into
magnificent cloth.
|
|
