Answer by
LeheckaG (1826)
"Ticking" fabric is a heavy, opaque, stiff, sturdy, tightly-woven cotton or linen originally used to keep "straw-ticks" from poking out of matresses and to keep feather-shafts from poking out of pillows, also for upholstery (even-heavier fabric).
Ticking fabric normally has narrow vertical stripes, darker-colors on a beige or white background.
