DIY Fabric Door Stop: A Step-by-Step Guide

Updated at: 20/03/2025

Drafts, slams, and the incessant thud of a door against the wall – a familiar annoyance in many homes. But what if we told you a simple, cost-effective solution was within your reach? This isn't about buying expensive, mass-produced doorstops; this is about embracing creativity and resourcefulness with a DIY fabric doorstop! This charming project allows you to personalize your home decor while simultaneously solving a common household problem. You'll be surprised at how easily you can transform scrap fabrics and simple materials into a beautiful and functional addition to any room.

Forget flimsy, uninspired doorstops; this guide will take you through a step-by-step process to craft your own unique, customized fabric doorstop. From selecting your favourite fabrics and fillings to the final stitching, we'll ensure you create a doorstop that perfectly complements your style and effectively prevents those frustrating door slams. Let's get started!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Two contrasting fabrics
  • Card
  • Pencil
  • Ruler
  • Scissors or rotary cutter
  • Pins
  • Iron
  • Sewing machine
  • Rice or lentils (3-4 kg)
  • Funnel
  • Jug
Safety Guidelines
  • Always use a sturdy fabric and filling material that won't easily compress or shift, ensuring the doorstop maintains its effectiveness and shape.
  • Ensure the doorstop is heavy enough to effectively stop the door from slamming, but not so heavy it becomes difficult to move or poses a tripping hazard.
  • Carefully sew all seams to prevent unraveling and filling spillage. Avoid loose threads or exposed filling material which could pose a choking hazard for young children or pets.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Create Templates

    • Cut out two 15cm x 15cm pieces (top and bottom), four 15cm x 20cm pieces (sides), and one 16.5cm x 8cm piece (handle) from card.
    Create templates: Cut out two 15cm x 15cm pieces (top and bottom), four 15cm x 20cm pieces (sides), and one 16.5cm x 8cm piece (handle) from card.
    Create Templates

  2. Assemble the Cube

    • Pin together the four side pieces, ensuring the pattern is correctly oriented if using patterned fabric. Then, pin the two ends together to form a cube.
    Assemble the cube: Pin together the four side pieces, ensuring the pattern is correctly oriented if using patterned fabric. Then, pin the two ends together to form a cube.
    Assemble the Cube

  3. Prepare the Handle

    • Fold the long edges of the handle piece over twice, press with an iron, and stitch along the folded edges to secure.
    Prepare the handle: Fold the long edges of the handle piece over twice, press with an iron, and stitch along the folded edges to secure.
    Prepare the Handle

  4. Attach the Handle

    • Pin the handle to the top piece, centering it and ensuring a natural curve in the middle. Backstitch and double stitch for strength.
    Attach the handle: Pin the handle to the top piece, centering it and ensuring a natural curve in the middle. Backstitch and double stitch for strength.
    Attach the Handle

  5. Attach Top and Bottom

    • Stitch the top piece to the side pieces, ensuring right sides are together. Repeat for the bottom piece, leaving a gap for filling.

  6. Turn, Fill, and Close

    • Turn the doorstop inside out through the gap. Fill with rice or lentils using a funnel.
    • Slip stitch the remaining gap closed.
    Close the gap: Slip stitch the remaining gap closed.Close the gap: Slip stitch the remaining gap closed.
    Turn, Fill, and Close

Read more: DIY Vibrant Car Organizer: A Step-by-Step Quilting Tutorial

Tips

  • Use contrasting fabrics for a visually appealing result.
  • Ensure pattern orientation when using patterned fabrics.
  • Backstitch and double stitch the handle for extra strength.
  • Leave a couple of inches gap on the bottom for filling.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Stuffing the Fabric Too Tightly

Reason: Over-stuffing can lead to a lumpy, uneven doorstop and may cause the fabric to rip or the seams to burst.
Solution: Use a moderate amount of stuffing and distribute it evenly to avoid overfilling.

2. Choosing the Wrong Fabric

Reason: Using a fabric that's too thin or delicate might result in a flimsy doorstop that doesn't provide enough stopping power or easily tears.
Solution: Opt for sturdy fabrics like canvas, denim, or heavy cotton.

3. Inconsistent Seams and Poor Stitching

Reason: Poor stitching can lead to the doorstop unraveling or looking unprofessional.
Solution: Use a strong thread and sew with even, secure stitches, reinforcing seams where necessary.

FAQs

What kind of fabric is best for a DIY fabric doorstop?
Sturdy fabrics like canvas, denim, or heavy cotton work best. Avoid delicate or easily-torn materials. You can also use felt for a softer, more decorative finish.
What filling material should I use?
Dried beans, rice, or sand are inexpensive and effective fillings. For a softer doorstop, consider using polyester fiberfill. Avoid anything that could potentially leak or smell unpleasant.
How much filling should I use?
Fill the fabric until it's firm but not overly hard. Too little filling won't provide enough stopping power, while too much could make it too bulky or difficult to sew.