Stop Drafts in Their Tracks: A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Sew a Door Draft Stopper

Are you tired of feeling a chilly breeze every time you walk past your door? Or maybe your energy bill seems to skyrocket every winter due to heat escaping through the gaps under your doors. The solution to these problems is simple and affordable – a door draft stopper. Not only will it keep the cold air out and the warm air in, but it can also add a touch of creativity to your home decor. In this article, we will guide you step-by-step on how to sew a door draft stopper, ensuring that you have a cozy and efficient home during the colder months. So grab your sewing kit and let’s get started!

What is a Door Draft Stopper?

A door draft stopper is a simple but effective tool that helps to improve the energy efficiency of your home. It is usually a long, narrow pillow-like object, made from fabric and filled with materials such as rice, beans, or foam. The purpose of the door draft stopper is to block air from escaping or entering under your door, thereby preventing cold drafts and keeping the warm air inside.

Door draft stoppers go by different names such as draft dodger, draft guard, or door snake. They are commonly used in homes and offices to provide insulation and reduce energy bills. They are especially useful during the colder months when heating costs can skyrocket due to heat loss through gaps under doors.

Why Should You Sew Your Own Door Draft Stopper?

There are several reasons why you should consider sewing your own door draft stopper instead of buying a pre-made one:

1. Customizable: When you make your own door draft stopper, you have the freedom to customize it according to the size of your door. This ensures a snug fit and maximum effectiveness in blocking any drafts.

2. Cost-effective: Making your own door draft stopper is significantly cheaper than purchasing one from a store. You can use materials that you already have at home, such as old socks or fabric scraps.

3. Eco-friendly: By using recycled or unused materials for your DIY project, you are contributing to reducing waste and being environmentally friendly.

4. Fun DIY project: Sewing a door draft stopper can be a fun and rewarding sewing project for beginners and experienced sewists alike.

How To Sew A Door Draft Stopper

Now that you know the benefits of sewing your own door draft stopper let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making one:

Materials Needed:

– Fabric: You can use any durable fabric for your door draft stopper. Some good options are denim, canvas, or upholstery fabric.

– Filling: As mentioned earlier, you can fill your door draft stopper with a variety of materials such as rice, beans, or foam. However, we recommend using dried lentils as they are affordable and provide good insulation.

– Measuring tape

– Scissors

– Sewing machine (optional)

Step 1: Measure your Door

The first step is to measure the width of your door, right where it meets the floor. This will determine the length of your door draft stopper. Add an extra inch on each side for seam allowance.

Step 2: Cut Out the Fabric

Using the measurements from step 1, cut out two identical pieces of fabric from your chosen fabric. Remember to add an inch on each side for seam allowance.

Step 3: Sew the Fabric Pieces Together

Place the two pieces of fabric together with their right sides facing inwards. Pin them together along three sides, leaving one short end open for filling. Sew along the pinned edges using a straight stitch.

Step 4: Turn it Inside Out

Carefully turn the fabric inside out through the open end, so that the right side of the fabric is now facing outwards.

Step 5: Fill with Lentils

Using a funnel or a piece of paper rolled into a cone shape, carefully pour dried lentils into your door draft stopper through the open end until it’s filled to your desired thickness. Be sure not to overfill it as it will be too bulky to slide under your door.

Step 6: Close Up The Open End

Tuck in the raw edges of the open end and sew it shut with a straight stitch. You can also hand-sew this if you don’t have a sewing machine.

Step 7: Decorate (Optional)

Feel free to let your creativity flow by decorating your door draft stopper with fabric paint, embroidery, or any other embellishments of your choice. This step is optional but can give your door draft stopper a personalized touch.

Step 8: Use Your New Door Draft Stopper

Congratulations! You have successfully made your own door draft stopper. Now, simply slide it under your door and enjoy a draft-free and energy-efficient home.

Tips for using and maintaining your Door Draft Stopper

– As lentils may attract pests, it is recommended to use a cotton fabric for your door draft stopper instead of synthetic ones.

– To ensure longevity, make sure to store your door draft stopper in a dry place when not in use.

– When the door draft stopper gets dirty, simply remove the filling and wash the fabric in cold water. Air dry it before refilling and using again.

– Replace the filling every year or two to maintain its insulation properties.

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Are you tired of feeling a draft coming in from under your door, making your house cold and causing your energy bills to skyrocket? One simple solution to this problem is to sew a door draft stopper. This DIY project is not only cost-effective but also an easy way to keep the cold air out and the warm air in. In this guide, we will take you through all the steps on how to sew a door draft stopper like a pro.

What You Will Need

To make your own door draft stopper, you will need the following materials:

– Fabric: You can use any type of sturdy fabric for your draft stopper. Thick fabrics like canvas, denim or upholstery fabric work best.

– Measuring tape: This will help you accurately measure the dimensions of your door frame.

– Sewing machine or needle and thread: A sewing machine will make this project quick and easy. However, if you do not have one, you can still sew by hand with a needle and thread.

– Scissors: You will need them to cut your fabric.

