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The word ikat is derived from the Malay word mengikat, meaning to tie or bind. Ikat is a resist-dye method of patterning textiles. Prior to weaving, the maker ties the warp and/or weft threads tightly and immerses them in a dye bath. The tied sections resist the dye. When applied to several sections of threads in a sequence of dye baths, the method creates unique, vibrant and colourful patterns. In Indonesia, many textiles are produced using warp, weft and double ikat techniques. Cotton, silk and bast are favourite materials for making ordinary and ceremonial textiles.