Stop Those Drafts: Learn How To Sew A Draft Stopper in Minutes!

AvatarByJill Nammar Sewing

Do you often find yourself feeling cold drafts creeping into your home during the chilly months? These pesky drafts not only make your space feel less cozy, but they can also hike up your energy bill. Fortunately, creating a draft stopper is a simple and effective solution to keeping the cold out and the warmth in. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of sewing your own draft stopper, allowing you to save both energy and money while also adding a touch of personalization to your home décor. Read on to learn how to sew a draft stopper and bid farewell to unwelcome drafts for good.

Why Use a Draft Stopper?

Draft stoppers, also known as draft blockers or door snakes, are long, thin fabric tubes filled with insulation material such as rice, beans, or foam. They are placed along the bottom of doors or windows to prevent cold drafts from entering the room. But why might you need a draft stopper in your home?

First and foremost, a draft stopper helps to improve energy efficiency in your home. Cold drafts can seep in through small cracks around doors and windows, causing your heating system to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. This not only results in higher energy bills but also puts unnecessary strain on the environment. By using a draft stopper, you can reduce your energy consumption and contribute to a greener planet.

Aside from energy efficiency, draft stoppers also provide added comfort in your living space. No one likes feeling cold air creeping through their doorways or sitting by a chilly window. A draft stopper blocks these drafts and creates a barrier of warmth, making your home more comfortable and pleasant.

Additionally, draft stoppers can help with noise reduction. If you live on a busy street or have noisy neighbors, you know how disruptive it can be. A draft stopper acts as a sound blocker by closing off any gaps where noise could easily pass through. This is particularly useful if you work from home or have small children who nap during the day.

Lastly, but certainly not least, draft stoppers serve as an excellent form of pest control. Gaps around doors and windows are an open invitation for insects and other small pests to enter your home. Even the smallest cracks can welcome unwanted visitors such as ants or spiders. By using a draft stopper, you can keep these pests at bay and maintain a cleaner and healthier living environment.

Materials Needed

Making your own DIY draft stopper is both easy and cost-effective. To get started, you will need just a few basic materials:

– Fabric: You can use any type of fabric to make your draft stopper. However, heavier or thicker fabrics such as denim, felt, or wool work best as they provide better insulation. You can also repurpose old clothing or curtains to reduce waste.
– Insulation material: The most commonly used insulation materials for draft stoppers are rice and beans. However, you can also use foam pipe insulation if you prefer a more lightweight option.
– Sewing machine or needle and thread: A sewing machine will make the process quicker and easier, but you can also sew your draft stopper by hand if you don’t have one.
– Measuring tape or ruler: This is essential to ensure your draft stopper is the correct size for your door or window.
– Scissors: You will need scissors to cut both the fabric and the insulation material.
– Pins: These are handy for holding your fabric in place while sewing.

Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you have all your materials ready, it’s time to make your own draft stopper! Follow these simple steps:

1. Measure: Start by measuring the width of the door or window where you would like to place your draft stopper. Add an extra inch on each side for seam allowance.

2. Cut the fabric: Use your measurements to cut two rectangles of fabric the desired length plus seam allowance. The width of the fabric should be 6 inches for standard doors and windows.

3. Pin fabric together: Place both rectangles of fabric right sides together and pin them in place along three sides with a ¼ inch seam allowance.

4. Sew around three sides: Using a sewing machine or needle and thread, sew along the three sides where you pinned, leaving one short end open.

5. Turn inside out: Once sewn, turn your draft stopper inside out so that the right side of the fabric is now facing outwards.

6. Fill with insulation material: Fill your draft stopper with your chosen insulation material. If using rice or beans, pour them into a plastic bag before placing them inside the fabric tube. This will make it easier to remove and refill in the future if needed.

7. Sew closed: Once filled, fold the open end of the draft stopper inside and sew it closed.

8. Optional: Add a handle or loop: If you would like to be able to hang your draft stopper when not in use, you can make a loop out of fabric or attach a ribbon handle before sewing the final side closed.

9. Place under door or window: Now that your draft stopper is complete, all that’s left to do is place it under your door or window where you feel drafts coming through. Adjust as needed to ensure it covers all gaps and blocks any drafts from entering.

Caring for Your Draft Stopper

To maintain optimal performance, it’s essential to take care of your draft stopper properly:

– Regularly check for wear and tear: Over time, your draft stopper may become worn out from constant use. Check

When the chill of winter sets in, there’s nothing worse than feeling drafts of cold air seeping in through the bottom of your doors. Not only does it make your home uncomfortable, but it can also lead to higher heating bills as you constantly try to keep the chilly air out. But fear not, because a simple solution to this problem is within your reach: a draft stopper. These handy and inexpensive tools can be made at home with just a few materials and some basic sewing skills. In this guide, we’ll take you through all the steps on how to sew a draft stopper that will effectively block out pesky drafts and keep your home warm and cozy.

Gathering Materials

Before you get started on sewing your draft stopper, make sure you have all the necessary materials ready. The good news is that most of these items can be found lying around in your home, making this a budget-friendly project.

