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SINGLE IKAT(also known as single patola):

The many-hued patola of Gujarat has long been a symbol of wealth, luck and power. As early as the fifteenth century Gujarati merchants brought double patola fabrics to Indonesian rulers, an activity taken over by the Dutch at the beginning of the seventeenth century to gain concessions in the spice trade. Special powers were attributed to the patola and till today it is thought to possess a sacred or even magical character.

Ikat is produced by dyeing the yarn before it is loaded on the loom for weaving so that a pattern will emerge after the yarns are interlaced on the loom. It is an extremely complex process requiring a high level of precision and skill. In Surendranagar, weavers make bundles of the weft (horizontal) yarn. Each bundle is tied and dyed separately. The tightly bound bundles are sometimes covered with wax or some other material that will keep the dyes from penetrating. The process is repeated several times for additional colors. Generally, rich colours like ruby red, leaf green and mustard are used that add to the luxuriant look of the fabric.

In Surendranagar, this ancient art is kept alive by around 550 weavers across 10 villages. The patolas are generally made of mulberry silk sourced from South India predominantly Bangalore.  Traditionally, the weavers produce sarees but have recently diversified into stoles, scarves, dupattas, dress materials and home furnishings.