Sublimation Blanks Guide
What Are Sublimation Blanks?
Sublimation blanks are garments made from polyester or polyester-blend fabric that allow sublimation ink to bond permanently with the fibers. Unlike regular cotton embroidery blanks, sublimation blanks produce vivid, full-color designs that won't crack, peel, or fade — even after repeated washing. If you're doing sublimation printing on kids' apparel, the fabric blend is everything.
Sublimation vs. Embroidery Blanks — What's the Difference?
Our regular embroidery blanks are 100% combed cotton interlock — perfect for embroidery, monogramming, and appliqué but they won't hold sublimation ink. Our sublimation blanks use a 70% polyester / 30% cotton blend that's specifically engineered for sublimation printing while still feeling soft against the skin.
| Feature | Embroidery Blanks | Sublimation Blanks |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric | 100% combed cotton interlock | 70% polyester / 30% cotton |
| Best for | Embroidery, monogramming, appliqué, HTV | Sublimation printing, heat press |
| Color transfer | Thread-based (embroidery) | Ink-based (permanent dye) |
| Design detail | Limited by stitch count | Full-color photo-quality |
| Durability | Stitches are permanent | Ink is permanent, won't crack or peel |
Our Sublimation Blanks Collection
We carry sublimation blanks across every product type:
- Boy's Sublimation Tee and Girl's Sublimation Ruffle Tee
- Sublimation Bodysuits — unisex, girl's ruffle, and puff sleeve
- Sublimation Bibs & Burp Cloths — plain bib, ruffle bib, plain burp, ruffle burp
- Sublimation Beanie Cap
- Sublimation Christmas Pajamas
Sublimation Tips for Best Results
- Temperature: Most sublimation blanks press best at 385–400°F
- Time: 45–60 seconds under medium-firm pressure
- Paper: Use quality sublimation paper — cheap paper causes ghosting
- Pre-press: Always pre-press the blank for 5 seconds to remove moisture
- White blanks only: Sublimation ink is transparent, so it only works on white or very light fabrics
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use 100% polyester shirts for sublimation?
100% polyester gives the most vibrant sublimation results. Our sublimation blanks use a 70/30 poly-cotton blend which produces excellent results while maintaining a softer hand feel than pure polyester. The cotton content makes the garment more comfortable for kids to wear.
Will sublimation designs wash out?
No. Sublimation ink bonds with the polyester fibers at a molecular level. The design becomes part of the fabric and won't crack, peel, or fade with washing.
Can I embroider on sublimation blanks?
Yes, but our regular 100% cotton embroidery blanks are better suited for embroidery. The cotton interlock provides a more stable hooping surface. Some crafters do combine sublimation printing with embroidery for mixed-media designs.