Threads & Fabric

Ikat

2 articles

Editorial illustration for Shibori vs. Ikat: The Difference Is When the Resist Is Applied
Artisan Spotlight

Shibori vs. Ikat: The Difference Is When the Resist Is Applied

The primary distinction between Shibori and Ikat lies in the timing of the resist-dyeing process: Shibori manipulates finished woven cloth, while Ikat dyes individual threads before they are woven into fabric.

Fatima Al-Jamil·October 29, 2026
Close-up of artisan's hands tying threads for an ikat textile, with vibrant, partially woven fabrics in the background.
Artisan Spotlight

What Is Ikat Weaving and Why Does Its 'Feathered' Effect Matter?

For centuries, a slight blur in a textile pattern was not a mistake, but a deliberate, painstaking mark of skill and even talismanic power in cultures across India and South East Asia.

Fatima Al-Jamil·August 22, 2026