Trend with No End: Ikat and Batik

By Jen Smith
July 14, 2011

Ikat and Batik

Sass & Bide Fall 2011 (photo by Samir Hussein/Getty Images)

Textile treatments with age-old origins continue to capture the fancy of fashion designers and interior decorators. Ikat and batik (a form of weaving and a fabric, respectively, that incorporate a special kind of dyeing technique similar to tie-dye) have been stealing the spotlight for a few seasons now and are still going strong. On eBay, sales for batik designs are up 7 percent and sales for ikat are up 48 percent in the past month compared to approximately one year prior. From the almost 19,000 current listings with these terms, we found traditional, antique, reworked, upcycled and re-designed ikats and batiks, both for fashion and home decor, along with tons of fabric just begging for a DIY project.

Ikat and Batik

Domenico Vacca Spring 2011 (photo by Yves Forestier/Getty Images), L.A.M.B Spring 2011 (photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images for IMG)

Ikat and Batik

Derek Lam Spring 2011 (photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images), Rebecca Taylor Fall 2011 (photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for IMG),

Here, the best of ikat and batik on eBay right now.

Christian Louboutin Batik Print Peeptoe Platform Pumps

(buy it now price, $475)

Exuberant batik plus Louboutin makes for the perfect boho luxe evening pump.
Handmade Silk Fabric Ikat Shoulder Bag

(buy it now price, $49.99)

LL Bean bucket bag got you down? Trade it in for the summer for an ikat version.
Antique Wood Bowl with Flower Batik

(buy it now price, $43)

The perfect hostess gift—even better when delivered filled with fruit.
Elephant Batik Wood Coat Hanger

(buy it now price, $29.95)

A rack of charming, heirloom-quality elephant hangers in a toddler’s closet will be an easy sell when it’s time for the little one to get dressed or hang up clothes.
Vintage 70s Op Art Batik Print Tunic Top

(buy it now price, $56.24)

A throwback tunic top to wear at the beach, when you’re cooking breakfast or puttering around the garden. The op art pattern is undeniably '70s.
Anthropologie Ikat Bedding

(buy it now price, $289.99)

It's been an ikat bonanza at Anthropologie in recent seasons. This festive duvet is not for the faint of heart.
Batik Bolster

(buy it now pice, $19.95)

Classic pillows for easy an easy beach house feeling. eBay has many shapes, sizes and colors.
Shoshanna Balinese Ikat Strapless Dress

(buy it now price, $238)

Covetable dress to wear the whole summer long, from evenings on the beach to a not-too-fancy wedding.
Marni Runway Ethnic Style Batik Print Canvas Belt

(buy it now price, $125.50)

Throw another print in the mix with an exciting waist-cincher, from Marni, a fashion world favorite for boho style.
Pottery Barn Sleeper Sofa

(buy it now price, $1399.99)

An adventurous fabric on a straight-forward couch. Imagine how this could transform a room.
Honey Batik Coverlet

(buy it now price, $383)

The tinay florals of this pink coverlet almost read like a subtle toile. The look is at once groovy and antique-y.
Custom Roman Shades, Ikat Pattern

(buy it now price, $190)

There are two of these cheery shades available—buy them both!
Ikat Painting

(current bid, $102.50)

An original work of art based on an ikat chair in the same palette as a Monet painting. It's three masterpieces in one!
Children’s Ikat Bag

(buy it now price, $11.11)

Steal one of these from the kids to use as a camera bag.
Ikat Teapot

(current bid, $29.99)

A colorful teapot that puts a modern spin on an old tradition.
Ikat Pillows

(buy it now price, $24.99)

There are over 200 ikat pillows and cases available on eBay. Here, a set of our favorites, in pretty pink.
Batik Fabric

(buy it now price, $9.29)

Ikat and batik are traditionally found in rich, hand-dyed indigo. Here, a beautiful print that could be transformed into almost anything.