The Batik Handprinting Process: 17 Steps from Design to Delivery
The batik handprinting process in 17 steps — design, mockup, plotter, afdruk, screening, proofing, printing, through quality control and shipping.
Published · August 13, 2026
Handprinting is a batik production technique that produces detailed, precise motifs through colour separation on individual screens. This article explains the batik handprinting process in 17 steps, from design to delivery.
A quick look at the handprinting technique
In this process, each colour in a motif is printed with its own screen, producing a neat, precise pattern. It is one of our core production services. More about techniques and production services is on our batik techniques and production pages.
The 17 steps of the handprinting process
This is the order we follow:
01. Design
The design can come from the customer. If customer designs are used, they will be re-prepared so they are ready to enter the production process.
02. Mockup
Creating a visualisation of the design as if it were already a finished product, so customers can see an idea of the result.
03. Plotter
Printing the design of each colour within a motif on plotter paper as preparation for the screen process.
04. Afdruk
The process of transferring the positive-negative design from the plotter output onto the screen. Each colour uses its own screen.
05. Screening
Refining the screen by opening the parts that ink will pass through during printing.
06. Proofing
Making a fabric sample before mass production. The sample is used to ensure the motif and colours match the customer's approval.
07. Printing
Mass production of fabric using the prepared screens.
08. Airing / Stoving
A drying or heating process to keep the printed ink from changing easily.
09. Waterglass
A colour-fixing process so the colours last longer.
10. Drying
The fabric is dried using the appropriate process to maintain production quality.
11. Washing
A soaking process to help lift any remaining colour residue.
12. Softener
Applying fabric softener so the cloth has a comfortable texture.
13. Final Drying
Final drying before the finishing process.
14. Calendering
A finishing process that gives the fabric a neater, ready-to-use appearance.
15. Measuring & QC
Inspection of size, fabric quality, colour, and production results.
16. Packing
Products are packed neatly before delivery.
17. Shipping
Products are delivered to the customer as required.
A note on the proofing step
The proofing step passes through all 17 processes above. A fabric sample is made through the same sequence — from design until the sample fabric is ready — so the motif and colours can be approved before mass production begins.
Quality control and delivery
Before shipping, every result is checked for size, fabric quality, colour, and finish. After passing inspection, the fabric is packed neatly and delivered as required. Full details on our production process are on the production and batik fabric pages. For bulk orders with a well-planned batik production process, talk to our batik fabric manufacturer team.
See the Production Process
Our team can help you choose batik fabric, motifs, materials, and custom requirements within your budget.