Ticking fabric is a type of cloth that is traditionally a tightly-woven cotton or linen textile. It is traditionally used to cover tick mattresses and bed pillows, as the tight weave makes it more durable and hinders the stuffing from poking through the fabric. Ticking can be waxed, soaped, or starched to make it even tighter. In English-speaking countries, ticking commonly has a striped design, in muted colors such as brown, grey, or blue, and occasionally red or yellow, against a plain, neutral background. Ticking is no longer restricted to a utility fabric and has found uses in interior decorating styles intending to evoke a homespun or industrial aesthetic. Modern uses for ticking include furniture upholstery, cushion covers, tablecloths, decorative basket liners, and curtains. Occasionally, lighter weight percale cloth is printed with a striped pattern made to resemble ticking fabric, and used to make garments. Ticking fabric is a multi-use textile that works in both casual and elegant settings. It can also be used on accent pieces, such as pillows, or as the upholstery on center stage pieces. Ticking fabric is a classic choice for soft furnishings which has endured ever-changing trends.