How to choose mattress fabric: jacquard, knit or quilting

Mattress fabric is the first thing a buyer sees and touches. It determines how a mattress looks in the showroom, how pleasant it feels, how well it breathes and how many years it keeps its appearance. For a manufacturer it is also a matter of process: the fabric has to quilt well, stay stable during cutting and behave predictably on the sewing line. Let's look at how the main types of ticking differ and how to choose wholesale mattress fabric for a specific model and price segment.

The three main types of mattress fabric

Any mattress components supplier's range can be divided into three large groups.

Jacquard is a woven fabric in which the pattern is created by interlacing warp and weft yarns rather than by printing. The design does not rub off or fade, and the surface is dense and hard-wearing. Jacquard mattress fabric is the classic choice for mid-range and premium spring mattresses, as well as for mattresses under heavy use: hotels, dormitories and health resorts. A separate variety is double jacquard, with a two-layer structure and a pronounced three-dimensional relief.

Knitted fabric is made of interlocking loops. It is softer and more elastic than jacquard, follows the mattress surface more closely and does not work against the feel of memory foam or latex. Mattress knit fabric comes in plain colours, with knitted jacquard patterns and with digital print. It is the main choice for foam mattresses, roll-packed models and modern design collections.

Quilted fabrics are ticking already bonded to polyester wadding, batting or foam by quilting. They provide a soft top layer and a ready-made decorative relief. In our catalog you will find quilted fabrics and thermal quilting, where the layers are joined without thread by thermal bonding.

How to choose: key parameters

When buying mattress fabric wholesale, look beyond the pattern to the technical specifications. Check these first:

• Weight (g/m²). Knitted mattress fabrics typically range from 250 to 450 g/m², jacquard from around 100–130 g/m² and up. The heavier the fabric, the more durable it is and the more substantial it feels, but the price per running metre is also higher.
• Composition. 100% polyester offers dimensional stability and vivid colours. Adding cotton (for example 30% COT / 70% PES) makes the fabric softer and more absorbent. Viscose, bamboo or Tencel fibres are an argument for premium collections.
• Roll width. The standard for mattress fabrics is around 210–220 cm. Width affects the cutting layout and waste percentage, so take it into account when calculating consumption.
• Shrinkage and dimensional stability. These are especially important for zip-off covers: if the fabric shrinks after washing, the cover will no longer fit.
• Behaviour on the quilting machine. Highly elastic knit may shift on a multi-needle machine without a backing layer, so ask for recommendations in advance.

We explain how to check these parameters when accepting a delivery in our article “Quality control of mattress fabrics”.

Which fabric for which mattress

There is no universal answer, but there are proven combinations.

Budget and mid-range spring mattresses

Here manufacturers usually choose lightweight jacquard or medium-weight knit quilted with polyester wadding. This gives an attractive look while keeping costs under control. For the side panels, border fabrics are a good fit: they are dense and hold their shape well.

Premium and orthopaedic models

For the top segment, double jacquard or heavy knit with a share of natural fibres is chosen, often quilted on foam. Buyers in this segment pay attention to touch and detail, so the ticking pattern, border and mattress tape should all be matched in one colour scheme.

Foam mattresses and roll-packed mattresses

Knit is practically the only option: it is elastic, does not crease under vacuum packing and recovers its appearance after unpacking.

Children's mattresses, toppers and HoReCa

For children's models and mattress protectors, hygiene and moisture protection matter most. Aquastop fabric with a membrane layer is the right choice here. For hotels, durability and the ability to sanitise the cover frequently come first.

Jacquard, knit or quilting: a quick comparison

• Durability: jacquard > quilted fabric > knit.
• Softness and elasticity: knit > quilted fabric > jacquard.
• Design options: thanks to digital printing, knit has virtually no limits; with jacquard, the pattern is defined by the weaving technique.
• Ease of production: jacquard is stable and easy to cut; knit requires machine adjustment; quilted fabric saves you the quilting step in your own plant.
• Best for: jacquard for spring and contract mattresses; knit for foam, roll-packed and design models; quilting for a quick start and a ready soft top.

If you are choosing between the two “flagships”, read our comparison “Double jacquard or knit”.

Practical tips for buyers

• Request samples before placing a large order and test them on your own equipment: quilting, cutting, sewing a trial cover.
• Record the article number and batch. Shades can vary slightly from batch to batch, so for one collection it is better to buy fabric from a single batch.
• Calculate consumption based on roll width, not just the surface area of the mattress.
• Match the whole set: panel fabric, border, tape and thread should all agree in colour and character.
• Check availability and delivery terms with a manager: minimum order, lead times and prices depend on the specific item.

Where to buy mattress fabric wholesale

AIES supplies mattress components to manufacturers across Kazakhstan and Central Asia. Our catalog includes jacquard, double jacquard, knit with original and digital designs, tricot, border fabrics, Aquastop and quilted fabrics. We will help you choose a fabric that suits your model, process and budget.

Want to compare fabrics in person? Contact us to request samples and an up-to-date price list.