The stencil, which can vary anywhere from 14 to 24-inches long, is carefully aligned with registration marks, and then the paste is applied. The process is repeated down the entire length of a bolt. The resisted fabric is then either hand-dyed directly on to the fabric with brushes or immersed in a dye vat. Dozens of stencils may be used to dye different colors. For a double-sided or reversible katazome, this process is reversed when the back is dyed.
Extreme care is required to match the designs from the back to the front.
Different types of silks are often used for its warp and weft threads to give as much contrast as possible between its designs and background. The weft thread usually consist of 2 or more plied yarns where each are spun 1,300 to 1,600 per yard in a same direction. Then they are spun together in the opposite direction for 1,000 to 1,300 per yard. Minimally spun warp threads are used. This thread contrast gives depth and luster to its designs and texture to the fabric.