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North
of Ahmedabad, the town of Patan has always been well known for its
ikkat technique of silk weaving. Ikkat weaving involves tie-dyeing
the warp threads before weaving to create designs on the finished
fabrics. The precise movement of coloured threads during weaving
gives ikkat designs their richness.A type of ikkat weaving typical
of Patan is the double ikkat, which is twice as complex as the single
ikkat. Both the warp and the weft threads are tie-dyed before they
are set on the loom. This technique requires amazing precision,
specially at the intersection of the warp and weft threads, and
in consequence it can take months to finish a single sari. The result
is a richly patterned fabric, with both sides of the sari being
identical.
The double ikkat method of weaving is exclusive to a few weavers
of Patan, Indonesia and Japan, and therefore the Patola is of considerable
collectible value for textile connoisseurs.Believed to have been
patronised by the Solanki Rajputs in the 12th century, when the
first Salvi weavers were brought to Patan from Maharashtra, the
Patola of Patan found its way to the shores of south east Asia and
the nations of Europe by way of trade in medieval times.
Single ikkat silk weaviing , mashru weaving, handloom weaving, bandhini
and embroidery are more affortable textile crafts of north Gujarat
and north eastern Saurashtra. Other handicrafts of the region are
stone carving, brassware and silver ornaments.
North
of Ahmedabad, the town of Patan has always been well known for its
ikkat technique of silk weaving. Ikkat weaving involves tie-dyeing
the warp threads before weaving to create designs on the finished
fabrics. The precise movement of coloured threads during weaving
gives ikkat designs their richness.A type of ikkat weaving typical
of Patan is the double ikkat, which is twice as complex as the single
ikkat. Both the warp and the weft threads are tie-dyed before they
are set on the loom. This technique requires amazing precision,
specially at the intersection of the warp and weft threads, and
in consequence it can take months to finish a single sari. The result
is a richly patterned fabric, with both sides of the sari being
identical. 
