stoppning

Stoppning is a Swedish term for the material used to stuff or fill an object to give it shape, volume, softness, insulation, or comfort. The word stems from stopp, meaning to stuff, and is commonly used in contexts related to upholstery, cushions, mattresses, and padding in clothing or accessories. In everyday language stoppning is often used together with or exchanged for the related term fyllning, though fyllning can be broader and also refer to fillings in other contexts such as food.

Common applications include upholstery and furniture, where stoppning gives upholstery its loft and resilience in chairs, sofas, and cushions; bedding such as pillows and mattresses; and clothing or accessories that require padding for warmth or structure, like jackets, gloves, hats, or bags. Stoppning is also used in crafts and DIY projects.

Materials used for stoppning vary widely. Natural fibers such as wool, cotton batting, or down feathers have long been used for warmth and feel. Plant-based options like kapok are also common. Synthetic fillings—polyester fiberfill, foam rubber, or memory foam layers—are widely used for durability and ease of care. Blends of natural and synthetic fibers are common, chosen for factors such as loft, resilience, moisture management, and cost.

Maintenance and care depend on the material. Down and wool often require careful cleaning, while synthetic fills are typically easier to wash. In upholstery production, specifications for stoppning include loft, density, and durability to meet the intended use and expected wear.