The first textile-printing technique (making impressions) was that using blocks with raised printing surfaces, which were inked and then pressed on to the fabric. By repetition, the image from a single block builds up into a complete design over the fabric area. Some early blocks were made of clay or terracotta, others of carved wood.

Wooden blocks carrying design motifs were found in tombs near the ancient town in Upper Egypt. A combination of block printing and painting (usually described as penciling) was used for some time. 

The biggest problem was that of achieving bright and fast colours. Madder (madder is a fast, rich red colour natural dye stuff obtained from the root of a herb) was the most important dye that was able to satisfy the need.