What are the irregularities in silk called, which result in larger-than-usual slubs?

In the context of silk manufacturing, the irregularities that lead to larger-than-usual slubs are referred to as slubs. Slubs are essentially thickened areas of the yarn that occur due to variations in the fiber diameter. This can happen for several reasons, such as inconsistencies in the raw silk or during the spinning process. When these larger dimensions manifest, they create a characteristic texture that is often sought after for its unique appearance in fabrics.

Understanding slubs is crucial in interior design, particularly in fabric selection and application. The presence of slubs in silk can enhance the visual complexity of upholstery, drapery, or decorative accents.

Other options provide context for understanding different textile issues: striations typically refer to linear markings or patterns seen in a fabric or fiber, kinks are twists that can affect the silk but are not specifically related to the irregularities defined as slubs, and snags are pulls in the fabric surface caused by external factors, which do not describe the inherent inconsistencies in the yarn structure as slubs do. Thus, identifying slubs specifically relates to the unique characteristics of silk that can influence design choices in residential interiors.