Fabric called ticking refers to a specific type of fabric that is usually a sturdy cotton or linen fabric with a stripe or small check pattern. This type of fabric was originally used to cover mattresses and furniture, where it provided a strong, protective layer against wear and tear, as well as offering a decorative pleasing of color and texture.
The term ‘ticking’ is believed to have originated from the Old English ‘ticca’, which means ‘small strip’, referring to the thin stripe pattern of the fabric. Ticking fabric is still widely utilized today for protective covering and has also found a place in contemporary fashion, often used as a slipcover for furniture or for craft projects, as well as for bedding, table and chair covers, and more.
What is ticking on a feather pillow?
Ticking on a feather pillow refers to the fabric case that encloses the feathers and other filling materials of the pillow. The term “ticking” originally referred to a type of material that was tightly woven and heavy duty, often made with linen or cotton—both were good for repelling unwanted pests like dust mites and bed bugs.
Today, ticking on feather pillows come in a variety of fabrics from cotton and linen to synthetic blends, such as polyester and rayon. All of these fabrics are designed to make the pillowcase durable and comfortable, while also keeping the feathers and filling materials inside the pillow.
The ticking that encloses a feather pillow is usually fitted neatly and secured with a zipper, ensuring that the feathers don’t escape and the pillow remains fluffy.
What is ticking fabric made of?
Ticking fabric is traditionally a tightly woven stripe or check fabric, made with a soft but durable thread in either cotton or linen. Its high thread count and hearty weave give it a distinct ribbed texture.
The heavy-duty cloth can have a matte or glossy finish, depending on the thread used to weave it. Ticking fabric is used to make bedding, furniture cushions, chairs, decorative pillows, and other household objects.
It can be dyed any color and often boasts a bold pattern or a delicate print. Additionally, ticking fabric is waterproof, making it an excellent choice for items used outdoors or in wet environments.
It’s also breathable, naturally hypoallergenic, and easy to wash and care for.
What is a mattress tick?
A mattress tick is a type of fabric used as the outer covering of a mattress. It is usually tufted or quilted to provide a soft surface and to protect the interior materials of the mattress. The fabric of a mattress tick is designed to be strong, durable, and breathable, allowing air to pass between the upper layers of the mattress and the mattress tick.
It is usually made out of a blend of fabrics such as cotton, polyester, or a blend of both. mattress ticks may also contain additional layers such as memory foam, gel, cooling gel, or latex foam which provide extra cushioning and comfort.
A mattress tick also typically has a fire retardant woven into it to help protect against fires. Cleaning a mattress tick is relatively easy, as most ticks can be machine washed and dried.
Do ticks look like bed bugs?
No, ticks do not look like bed bugs. Ticks are small arachnids, ranging in size from that of a poppyseed to a large pencil eraser. In comparison, bed bugs are flattened and oval-shaped insects. Bed bugs are typically a mahogany brown or reddish color and can range anywhere from 1 to 7 millimeters in size.
Unlike ticks, bed bugs don’t have segmented bodies or visible legs. Ticks have a number of features that can help to distinguish them from bed bugs. For example, ticks have a unique two-segmented body, four pairs of legs, no visible antennae, and a hard shield-like upper body that covers their head and important organs.
They also have elongated, unevenly shaped bodies, where the lower half of their body looks like it’s the reverse of the upper half. Bed bugs, on the other hand, have a flat shape and a uniform rounded body.
They are wingless insects and have short antennae made out of small sensory organs. It is easy to spot the differences between these two bugs if you compare them side-by-side.
How thick is pillow ticking?
Pillow ticking refers to the fabric or material that makes up the outer layer or cover of a pillow. It is typically a durable cotton or polyester fabric that is designed to be comfortable while also providing protection and durability.
The thickness of pillow ticking will depend on the material used. A thicker ticking usually involves more fabric layers that are stitched together to make the pillow cover. Cotton ticking tends to be thicker than polyester since cotton is a naturally heavier fabric.
The thickness of a pillow ticking can range from as thin as a few millimeters to several inches depending on its use and purpose. Generally, the thicker ticking will be used on pillows designed for heavier use and support, such as bed pillows, while a thinner material would be used for decorative toss pillows.
What is French ticking?
