There is something undeniably attractive about ikat fabrics. They never fail to attract, whether they are displayed in a shop window, worn at an event, or used to make home decor or other items for the house. No matter what item you make from Ikat fabric, it will always look chic.

Ikat fabrics have their own characteristics which may or may not meet your requirements. It isn’t just about picking up a fabric with the the most beautiful ikat pattern and in beautiful colors, but a lot more. There are numerous factors to be taken into account before making that final choice. 

Therefore, before directly jumping into buying ikat fabrics, you need to put some thought into how you are going to use the fabric.  As in, what width of a fabric you will need, do you need to match ikat pattern and how you will care for the fabric .

We have compiled other factors for you in detail, so you can choose your favorite fabric better. Here is a list of the 5 most important things that you need to know!

1. Artisanal quality

The fashion industry is the second most polluting industry in the world. All thanks to mass production driven by the fast fashion. The production of fabric has become more mechanized and industrialized all around the world. As a result, there is a risk that we may lose the rich history and artistry of traditional and indigenous textiles. Thankfully, Ikat fabrics are handmade and handwoven using traditional techniques by skilled artisans. Ikat fabrics are sustainable as they are handmade, produced in limited quantities, and do not contain any synthetics that end up in landfills. They are of high quality and hence long-lasting. By buying ikat fabric you not only buy unique piece of textile. You also support a-centuries-old tradition which is a lot more sustainable and Earth friendly than most of the textiles produced these days.

2. Narrow Width of Uzbek ikat fabrics

Ikat fabrics have a narrow width. In general they measure 35-45 cm in width.  This limitation is set by he width of a handloom and a characteristics of local silk and cotton. We have a great article discussing narrow width and other characteristics of ikat fabrics at this link. If you are planning to make curtains, bedspreads, or quilts, having a narrow width will cause you inconvenience. Hence, you need to consider the width and ikat pattern repeat before buying ikat fabrics.

At UzbekAlive, we offer a free ikat pattern matching service. This means that we will put together several widths of ikat fabric for you matching ikat patterns so that you may purchase a wider piece of ikat fabric. It will be a benefit for you since your fabric cost will only include the amount that you really need. We save all of the leftovers and use them for future projects. Have a look at our widened Ikat fabrics here.

3.     Ikat Pattern Repeat

Ikat fabrics come with enticing patterns. Hence, just like any other fabric with a pattern, it also comes with a pattern repeat. As discussed in the above point, handwoven Ikat fabrics have a narrow width. Because each fabric is unique ikat pattern repeat also varies and that pattern needs to be matched. Please keep this in mind before buying ikat fabrics.

4.     Uzbek ikat fabrics are often “hand wash only” or better “dry clean”

When purchasing ikat fabric, it is important to pay attention to the washing and care instructions. Imagine if you put a lot of thought and care into purchasing an ikat fabric. But shortly after wearing it, you decided to wash it rather than send it to be dry cleaned. For some reason, you failed to notice that the fabric would have an unfavorable reaction to being washed in water. As a result, you will just waste a fantastic new acquisition.

The care of each fabric is different. Therefore, you should always check to see what type of care the ikat fabric requires before committing to it. If you don’t, you will realize that what took a lot of effort to purchase ends up costing you twice. This is something you might have not wanted. For now, though, bear in mind these instruction:

Most Ikat fabrics are luxurious fabrics that require dry clean, however, there are some ikat fabrics which can be washed. For hand washable ikat fabrics the instructions are as follows:

• Handwash the ikat fabrics in cold water.
• Use a mild detergent.
• Wash separately from everything else.

5.     Luxury fabric for special events

If the purpose of buying ikat fabric is solely to wear for an event, then you are quite right with a choice of a fabric. Ikat fabrics are special fabrics for special occasions and require special care.

Since Uzbek ikat fabric are considered a luxurious textile, the fabric is not designed for a typical day-to-day wear. It is more appropriate for formal events and special outings. Ikat fabrics have been widely seen on red carpets as well as in couture outfits. Many celebrities  like Sofia Lauren, Kristen Stewart, Emma Stone, Beyonce and Taraji P. Henson, have been spotted wearing ikat garments. As their motive is to look unique and chic, costs of maintaining the garments is secondary. The effect on the public is what matters. Therefore, Ikat fabrics are the best choice for those whose lives are in the limelight.

Ikat is one of the world’s oldest fabrics that speaks volumes about culture and art. Due to its exceptional beauty and tradition, ikats continue to attract collectors, textile historians, and art enthusiasts. They desire to conserve it for future generations to enjoy. It will always remain in style, no matter what use you make of it. You can even utilize your grandma’s Ikat robes if you have conserved them properly. We are sure all eyes will be on you when you step out wearing the timeless Ikat robes. On the other hand, your curtains, table runners, bedspreads, quilts, and pillow covers will also remain evergreen. 

Therefore, before buying ikat fabrics, make sure that you know your requirements, and then compare it to the aforementioned guidelines. That’s how you’ll know if ikat fabrics are right for your project. To choose the best quality ikat fabrics, check out UzbekAlive’s collection of ikat fabrics so that you get only the genuine Uzbek ikats at the best price.