Ikat is a resist-dyeing technique used to create patterns on fabric. The yarns are dyed before being woven into cloth, making it a complicated process. The term "ikat" refers to both the fabric and the technique used to create it. The technique is used in many traditional textile centers around the world, from India to Central Asia, Southeast Asia, Japan, Africa, and Latin America. There are three types of ikat weaving techniques: warp ikat, weft ikat, and double ikat. Double ikat is the most difficult and expensive technique, where both the warp and the weft are resist-dyed prior to weaving. Ikat fabrics are made around the world, and particular techniques vary from region to region.