– Ruler or straight edge: This is essential for marking and measuring your fabric pieces.

– Pins or clips: These are used to hold the fabric pieces together while sewing.

– Thread: Choose a thread color that matches your fabric.

– Sewing chalk or pencil: This will help you mark lines on your fabric for accurate cutting and sewing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have gathered all the necessary materials, it’s time to start sewing your door draft stopper. Follow these step-by-step instructions to make sure you get it right:

1. Start by measuring the width of your door frame where you want the draft stopper to sit. Add 1 inch to this measurement for seam allowance. For example, if yours measure 36 inches, add 1 inch to make it 37 inches.

2. Next, measure the height of your door frame. Add 2 inches to this measurement for seam allowance and extra fabric for the stopper to sit properly on the floor. For example, if yours measure 4 inches, add 2 inches to make it 6 inches.

3. Cut your fabric according to your measurements. For this example, you will need a piece of fabric that measures 37 x 6 inches.

4. Place the fabric piece on a flat surface with the patterned side facing down.

5. Fold the bottom edge of the fabric up about an inch and press it with an iron.

6. Fold the top edge down about an inch and press it as well.

7. Fold the sides in at a slight angle towards each other and press them.

8. Unfold the top and bottom edges and place pins or clips at each corner where they meet with the side edges.

9. Using a straight stitch on your sewing machine or hand-sewing needle, sew along all four edges around your pinned or clipped corners. Make sure to backstitch at the beginning and end of your stitches for reinforcement.

10. With a pair of scissors, trim off any excess threads or fabrics from your edges.

11. Turn your draft stopper inside out so that the patterned side is now facing outwards, revealing the neat seams on all four sides.

12. Fill your draft stopper with weights like rice or beans until it is nice and plump but still flexible enough to fit against your door frame without any gaps.

13. Once filled with weights, fold in both ends of your draft stopper by about half an inch each and pin or clip in place.

14. Using a ladder stitch (a nearly invisible stitch), sew shut both ends leaving no gap for weights to spill out from either end.

15. Your door draft stopper is now ready to use! Place it against the bottom of your door, and it should fit snugly and block any drafts from coming in.

Tips for a Professional Finish

– Always use a sturdy fabric that can withstand the weight of the filling. Thin fabrics will rip easily and not hold the weights in place.

– Use a matching thread color for a cleaner and more professional look.

– Press your fabric pieces before sewing to ensure neat and straight edges.

– Be careful not to overfill your draft stopper. It should have some flexibility to fit against your door frame without leaving any gaps or causing strain on the fabric.

Maintenance and Care

To keep your door draft stopper clean and fresh, you can periodically remove the weights and wash the fabric according to its care instructions. You can also give it a gentle wipe down with a damp cloth if needed.

Sewing a door draft stopper is an easy DIY project that not only helps conserve energy but also adds a touch of decoration to your home. With these step-by-step instructions, you can easily create your own draft stopper in no time. So say goodbye to cold drafts and high energy bills

Q: What is a door draft stopper?
A: A door draft stopper is a long, narrow, fabric tube filled with stuffing or other materials that is placed along the bottom of a door to keep cold air from entering a room and warm air from escaping.

Q: Why use a door draft stopper?
A: A door draft stopper helps to increase energy efficiency by preventing drafts and reducing heating costs. It also helps to create a more comfortable living space by keeping out cold air and reducing noise from outside.

Q: Can I make my own door draft stopper?
A: Yes, it is possible to make your own door draft stopper using simple materials like fabric, stuffing, and thread. There are many easy DIY tutorials available online.

Q: How do I measure for a door draft stopper?
A: To measure for a door draft stopper, simply measure the width of your door and add an additional 2-3 inches for overlap. The length of the door draft stopper should be equal to the width of the door.

Q: What type of fabric should I use for my DIY door draft stopper?
A: Thick, heavy fabrics like fleece, flannel, or canvas work best for DIY door draft stoppers. These fabrics provide better insulation and durability.

Q: How do I attach the door draft stopper to my door?
A: If your DIY door draft stopper does not have straps or ties already attached, you can easily sew them onto the fabric tube before stuffing it. Then simply place the draft stopper along the bottom of your door and adjust it as needed for a snug fit.

In conclusion, knowing how to sew a door draft stopper is a useful skill that can provide many benefits. By understanding the importance of stopping drafts in your home, as well as the various materials and techniques used in creating a draft stopper, you can effectively reduce energy costs and enhance the comfort in your living space. Remember to carefully measure and choose appropriate materials, such as durable fabric and filling, to ensure an effective and long-lasting draft stopper. The step-by-step instructions provided in this guide make it easy for anyone to create their own door draft stopper. Not only is it a practical solution for keeping out unwanted drafts and saving money, but it also allows for personalization to match your home’s decor. By implementing these tips, you can easily create a functional and aesthetically pleasing door draft stopper that will serve its purpose for years to come. So don’t wait any longer – pick up those sewing needles and start crafting your very own door draft stopper today!

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.