"Canvas woven from hemp, also called hurden or tow, was a likely choice for the tick before machine-woven cottons took over. Ticking, the cloth for the tick, evolved into strong, closely-woven cotton, often striped in English-speaking countries."
So canvas might actually be MORE period appropriate! :)
no subject
http://www.oldandinteresting.com/straw-mattresses.aspx
"Canvas woven from hemp, also called hurden or tow, was a likely choice for the tick before machine-woven cottons took over. Ticking, the cloth for the tick, evolved into strong, closely-woven cotton, often striped in English-speaking countries."
So canvas might actually be MORE period appropriate! :)