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 process, done entirely by hand. The insertion of motifs requires manual intervention, making it an extremely labor-intensive yet 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.
THREADS PREPARATION
The process begins with the selection of fine threads that will serve as the warp and weft. These threads are carefully stretched on a traditional loom, where every step is executed with millimetric precision.
INSERTION OF COLORED THREADS
The artisan’s hand then engages with the material, delicately inserting colored threads into the weave using a hook. With each insertion, the artisan carefully weaves around the threads to fix the motifs directly into the fabric. This allows the creation of patterns integrated into the fabric itself, without embroidery or printing. This process demands total concentration, as every detail is crafted without mechanization, ensuring impeccable finishing.
FINAL WEAVING
The base threads and motifs advance together on the loom, creating a perfect harmony between the fabric’s lightness and the richness of its details. Every centimeter woven is a victory over time, as several weeks, or even months, are needed to complete a single length.
Ikat is not just a technique — it is a true artisanal choreography, where each step carries weight. The characteristic blurred or slightly shifted Ikat patterns reflect the artisan’s hand and the beauty of the unpredictable. These effects of texture and color give rise to textiles that are both dynamic and poetic.
PREPARING THE THREADS
The process begins with selecting the threads, often cotton or silk, which are stretched into bundles. Each thread is carefully tied according to a precise pattern using string or other dye-resistant materials. These bindings act as barriers to protect specific sections of the thread during dyeing.
DYEING THE THREADS
The tied bundles are immersed in dye baths, often multiple times, to achieve rich and varied hues. With each round of dyeing, the bindings may be repositioned or removed to expose different areas, allowing for the creation of complex patterns directly on the threads.
ALIGNING AND WEAVING
Once dyed, the threads are meticulously aligned on the loom. Weaving becomes an exercise in precision, as artisans must perfectly position each thread to match the intended pattern. As the threads are woven together, the designs emerge — full of subtle irregularities that make each piece truly one of a kind.
Dip dyeing is the art of gently immersing fabric into successive baths of color. This technique embodies a more instinctive, artistic approach, where mastery of movement lies at the heart of the process.
PREPARING THE FABRIC
The fabric is carefully prepared, and sometimes pre-moistened to ensure even color absorption. It is then hung, folded, or tied depending on the desired gradient or pattern.
IMMERSION IN DYE BATHS
Wooden blocks are meticulously placed and secured on the fabric to create resist areas. These elements act as barriers, preventing the dye from reaching certain parts of the cloth and shaping precise patterns.
The fabric is then hand-dipped into dye baths, one layer at a time. Artisans adjust the depth of immersion, the duration of contact with the dye, and the layering of colors to create gradients that follow the intended design. The transitions between hues follow no strict rules, giving each piece its own unique and distinctive character.
FIXING AND DRYING
Once the dyeing is complete, the fabric is rinsed to remove excess pigment and then fixed to ensure long-lasting colors. Drying, usually done in the open air, allows the shades to fully develop and reveal their intensity.
