The story of ikkat in India and its varieties

Ikkat is a technique which was not originated in India and historians are unclear about its place of origin as the method is spread far around the world. The word ikkat originated from the Malay-Indonesian word Mengikat which means to tie a bundle of yarn or threads. There is evidence of ikkat found in India which dates to the seventh century. 

It is used to make sarees, ethnic and fusion wear. Ikkat kurtas are among the most loved in India and the same with the sarees. Ikkat patterns are available in more than ten varieties and the weavers here who are involved in ikkat sarees wholesale.

A unique technique of weaving is Telia Rumal from Andhra Pradesh. In this method, the yarn is tie-dyed and treated with a special oil to give the fabric a characteristic sheen. This technique is usually double ikkat, and both warp and weft with motifs are drawn on them. The shapes which are outlined on these sarees are geometric and repetitive. The designs are large, well-defined diamonds, hexagons with squares. Over time, this art has suffered difficulties and was close to extinction but is on the path of revival currently.

The name given to silk in Telugu is Pattu, and Pattu silk sarees are popular in the whole Indian subcontinent. The Kanchipuram silk sarees and Banarasi sarees are especially fashionable in the South and North of India respectively.

Jyothisareemandir is a shopping site for traditional bridal pattu sarees. They provide sarees at special discounts and deal in men’s silk dhotis as well.