In this tutorial we will learn how to create a realistic vector denim texture. It’s easier than it might seem at first sight, and I think it can be done by those who are taking their first steps into the world of vector graphics. Creation of other elements of this tutorial is more advanced, although I tried to describe each step clearly. Let’s continue at it’s an interesting and useful tutorial…
Step 1
Take the Rectangle Tool (M) and draw a rectangle filled with blue.
Take the Gradient Mesh Tool (U) and create a node at the point A, then replace the color of the nodes A and B with light blue.
Step 2
In the lower part of the background with the Rectangle Tool (M) create a rectangle of black color. The height of this rectangle is 1.5 px, and the width equals the width of the background.
Now keep the rectangle selected, go to, set the vertical displacement equal to -3 px in the dialog window and click on Copy.
Step 3
Lock the background in the Layers panel, select all the rectangles and group them up . Keep the group selected, go to and set the parameters detailed in the picture below:
Open the Transparency panel and set the Soft Light Blending Mode for our group.
Step 4
Let’s create another texture, the technique of its creation is no different than the first one. The width of this texture should be bigger then background diagonal. Set Overlay Blending Mode in the Transparency panel. The color and parameters of the Roughen effect are the same as those of the first texture. Turn the created texture by an angle of 45° .
Hide the parts of the second texture that go beyond the background. With the Rectangle Tool (M) create a rectangle that has the same size as the background. Select all the created objects and click on the shortcut, creating a Clipping Mask.
Step 5
With the help of the Rectangle Tool (M) create a rectangle of gray in the place of the seam.
Set the Blending Mode to “Overlay” for this rectangle in the Transparency panel and adjust the color in Color panel so that the rectangle becomes invisible.
Step 6
Keep the rectangle selected, go to and set the number of columns and rows in the dialog box.
Using the Direct Selection Tool (A) select every other central nodes of the mesh, and replace their color with light gray.
Make the remaining central nodes dark gray.
Step 7
Select the gradient mesh with the Selection Tool (V), and go to, choose the Flag style and set Bend to 1%.
Step 8
Below the first rectangle create a new rectangle with a linear gradient fill, consisting of white and various shades of gray color. Set the Blending Mode to overlay once more for this rectangle via the Transparency panel.
Step 9
Now create a shadow from the seam. Create a new rectangle and fill it with a linear gradient from dark gray to white. Set the Blending Mode to “Multiply” for this rectangle in the Transparency panel.
