Ticking fabric is a heavy cotton fabric similar in weight to denim, which is traditionally used to cover pillows and as an upholstery fabric. A sturdy fabric, ticking was frequently used in the past for mattress covers (mattress ticking) and pillows (pillow ticking) because its tight weave prevented feathers and straw from working their way out. Ticking fabrics have a distinct appearance which sets them apart from other heavy cotton fabrics - a pattern of woven, traditionally blue or black vertical stripes on a light colored background. The woven stripes and tight weave are what identify ticking fabric.
Today ticking is a fresh and versatile home decorating fabric available in a variety of colors from a number of manufacturers (including both the Covington and Waverly ticking sold here). Besides blue stripes, ticking can be found with red, pink, green, yellow and black stripes. With its recognizable stripes, ticking gives any room a casual and homey feel. It’s a charming choice for a child’s room or a baby’s nursery. It can be coordinated with a wide variety of solid and print fabrics.
Ticking fabric can be used for pillows, draperies, and furniture upholstery. Ticking is still a natural choice for bedding items like duvet covers, quilts and shams. It’s also well suited for home accessories such as headboards, lampshades and chair pads. For home décor, it’s worth investing in high quality ticking material for durability. High quality ticking should be so tightly woven that light does not pass through it. It should feel stiff and heavy before washing. The stripe is woven into a high quality ticking fabric rather than being printed on the surface.
See Blue Ticking Fabric, Red Ticking Fabric, Pink Stripe Ticking, All Ticking
New! Solid Pillow Ticking Fabric