Once thought of as defective yarn that would (sadly) end up on the cutting room floor, slub yarn is now responsible for one of the most popular fabrications in manufacturing. Thanks to it’s uneven surface and slightly sheer appearance, this unique texture has become a modern essential.
Slub yarn actually came about on accident. One of the early problems with automated carding and spinning processes was the appearance of an accompanying section of the yarn that was fuller than the yarn was intended to be. This soft lump, called a slub would appear from time to time over each run of yarn, and would have to be removed before the material would be ready for warping or twisting. Over time, the concept of yarns containing a high count of “slubs” as a textural and style alternative began to develop into the highly popular slub fabrication we know and love today.
Printing Tips for Slub
It’s important to pick a decorating technique that aligns with the overall “vibe” of the garment. Our slub is a triblend fabrication with a 50% poly content, which makes this a great candidate for sublimation. Because it is not 100% polyester, the resulting design will have that worn and faded “vintage” look that is perfect for a slub tee. Water based ink and soft-hand plastisol are also great compliments to this lightweight, semi-sheer fabric.
Design Tips for Slub
When designing artwork for these tees, it’s important to keep the material top of mind. Slub looks great with lighter designs that help maintain the airiness of the shirt even after printing. Try using thinner fonts and objects that are outlined instead of filled with ink. This will help in highlighting the unique texture of the garments and keeping the original feel of the shirt intact. You can also play with a tonal effect by using an ink color that is just a shade lighter or darker than the shirt itself—you’ll end up with an understated and undeniably cool color combination.
Ready to tap into the trend? Shop our best selling Slub Collection. Do you have any tips or tricks for decorating on slub? If so, we’d love to hear them in the comment section below!
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