All About Ticking Fabric

Ticking is a heavy cotton or cotton and linen blend fabric which is tightly woven and typically used to cover pillows, mattresses or furniture. Feather pillows use a fabric ticking because the high density of the fabric keeps the feathers from working their way out of the pillow. Ticking is a very durable fabric and can be used for upholstery and bedding as well.

In the days when people used feather pillows and used to sleep on straw ticks for mattresses they needed a fabric that was sturdy and closely-woven enough to keep the feather shafts (or straw fragments!) from working their way out and poking the skin. Ticking fabric was the answer. Because it is such a heavy, sturdy fabric with such a close, even weave, feathers usually have a difficult time breaching this fabric.

Pillow ticking can be distinguished from other heavy fabrics by its print. Most ticking has narrow, vertical stripes made up of darker colors on a white or beige background. This pattern has been used for many years. When you look at a piece of ticking you should hold the free end up to the light. No light should show through the fabric weave. Otherwise, the weave isn't close enough. Also, the fabric also should not drape easily over the hand, it should feel a little stiff and heavy. Some of the stiffness will wash out and soften through use, but this stiffness denotes good quality

Upholstery ticking is even heavier than pillow ticking since it is required to stand up to heavier use.. It is similar in weight to good denim. People generally like the ticking pattern on furniture because it is a clean, neat design, and easily matched with solid color accessories, such as throw pillows or rugs. Upholstery ticking gives a room a homey, casual feel that many people find attractive and reassuring.


Vintage Ticking
Vintage ticking fabric is woven tighter than modern day ticking. Vintage ticking was used to hold the feathers of old mattresses and pillows. It was important to individuals who slept on feather mattresses and pillows that the feathers did not poke them through the fabric. It was also important to keep as many feathers in the mattresses and pillows as possible. The very tight woven vintage ticking provided both qualities. The weight of vintage ticking is heavier than the ticking made today. This is due to the density of the woven fibers. The weight of the fabric limited the usefulness in everyday clothing.

True vintage ticking was woven with naturally colored cotton and was dyed with indigo blue dye. It was sold only with indigo blue stripes. As time went on, different patterns and colors were produced and sold. Ticking was also made with washed-out blue, green and red stripes. Floral patterns followed. Today, many ticking patterns and colors are available.

Modern Ticking
Modern ticking is a durable material that holds up well to washing and normal everyday wear and tear. Unique designs for clothing, throws, bedspreads, hats, coats, purses and many other items have been made from ticking.
Ticking Fabric Designs Vintage cotton fabric ticking designs include narrow pin striping, floral and a cloth with a solid center and stripes around the edges. Modern cotton ticking is also sold with the vintage patterns, and in numerous colors. The new patterns and colors allow ticking fabric to be made in many more items that fit into today's decor.