TECHNIQUES
Discover the ancestral textile techniques of Moismont: ikat, jamdani, dip dye… Handcrafted techniques passed down and carried out by hand, between art and tradition.
Jamdani embodies a slow and meticulous weaving, carried out entirely by hand. Inserting the pattern requires manual intervention, making it an extremely laborious but also deeply artistic technique. Each Jamdani piece we offer is an invitation to wear a fragment of history, an echo of the hands that shaped it.
PREPARATION OF THE THREADS
The process begins with the selection of fine threads that will serve as the weft and warp. These threads are carefully stretched on a traditional loom, where each step is carried out with millimeter precision.
INSERTION OF COLORED THREADS
The artisan's hand then interacts with the material, delicately inserting the colored threads into the weft using a small pin. With each insertion, the artisan carefully weaves around the threads to fix the patterns in the fabric. This allows for the creation of designs directly integrated into the fabric, without embroidery or printing. This process requires total concentration, as every detail is crafted without mechanization, ensuring an impeccable finish.
FINAL WEAVING
The basic threads and patterns move together on the loom, creating a perfect harmony between the lightness of the fabric and the richness of the details. Every woven centimeter is a victory over time, as several weeks, even months, are required to complete a single length.
Ikat is not just a technique, it is a true artisanal choreography where each step is important. Ikat patterns, often blurred or slightly off-kilter, reflect the hand of the artisan and the beauty of the unpredictable. These effects of texture and color create textiles that are both dynamic and poetic.
PREPARATIONS OF THE THREADS
The process begins with the selection of threads, often cotton or silk, which will be strung into bundles. Each thread is carefully knotted in a precise pattern using string or dye-resistant materials. These knots act as barriers to protect the selected sections of the thread during dyeing.
YARN DYEING
The knotted bundles are dipped into dye baths, often repeated several times to achieve deep and varied shades. With each new dyeing, the knots can be moved or removed to reveal different areas, creating intricate patterns directly on the threads.
ALIGNMENT AND WEAVING
Once the threads are dyed, they are carefully aligned on the loom. Weaving is an exercise in precision: artisans must perfectly position each thread according to the intended pattern. Once the threads are woven, the designs come to life in a play of imperfections that make each piece unique.
Dip dyeing involves gently dipping fabric into successive baths of color. This technique embodies a more instinctive and artistic approach, where mastery of the technique is at the heart of the process.
TISSUE PREPARATION
The fabric is carefully prepared and sometimes pre-moistened to ensure even color absorption. It is then hung, folded, or tied to suit the desired gradient or pattern.
IMMERSION IN DYE BERRIES
The fabric is hand-dipped into dye baths, one layer at a time. Artisans vary the depth of immersion, the length of time they remain in the bath, and the layering of colors to create gradients that are faithful to the given pattern. The transitions between shades follow no rigid rules, giving each piece a unique and distinctive character.
FIXING AND DRYING
Once dyeing is complete, the fabric is rinsed to remove excess color, then fixed to ensure the longevity of the shades. Drying is often carried out in the open air, allowing the colors to reveal their full intensity.
