The bolts of fabric at stores like WalMart andJoAnn's have a label on the end of the bolts that give the composition of the fabric. The pillow tick I got from JoAnn's said 100% cotton. To check fabric, take a small strip and light the edge with a match, then blow it out. If thereare synthetic fibers in it you will seesome melted "plastic looking" stuff, and smell it too. It is not advisable to do this inside the store.