French ticking is a type of fabric that is usually made with a combination of linen and cotton. It has a distinctive look and feel and is often striped in blue and white. The fabric is usually used for making cushion covers and seat cushion covers, although it can also be used for other types of upholstery such as curtains.
Its name comes from the French word for “tooth,” which refers to the raised strips of linen and cotton that look like teeth. The fabric is also known for being very durable, stain-resistant, and easy to clean.
It is often chosen for its look, but it is also comfortable and resistant to fading from the sun. French ticking is available in many different colors and patterns, and it can be a great choice for adding a bit of personality to any room.
What were old mattresses stuffed with?
In the past, mattresses were often stuffed with various kinds of natural materials including straw, feathers, down, wool, hair, and even dried leaves. Many people also used rags and discarded clothing as stuffing materials.
Natural fibers were used both because they were readily available and they were affordable. Straw was the most common option and perhaps the cheapest, but it was also the least comfortable. Wool was a better choice in terms of comfort, but it was more expensive and not always an option for people with limited resources.
Feathers were more luxurious, but also more costly. As the materials differed, so too did the quality of sleep that each mattress provided. In more recent times, we now most commonly see mattresses filled with synthetic materials such as polyurethane foam, which is much more durable and supportive than the natural stuffing materials of yesteryear.
How do you sew a zippered pillow with piping?
Sewing a zippered pillow with piping requires a few steps and the materials you will need include a pillow form, piping, fabric, scissors, a measuring tape, a pencil, a zipper, thread, and a sewing machine.
First, measure twice the additional width and length you need for your pillow. Add 1/2 inch to the measurements for seam allowance. Cut two pieces of fabric according to the measurements you took, ensuring that the pattern of the fabric is aligned on both pieces.
Take the piping and mark it to the length and width of the fabric you cut, allowing an extra half inch on each side. Make sure the piping matches the fabric width and length, if it is too long, trim it with the scissors.
Next, use the measuring tape to mark the fabric with a line down the middle, this helps to ensure the zipper and piping line up evenly. Place the zipper on the marked line, making sure the zipper pull is centered.
Pin the zipper to the fabric, and set up your sewing machine to sew the zipper on.
Once the zipper is attached, pin the piping to the wrong side of the fabric, matching the edges, so the piping doesn’t overlap. Sew the piping onto the fabric, removing the pins as you go.
Finally, place the wrong sides of the fabric together, lining up the edges, and pin the sides. Sew the sides first, unpin, then turn the pillow case right side out. At this time, you may finish the edges with a zig-zag stitch.
Place the pillow form into the case and close the zipper to complete the zippered pillow with piping.
How do you put piping on a pillow cover?
To put piping on a pillow cover, you will need to measure the circumference of the pillow and cut a length of piping cord accordingly. You will also need to measure out fabric for the piping so that it is slightly wider than the cord.
Use an iron to press the seam allowance under approximately ⅜ of an inch and then wrap that around the cord. Make sure the fabric is pulled tightly around the cord as you stitch it into place. Once the cord is fully covered, turn the fabric right side up and press with your iron.
Pin the ends together and stitch the ends together. Insert the piping into the pillow cover. Make sure you have enough slack in the cord so that it can be sewn in smoothly along the perimeter of the pillow cover.
Use a zipper foot on your sewing machine as it will make it easier to stitch in the cord. Carefully sew the piping cord in place and then snip off any excess. Your piping is complete and ready for you to enjoy on your pillow cover!.
Can you add piping to a pillow?
Yes, it is possible to add piping to a pillow. Piping is a trim, either made from fabric or cord, that is used to outline the edges of a pillow, giving it a finished look. It is usually sewn along the final seam of the pillow, although it can also be sewn onto an insert cover or a pillow cover.
To add piping, start by cutting your fabric into strips that are twice as long as the circumference of the pillow. Gather up the fabric into a cord and place it inside the pre-made cuff of piping cord or use a drawstring cord for a homemade piping.
Pin the cord onto the wrong side of the fabric strip the width of the seam allowance. Sew the cord onto the wrong side of the fabric strip using a lapped seam, with the piping cord sandwiched between the layers of fabric.
Finally, sew the piping around the edges of the pillow and complete the seam as usual.
