Ikat Fabric

Traditional handwoven ikat cloth from Indonesia.

Handloom ikat, approximately 1m wide, £20.95 per metre. 

This beautifully handwoven textile comes from Bali, where the weavers sell the ikat cloth they've made on their home looms. The technique of ikat weaving is famous in many parts of the world, from East Asia to the Americas, and is part of a long textile tradition.

Fibre content varies by design. Most are cotton, some include a small amount of rayon, which gives the fabric a slight sheen or shot appearance.

Browse our ikat fabric by the metre below, or explore our fat quarter sets here. 

How is ikat fabric made?

There are different kinds of ikat: double ikat, warp ikat and weft ikat. The kind we specialise in is weft ikat, which means the pattern is carried by the weft threads. The threads are first carefully measured out and then bound tightly into sections with plastic string. These weft threads are dyed and the plastic ties are cut off. Finally the patterned weft threads are woven into a plain warp on a treadle loom. Read more about ikat fabric on our blog.

How wide is ikat fabric?

Our ikat fabric is approximately 1 metre wide, and has approximately 5cm of plain unpatterned edge along each side.

What’s the difference between ikat and batik?

In batik the plain woven cloth is dyed using a wax resist, whereas with ikat the actual threads that make up the fabric are dyed before they are woven.

Can I use ikat fabric for dressmaking?

Yes! The fabric doesn’t have much drape, so it would suit blouses, shirts and boxy camisoles. Alternatively it makes a beautiful accent fabric to add to cuffs or to line a special jacket.

Can I use ikat fabric for upholstery?

Absolutely! We would recommend using it for low traffic upholstery such as blinds, curtains and cushion covers. You could also try making a DIY ikat lampshade!

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