Ikat patterns are trendy and can be expensive, but because the patterns are very organic and loose, it’s an easy DIY. There are endless ikat patterns to recreate, but I love Lee Jofa’s Ikat de Lin in Brick and used this image for my inspiration. I used four yards of ivory linen (available at Joann’s or Gray Lines Linen) and Procion MX fabric dye in Bright Scarlet.
To mix the dye (it comes in powder form), add 1/8 tsp of powder with 16 oz of cold water. This is for a very pale result. If you want a richer, deeper red closer to the colors in the inspiration fabric, double or triple the amount of powder.
Mark the center of the 60″ wide fabric and then free hand paint the base design using a thick, soft paint brush.
Once the base patten was finished, mix a stronger concentration of the fabric dye in a small squeeze bottle. Use about 1/8 tsp again for only about 1 oz of cold water. Then use the squeeze bottle to add lines to the ikat pattern. The idea is for the darker lines to line up with each other as if part of the weft of the fabric. It is easiest to work from top to bottom for the straightest lines, rather that right to left.
The pattern will look more like real ikat if there are layers of dye, where everything sort of bleeds into each other. So once the lines are added with the squeeze bottle, go over the design again with the soft brush.
The entire process moves very quickly. This portion was finished in only 15 minutes:
The dye dries on the lighter side, so if you want the pattern darker, maybe try using more powder in the dye solution. You can stitch the two 2-yard pieces of DIY ikat together to make a long table cloth, but it would be just as easy to overlap the pieces on the table and call it good.
I was obviously painting pretty fast and loose here, but if you were a little more careful (and actually marked out some registration marks with tailor’s chalk), you could make the pattern exact enough for a big project like curtains or a duvet cover.
PS I did a round up of really cool projects that involve fabric dye HERE.
Amazing! I love the organic, hand made feeling of the result! Another inspiring DIY project!
xo Allison
Spicer + Bank
http://www.spicerandbank.blogspot.com
Awesome idea. Would love to try it on a duvet.
This is awesome!!! Your tablecloth turned out beautifully. I love ikat and may just have to try out this project.
Gorgeous and inexpensive solution!
I was wondering how you made that when I saw the original post- how cool!
Love this! I'd love it on drapes as well. :)
Love it! It turned out so nicely!
i love how this ikat is so light and feminine. i always see ikat with dark colors. this looks perfect for the last summer celebration !
ps, http://amandamantes.blogspot.com !
This is a really great idea, very delicate! Looks awesome on the table.
you are so killing me with these amazing projects. feel like a need to get my act together and start diy-ing.
love the tablecloth.
K
Jenny, you amaze me! I love this project, it seems like something I could do (and I don't consider myself artistic!)…love your idea of using it on a duvet cover or curtains! xoxo
What a great job…love the look!!
Wowzer! It looks amazing – great job.
Jenny, I read you daily. Thank you for so generously sharing so many great ideas! BUT, I believe that you omitted some information. Procion MC will not fix to the fabric without an additive. This is usually soda ash. It can either be added to the dye solution or the fabric can be soaked in the soda ash solution then dried. Without proper fixing all your hard work will leech away in the wash. It is also helpful to wash the fabric first to remove sizing.
Thank you for allowing me to share.
soo pretty!
xo emily
OMG. So cool! I love this idea, I definitely want to try it myself. Thank you for sharing, I am really enjoying your blog.
Alex
http://www.CrediblyClueless.com
i LOVE this DIY! i know i would love your blog, just by the name of it! check mine out {only} if you get a quick sec :)
xo- vanessa
http://fashiongalfireman.blogspot.com/
Love the table cloth! Could you tell me where the plates with the flowers on them are from?
Oh wow- I love it! A gorgeous finished product and it looks like so much fun to make. I would love to link to this if you didn't mind.
Your tablecloth came out very nice – what a lovely job you've done! I've got this linked to my tablecloths post too today, well done!