Say Goodbye to Drafty Doors: Master the Art of Sewing a Draft Stopper

Are chilly drafts creeping into your home, making it hard to stay warm and cozy? If so, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with finding ways to keep their living spaces warm and draft-free during the colder months. One simple and effective solution is creating a draft stopper to place at the bottom of doors or windows. Not only does it block out those pesky drafts, but it also adds a touch of decorative flair to your home décor. In this article, we’ll cover all the steps and tips you need to know on how to sew a draft stopper for any type of door or window. Say goodbye to chilly drafts and hello to a cozy, energy-efficient home!

Introduction

Drafts can be a nuisance in any home, causing uncomfortable drafts and increasing energy bills. One effective solution to this problem is using a draft stopper. These are long, narrow pillows that can be placed along the bottom of doors or windows to prevent cold air from entering your home. While you may easily find draft stoppers at any store, there is something to be said about making your own. Not only does it allow for customization and creativity, but it can also be a fun and fulfilling project. In this guide, we will go through the steps on how to sew a draft stopper and provide useful tips for beginners.

What Is a Draft Stopper?

A draft stopper is a long, cylindrical-shaped pillow that is designed to block cold air from entering your home through gaps under doors or windows. Also known as door snakes or draft blockers, these simple yet effective home accessories have been around for centuries. Initially made from old socks or rags, modern versions are often filled with rice, dried beans, or other materials that provide weight and insulation.

Why Make Your Own Draft Stopper?

While you can easily find ready-made draft stoppers in stores or online, making your own has several advantages. First, it allows you to customize it to fit your specific needs and preferences. You can choose the fabric and filling material that best suits your style and budget.

Moreover, making your own draft stopper is often more cost-effective compared to buying one. You can use leftover fabric scraps or old clothes as filling material instead of purchasing expensive materials like rice.

Finally, sewing your own draft stopper can be a fun project that allows you to unleash your creativity while also providing practical benefits for your home.

Materials You Will Need

– Fabric: Any sturdy fabric such as cotton, linen, or flannel can be used for the outer cover of your draft stopper. Choose a fabric that complements your home decor and is easy to work with.

– Sewing machine: While you can also sew a draft stopper by hand, a sewing machine will make the process much faster and easier.

– Scissors: You will need fabric scissors to cut the fabric for your draft stopper.

– Sewing pins or clips: These will help keep your fabric in place while sewing.

– Ruler or measuring tape: This will help you measure and cut your fabric accurately.

– Sewing needle and thread: These will come in handy for finishing touches and closing any openings after filling your draft stopper.

Step-by-Step Guide to Sewing a Draft Stopper

Step 1: Measure and Cut Your Fabric

Begin by measuring the width of the door or window you want to block. Add an extra inch on both sides for seam allowance. This will be the width of your draft stopper. For the length, measure from one side of the door or window to the other, adding an extra inch on each end for seam allowance.

Using these measurements, cut two pieces of fabric in your desired size. Make sure to cut both pieces with the same dimensions.

Step 2: Pin or Clip Your Fabric Together

Place both pieces of fabric together with their right (printed) sides facing each other. Pin or clip along the edges of three sides, leaving one short edge open for filling later.

Step 3: Sew Along Pinned Edges

Using a sewing machine or hand-stitching, sew along the edges that have been pinned together, leaving a half-inch seam allowance. Remember to leave one short edge open for filling later. If you are using a sewing machine, backstitch at the beginning and end of each seam to secure it.

Step 4: Trim the Corners and Turn Right Side Out

Trim the excess fabric from the corners to help them lay flat once the draft stopper is turned right side out. Next, turn the draft stopper right side out by pulling it through the open end.

Step 5: Fill Your Draft Stopper

Using a funnel or a rolled piece of paper, fill your draft stopper with your chosen filling material. Some popular options include rice, dried beans, polyester stuffing, or even old socks and rags. Make sure to fill it enough to give it a good weight and insulation without overstuffing it.

Step 6: Sew the Open End Closed

Once you have filled your draft stopper to your desired level, fold in the open end and use pins or clips to keep it closed. Use a needle and thread to sew along the open end, making sure to secure both sides of the fabric together.

Congratulations! You now have your own handmade draft stopper ready for use.

Tips for Beginners

– Start with simple materials like cotton or linen if you are new to sewing. These fabrics are easier to work with compared to heavy fabrics like wool.

– Choose a filling material that is dense and heavy enough to stay in place

What is a Draft Stopper and Why Should You Use One?

A draft stopper, also known as a draft blocker or draft excluder, is a simple but effective tool that can help keep your home warm and energy-efficient during the colder months. Essentially, it is a long fabric tube filled with materials such as rice, sand, or foam that is placed at the bottom of doors or windows to prevent drafts from entering. Draft stoppers are especially helpful in older homes with poor insulation or areas where there are gaps between the door and floor.

