We are so happy to add our new ikat triangle pattern to Rustic Loom’s collection of artisan made textiles.
Here’s how we produced this artisan made ikat woven fabric:
Step 1: Designed in Brooklyn
I started with a rough sketch in Rustic Loom's Brooklyn studio. I then re-worked the sketch into a repeated pattern on my computer using Photoshop. After a few WhatsApp conversations back and forth with our weaver in India, I modified the design into a weavable ikat cotton fabric for home decor and ethical fashion.
Step 2: Artisan Ikat Weaving Process- Hyderabad, India
The pattern in an ikat fabric is made by tying and dying yarns to make a design. There are many steps to the ikat weaving process, most of the design is made before even weaving the fabric.
First, the weavers (and family members of weavers) wind the cotton warp threads onto long skeins of yarn which will be the warp.
The weavers then stretch the warp out lengthwise to prepare it for tying and dyeing the ikat pattern.
The weavers then hand draw the ikat pattern by comparing the design to their own drawing and a printout of my design.
The weavers then tie the warp yarns to make the ikat pattern.
The weavers then dye the yarns and the area where the yarns were tied in black (in photo above) are now white (in photo below).
The warp is then stretched onto the loom and ready for weaving.
The weavers then weave the fabric on the loom, and viola, the finished fabric:
Step 3: Sewn by Women's Empowerment Organization in Mumbai, India
All of our Indian artisan made fabric is sewn into products be our partner women's empowerment organization in Mumbai, India. This organization employs women from disadvantaged areas in Mumbai to stitch Rustic Loom products.
We send diagrams of our products and communicate with the organization via WhatsApp. Here is Sheela, Kavita, and Babita - each of these women help support their families by stitching Rustic Loom wares.
Finished products are shipped to Rustic Loom in Brooklyn, and ready to ship you!
Click here for our full selection of black ikat triangle products
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