I use pillow ticking also, you know the kind with the blue (or red) stripes. Joann's carries it and it is not really too expensive. It is really sturdy and should last for a long time. Just make sure you get the old fashioned ticking as there is some out there that is lesser quality. I bought what I needed for the length of my quilting frame poles and was able to get all three poles out of that piece. I love the ticking because the stripes run the length of the poles and kind of act like guide lines to pin to and keeps my backing and top nice and square and straight. Also, I surged the raw edge so no possible way it can fray. I don't know how you are going to use this, but I found that the double sided carpet tape works for applying the ticking to the poles. Hope this helps you a little!