You will need:

  • Heavy fabric- such as upholstery or canvas fabric
  • Cotton batting or pillow stuffing
  • Ruler or measuring tape
  • Fabric scissors
  • Sewing machine or needle and thread
  • A funnel or rolled up piece of paper
  • Rice or other filling material (such as dried beans or lentils)
  • Optional: essential oils for a pleasant scent

Measuring and Cutting Fabric

To start, measure the width of your door where you plan on using the draft stopper. Then add an extra 2 inches to this measurement for seam allowance.
Next, measure and cut two pieces of fabric according to this width measurement. The length can vary depending on how long you want your draft stopper to be, but it should ideally cover the entire width of the door.

Now, place the two pieces of fabric together with the right sides (the sides you want to be seen) facing each other. Use a ruler to mark a line 1 inch away from the top and bottom edges of the fabric. This will serve as your sewing guideline.

Sewing the Fabric

Grab your sewing machine or needle and thread, and start sewing along the marked lines on both pieces of fabric. Make sure to leave one short end open for stuffing.

Once you have sewn the two pieces together, turn it inside out through the open end. You should now have a long tube of fabric.

Stuffing the Draft Stopper

Using a funnel or rolled up piece of paper, pour in your filling material into the open end of the draft stopper. If you’re using rice, you can add a few drops of essential oils to make it emit a pleasant scent every time you use it. Keep in mind not to overstuff it, as this can make it difficult to move around and less effective in blocking drafts.

When you’re happy with how much filling is in your draft stopper, use pins or clips to temporarily close off the open end.

Sewing Up the Draft Stopper

Using your sewing machine or needle and thread, sew shut the open end of your draft stopper. Make sure to reinforce this stitching by going back and forth a few times for added strength.

Once completely sewn shut, give your draft stopper a good shake to distribute the filling evenly inside.

Optional Enhancements

If you want to add some extra touches to your draft stopper, here are some ideas:

  • Sew on decorative buttons or ribbons
  • Create a cover for your draft stopper using another piece of fabric
  • Add velcro strips along one side so that you can easily take off and clean
  • Personalize it with fabric markers or paint
  • Embroider a design or pattern on the fabric
  • Use themed or seasonal fabric to match your home decor

Using Your Draft Stopper

Once your draft stopper is complete, simply place it at the bottom of your door, and push it in to create a tight seal. Make sure that the draft stopper extends slightly beyond the door frame on both sides to ensure maximum coverage.

If you have multiple doors experiencing drafts, consider making different sizes of draft stoppers to fit each one. Additionally, you can use these stoppers for windowsills or even under gaps in baseboards.

Caring for Your Draft Stopper

To keep your draft stopper in good condition and ensure its longevity, follow these care tips:

  • Avoid washing it unless necessary- spot clean with a damp cloth if needed
  • If you used rice as filling, check periodically for any potential bugs or mold and replace the filling if necessary
  • Fluff up and redistribute the filling periodically
  • Store in a dry place when not in use

Now that you know how to sew a draft

Q: What is a draft stopper?
A: A draft stopper, also known as a draft blocker or a door snake, is a long, narrow cushion or tube-like object that is placed at the bottom of doors or windows to prevent cold drafts from entering and warm air from escaping.

Q: What materials do I need to make a draft stopper?
A: You will need fabric, filling material (such as rice, beans, or fiberfill), a sewing machine (optional), scissors, measuring tape, and pins. You may also use other materials such as old socks, stockings, or towels if you do not have fabric.

Q: How long should my draft stopper be?
A: The length of your draft stopper will depend on the width of your door or window. Measure the width and add a few extra inches so that it can cover the entire space and provide effective insulation.

Q: Do I need to sew the ends of the draft stopper?
A: It is recommended to sew the ends of your draft stopper for durability. If you are using socks or stockings as your filling material, you can tie knots at both ends instead.

Q: What type of fabric should I use for my draft stopper?
A: You can use any sturdy fabric such as cotton, fleece, denim, or upholstery fabric. However, if you live in an area with high humidity levels, it is best to use synthetic materials that are less prone to absorbing moisture and causing mold.

Q: Can I add scents to my draft stopper?
A: Yes, you can add scented items such as dried herbs or essential oils to your filling material for added fragrance. However, make sure not to overdo it as strong scents may cause headaches for some individuals.

In conclusion, learning how to sew a draft stopper is a useful skill that not only helps to conserve energy and save on heating costs, but also adds a personalized touch to home decor. By following the steps outlined above, anyone can easily create their own draft stopper that is tailored to fit their needs and style.

From choosing the right materials to measuring and sewing accurately, every step plays a crucial role in creating an effective and aesthetically pleasing draft stopper. Additionally, experimenting with different designs and filling options offers endless possibilities for customization.

In addition to being practical and cost-effective, sewing your own draft stopper also promotes sustainable living by reducing the use of disposable products and resources. It is a great way to repurpose old fabrics and contribute towards a greener environment.

Overall, learning how to sew a draft stopper is not only a practical skill but also a creative outlet that can bring satisfaction and pride in one’s own ability. With these simple steps, anyone can make their homes more comfortable and energy-efficient while adding their personal touch. So why not give it a try? Explore your creativity, save some money, and make your home cozier with your very own handmade draft stopper!

Author Profile

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Jill Nammar
My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.

My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.

From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.

The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.

Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.