Batik Knowledge
Batik Techniques
Batik is made through a variety of techniques that shape the character of the motif and the finished fabric. Some of these are part of our production services, while others belong to the wider body of batik knowledge. This page draws a clear line between the two so your needs can be directed correctly.
Technique and Result
The Technique Shapes the Batik
How wax, color, and pattern are applied to the fabric determines whether the result is called hand-drawn batik, stamped batik, or printed batik. Each technique has its own strengths — from the uniqueness of hand-drawn strokes to the consistent repeat patterns of large-scale production.
The right technique usually depends on the purpose: institutional uniforms, retail collections, or custom orders. Understanding the basics helps you communicate the result you want more clearly to the production team.
Technique Documentation
Batik Production Techniques in Practice
Four techniques used in our workshop: hand-drawn batik with a canting, batik cap, printing, and custom motifs for uniforms.
Production Services
Techniques We Produce
The following batik techniques are available as production services from Batik Soehadi.
- Production service
Handprinting
A printing technique with color separation for detailed, precise motifs — our core production process.
- Production service
Batik Printing
An efficient solution for large-volume production with controlled turnaround.
- Production service
Batik Cap (Stamped)
Repeated patterns applied with a copper stamp for clean, consistent results.
- Production service
Hand-drawn Batik (Tulis)
Motifs drawn directly with a canting and hot wax, producing unique, characterful patterns.
- Production service
Combined Batik
A blend of printing with hand-drawn work, or stamping with hand-drawn work, for precision with a handcrafted touch.
Batik Knowledge
Other Techniques & Processes
The following techniques are part of the wider body of batik knowledge. Not all of them are our production services — our team will guide you to the technique best suited to your needs.
Shibori
A dyeing technique that folds and binds fabric to create patterns from areas that absorb color differently.
Jumputan
A traditional Indonesian tie-dye technique in which fabric is tied and dipped to form star-like or fiber patterns.
Cuwiri
Small, tightly packed patterns worked with a high level of detail across the fabric.
Smoke
A soft gradient dyeing effect, like smoke on part of the fabric, giving a subtle and artistic feel.
Plangkan Malam
A batik process in which wax is applied over fabric stretched on a flat frame called a plangkan.
Tell us about your needs — we will direct you to the technique that best matches your design, quantity, and production budget.
Technique Articles
Writing on Batik Techniques
Articles about batik techniques and processes will be published here progressively — from the handprinting process to printing versus stamped batik.
August 18, 2026
The Tulis Batik-Making Process: From Pattern to Melorod
The stages of traditional tulis batik-making, from nyungging, nglowong, and isen-isen to melorod, and how it differs from handprinting production.
August 18, 2026
The 3 Main Batik-Making Techniques: Tulis, Cap, and Lukis
A comparison of the three main manual batik techniques, tulis, cap, and lukis, plus how they differ from batik-patterned textiles like printing and ecoprint.
August 13, 2026
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.
August 13, 2026
Batik Printing vs Batik Cap: Differences and How to Choose
How batik printing and batik cap differ in production, scale, motif character, and when to choose each, without absolute claims.
August 1, 2026
Plangkan Malam: Stretching Cloth Before Tulis Batik
Plangkan malam, stretching the cloth on a frame before wax is drawn in tulis batik. Traits, tools, and how it works in general.
August 1, 2026
The Shibori Batik Technique: Traits, Tools, and How It Works
The shibori batik technique, the Japanese tie-dye tradition that shares principles with jumputan and cuwiri. Traits, tools, and how it works.
August 1, 2026
The Cuwiri Batik Technique: Traits, Tools, and How It Works
The cuwiri batik technique, tying with small dye blockers to produce fine dots. Traits, tools, and how it works in general.
August 1, 2026
Asli Tulis Batik: Traits and How to Recognise Genuine Tulis
Asli tulis batik, motif made by hand with canting and wax. Traits, tools, and how to recognise genuine tulis batik in general.
August 1, 2026
The Jumputan Batik Technique: Traits, Tools, and How It Works
The jumputan batik technique, the Indonesian tie-dye that yields cloud-like or organic speckled patterns. Traits, tools, and how it works.
August 1, 2026
Smoke Batik: A Gradient Colouring Technique Like Mist
Smoke batik, a contemporary colouring technique with a soft gradient like smoke or mist. Traits, process, and how it differs from jumputan in general.
From Knowledge to Production
See Our Production Process
Our 17-Step Production Process
Follow the production flow of our handprinted batik fabric from motif preparation to finishing.
Batik Fabric Manufacturer
Learn about Batik Soehadi as a manufacturer applying batik techniques to your needs.
Need Batik for Production?
Discuss your design, technique, and production quantity needs with our team.