Ticking Fabrics

Once used as an upholstery material to keep the straw inside straw mattresses, ticking is a heavy duty cotton or linen blend material that is used for pillows and upholstery. Although not as common today, ticking is the material used for feather pillows. Its durable nature and close weave make it perfect for keeping the feathers inside rather than poking out. It is easily identifiable with narrow vertical stripes on a white or a beige background. A good ticking will not drape easily and, when held up to the light, will not have light show through.