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The word batik is thought to be derived from the word 'ambatik' which translated means 'a cloth with little dots'. Batik may also originate from the Javanese word ' tritik' which describes a resist process for dying where the patterns are reserved on the textiles by tying and sewing areas prior to dying, similar to tie dye techniques. Natural materials such as cotton or silk are used for the cloth, so that it can absorb the wax that is applied in the dye resisting process. The fabrics must be of a high thread count (densely woven). It is important that cloth of high quality have this high thread count so that the intricate design qualities of batik can be maintained.

Woodblocks are made by cuttng into the end grain of densely grained hardwoods such as ash, box, sycamore or pearwood to ensure crisp carving and sharp detail. First a sheet of cloth, most often cotton, is laid out on a level surface. Then, a tub or bowl is filled with pigment and a cloth pad placed over the surface to soak it up. The printing block is pressed on this pad with sufficient pressure to pick up right amount of colour. The block is then placed carefully on the cloth to be printed and struck with the heel of the hand or with a mallet. This process is repeated alighning the block each time, unitl the entire cloth has been patterned.

Mudprint is a form of resist technique in printing and dyeing. This is a simple method of clay- resist dyeing to prevent from penetrating selected areas of cloth during the dyeing process.

Textured fabrics and printed patterns are making a comeback in fashion. Textures give a realistic look to design and colour, while designs are inspired by textures and techniques used.

The common English translation of the Japanese word shibori is "tie-dye"; however, a more accurate translation is "shaped resist dyeing," which describes the inherent patterning process of manipulating the two-dimensional cloth surface into three-dimensional shapes before compressing them to dye.