Bold ikat patterns of Uzbek ikat fabrics

In a variety of ikat fabrics made around the world one can identify Uzbek ikat fabrics by its bold ikat pattern. Ikat textiles traditions are not unique to Uzbekistan. Many other countries also have long established ikat weaving cultures. However, just like food and music can tell a lot about the a culture, the same holds true for fabrics and patterns.

A tiny bit about Uzbek culture:

Uzbeks are social. Very social. In Uzbekistan we believe that a tight knit supportive family is a foundation of good happy life. Uzbek families are usually large, especially in villages.Gatherings are celebrated widely with music, dancing and a lot of good food. Uzbeks in general like things that are vibrant, colorful and festive. This is very evident in clothing and bold ikat patterns of ikat fabrics made and worn in Uzbekistan.

How can you easily differentiate Uzbek ikat fabrics from other ikats:

• Pattern: usually large one. Patterns are primarily floral, sometimes geometric.
• Colors: vibrant, bold, often contrasting, unimaginable color combination.
• Fibers: pure silk, pure cotton or cotton and silk blends are main fibers in Uzbek ikat fabrics. Most of our ikat fabrics are cotton and silk blends.

“Uzbekistan has saturated ikats and funny jazz bars out of a Jerzy Kosinski novel”.

_{John Robshaw, textile designer}

It is vibrancy of colors and boldness of patterns what makes Uzbek ikat fabrics interesting for other designers as well. Take Francisca Turner who is an owner and a creative director of Frankitas. She has been using Uzbek ikat since she started her home furnishing and accessories label in 2014.

“Even though I’m Indonesian ― and Indonesia makes great ikat ― the ones from Uzbekistan stand out. They are super versatile and are still made using the ancient techniques that have nine to 12 steps,” says Turner, who lives in Kuala Lumpur.

If you are looking for a way to make a statement with s color and a bold ikat pattern, be it in fashion or home decoration Uzbek ikats are a way to go. Check out our handwoven ikat fabrics for DIY projects. We have a huge variety of ikat pillow covers and for timeless pieces of fashion, please proceed to our silk scarves collection.