True ikat fabrics are made with ancient dying techniques that provide for quick patterning on moderately sized textiles that are woven by hand. Typically, the warp yarns (running vertically) are dyed with a pattern.  But, the weft yarns or both can be dyed. The tricky part is that the pattern is hand painted, then dyed in precisely tied sections or created with resists (usually wax) to keep dye from marking areas as in the light shapes here. Great skill is required to produce a beautifully patterned fabric in this way. The best of ikats still reveal shifting of yarns within each pattern. 

The shifted yarns or the imperfections in the pattern is what makes Ikats identifiable. Today, this look is so treasured that fabric makers have created digitally printed versions of the look. The advantage is that the pattern can be repeated indefinitely as in the navy and natural print. When ikat inspired patterns are printed on textured linen, they may look very much like the real thing. The ikat look is even created upholstery weight, tapestry woven fabrics meaning that colored yarns occupy different spaces in order to create a design. 

While great accuracy is possible with modern tapestry (jacquard) fabrics, the fabric maker creates the look of imperfection to imitate a treasured ikat.

Motifs are often digitally "erased" to make a fabric appear worn or faded. See how authentically vintage this coral printed ikat fabric looks! 

While ikat fabrics today typically recreate or emulate traditional ethnic patterns, the look is so popular that you can expect to see streaked designs of many motifs and styles.

 In my store, you will find traditionally themed ikat fabrics under Ethnic within the Design category. Artistic and contemporary fabrics inspired by ikats may be listed only in their color or specific design category.