Originally Posted by
Lori S
Real ticking is very tightly woven. It is used for covering feather pillows and beds. The very tight weave is so the down and or feathers do not come poking through. It is typically stiffer, and very densely woven. I would not use it when trying to hand quilt.
When I was growing up, we had feather pillows. Once a year, Mom would buy enough ticking to recover all the pillows. The old case would be removed, and a new case sewn on. It was a heavy fabric, and we would get our choice of red or blue stripes. If I knew then what I know now, I'd suggest putting zippers in the cases, rather than sewing them shut, then we could have just removed and washed them.
I think the ticking would be great for a quilt back, but would recommend machine quilting rather than hand quilting.