Aside from keeping your home comfortable and saving you money on heating bills, using a draft stopper also offers several other benefits. These include reducing noise levels from outside, preventing dust and insects from entering your home, and even increasing the lifespan of your heating system by reducing strain on it. So if you’re looking for an easy and cost-effective way to improve your home’s energy efficiency and comfort, then using a draft stopper is definitely worth considering.

DIY vs Store-Bought Draft Stoppers

When it comes to draft stoppers, you have two options: making one yourself or purchasing one from the store. While there are pros and cons to both options, ultimately it will come down to personal preference and skill level.

Making your own DIY draft stopper can be a fun project that allows you to personalize the design and choose exactly what materials to use. Many people enjoy upcycling old materials such as socks or fabric scraps for this purpose. Plus, making your own can save you money compared to buying one from the store.

On the other hand, store-bought draft stoppers offer convenience and typically have more sophisticated designs with better-quality materials. They also require no extra time or effort on your part – simply purchase one ready-made and use it immediately. However, they may come with a higher price tag.

In summary, if you have the time and creativity, making your own draft stopper can be a fun and cost-effective option. But if you prefer convenience and are willing to invest a bit more money, then purchasing one from the store may be the better choice.

How to Sew a Draft Stopper – Step by Step Guide

If you’ve decided to make your own draft stopper, here’s a step by step guide on how to sew one:

1. Gather your materials: You will need about 1 yard of fabric (canvas or heavyweight cotton works best), scissors, thread, and filling material such as rice or sand.

2. Cut fabric: Cut your fabric into a long rectangle measuring 36 inches by 8 inches.

3. Fold in half: Fold the fabric in half lengthwise with the right sides together and pin along both edges.

4. Sew one side: Sew a straight stitch along one open edge, about ½ inch from the edge.

5. Turn it inside out: Turn the tube inside out so that the right side of the fabric is now on the outside.

6. Fill with material: Using a funnel or rolled-up piece of paper, fill the tube with your chosen filling material up to about 6 inches from the top. This will allow enough room for sewing the other end closed.

7. Sew other side: Tuck in the raw edges of both ends and sew them closed using a straight stitch.

8. Optional step – add decoration: You can choose to decorate your draft stopper with ribbons, buttons, or embroidery for added personality.

9. Place at door or window: Place your newly-made draft stopper at the bottom of any doors or windows where drafts come in to block them out effectively.

Maintenance and Care for Your Draft Stopper

To ensure that your draft stopper is always in good condition, follow these simple maintenance and care tips:

– Check it regularly for wear and tear, especially if using it daily.
– If the filling material gets displaced or compressed, simply refill the tube with more materials.
– Wash it occasionally according to the care instructions of the fabric used.
– Store it in a cool and dry place when not in use.

In conclusion, using a draft stopper is a simple but effective way to keep your home warm and comfortable during the colder months. Whether you choose to make one yourself or purchase one from the store, a draft stopper can offer many benefits such as increasing energy efficiency, reducing noise levels, and preventing dust and insects from entering your home. With its relatively easy maintenance and care, a draft stopper is definitely a worthwhile investment for any homeowner.

Q: What materials do I need to make a draft stopper?
A: You will need fabric (preferably heavy-weight), filling such as rice or polyester stuffing, scissors, thread, pins, and a sewing machine.

Q: How long should my draft stopper be?
A: The length of your draft stopper should be slightly longer than the width of your door or window.

Q: How do I measure for a draft stopper?
A: Measure the width of your door or window and add an extra 2-3 inches for seam allowance. This will be the length of your fabric.

Q: Can I hand-sew a draft stopper?
A: Yes, you can hand-sew a draft stopper using a backstitch or slip stitch. However, using a sewing machine will result in a sturdier finished product.

Q: What is the best filling to use for my draft stopper?
A: Popular choices for filling include rice, dried beans, lentils, or polyester stuffing. Just make sure it is tightly packed to effectively block drafts.

Q: Do I need to seal the ends of my draft stopper before sewing it shut?
A: It is recommended to seal the ends with tape or by folding the fabric over and pressing it with an iron before sewing shut. This will prevent any filling from spilling out over time.

In conclusion, knowing how to sew a draft stopper can not only help you save energy and money by reducing heat loss in your home, but it can also be a fun and creative DIY project. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create a highly effective draft stopper tailored to your specific needs and style preferences. Remember to carefully select the right materials and techniques for your draft stopper based on its intended location and purpose. Additionally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different designs and patterns to add a personal touch to your draft stopper. Lastly, always ensure proper care and maintenance of your draft stopper to ensure its longevity and maximum effectiveness. With these tips in mind, you are now equipped with the knowledge to effectively protect your home from drafts while adding a touch of creativity and personality. Happy sewing!

Author Profile

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.