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FREE sewing tutorial: how to make a "stylish" draft stopper!

11/12/2013

51 Comments

 
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One of my October weekends was devoted to a project I like to call "Now-that-it's-getting-winter-get-rid-of-the-freaking-drafts-in-your-house". Seriously, weather-wise I just live in the wrong state. I hate freezing, but I freeze all the time as soon as temperatures drop below 60 degrees (mind you USA, that is 15 degrees on the Celsius scale. Sounds pretty bad, huh?!). Our house here is old, built in the 1930s and while they installed new windows before we moved in, the wooden window frames have cracks and holes, if I hold my hand close to them I can feel the wind. No joke. This is not what you want when you live upstate NY where it usually stays cold from November to April. So this year I decided to finally do something about it and so I gathered as much information about how to weatherize windows when you don't have a clue about home improvement whatsoever.
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Before you fall asleep over this blog post that was orininally designed to show you how to easily sew a draft stopper for your door, let me just tell you this: rope caulk is awesome! It is a putty-like substance that comes as a rope (duh...) with different strands and you can simply "unwind" as much as you need, in the thickness that you need to fill cracks or gaps and then simply seal them with it. It is amazing! I spent an entire Sunday filling all the drafty cracks in our house and I used up two of these packages. So if you are looking for a simple way to make your home more cozy, go get rope caulk!

So back to the title of this post. We have a backdoor in our kitchen, that leads into a very cold staircase and the basement. There is a really big gap under the door which I decided had to go as well. I mean, what's the use in fixing your windows if the cold still has this very convenient way to get into your house, right? I thought about making a simple draft stopper, you know, the ones that are made of fabric, stuffed with batting which you simply push in front of the door. I didn't like the idea very much since they always have to be put back in place after using the door. And the gap would be open if I leave the house through that door, so that was no option.
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I found a very cool idea over at this website. They used foam tubes (originally designed for pipe insulation, you will find them at your hardware store as well) as a filler, what an awesome idea! I bought a 6' long foam tube that has a 1.75" inch diameter and started designing my own draft stopper. If you have read so far, congratulations and thank you, I really appreciate it :)
If you are interested in my "stylish" draft stopper, here is what I made:
(This tutorial is free but if you would rather prefer to download this complete tutorial as a pdf file you may purchase it here for only $2.)

First you will have to measure the width of your door, so you will know to what length to cut your foam tubes. When measuring, watch out for protruding parts (see first picture below) and take these into account so you will be able to close your door later with the draft stopper attached.
Also measure the depth of your door. You don't have to be too exact. I noted down 1 1/2" for mine.
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Get some fabric. I actually had a Polyester fabric lying around in my stash (God knows why I bought this one…) which was perfect for this project. You most certainly don't want to use your best lightweight quilting cotton and you also might want to use darker colors, since the thing is going to be dragged over the ground fairly often.
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Measurements: (seam allowance 1/2" included)

The width of your fabric piece should be: the width of your tube (i. e. the width of your door) plus about 3 extra inches.
The height of your fabric piece should be approx. 26 inches (if you use tubes with a diameter of 1.75 inches. Allow more fabric if you use tubes bigger in diameter). My piece of fabric was much too long as you will see in the pictures, don't let that confuse you :)

Fold the fabric in half horizontally (that means, after folding your fabric will still have the same width but will only be half as high as before), right sides together. Sew along the two short edges. Leave the long edge open.

Turn right side out. Put one of your foam tubes into the fabric and push it right into the upper corner, making sure it is centered. Pin it in place by closing the fabric, so that the tube is entirely covered by fabric. Pin as close to the tube as possible, as indicated by the white dashes in the picture below.
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With the zipper foot of your sewing machine, sew along the tube, closing the fabric and trapping the tube inside.

Now measure from the seam you just made: the depth of your door, in my case 1 1/2". You can also put the unfinished draft stopper under your door to get the perfect measurements (see pictures below). Use a fabric marker to mark a line parallel to the seam you just stitched. I also recommend pinning the two fabric layers together, so nothing will slip while sewing. Stitch along the line you marked.
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Take the second foam tube and put it into the fabric. Slide it inside, all the way to the seam you just made. Using pins, close down the fabric on the other side of the tube, again trapping the tube inside.
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You can see both tubes trapped in the fabric and the gap for the door in between.
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Using the zipper foot of your sewing machine, stitch along the tube again, closing the channel. Trim the rest of the fabric to the appropiate size: since this end of my draft stopper is going to be in the staircase and hence out of my view most of the time, I simply trimmed the fabric down to approx. 3/4" (measured from the stitching next to the tube) and did a zig zag stitch to prevent the edges from fraying. I agree this may not be the cleanest solution but I am not going to try winning Project Runway with this thing after all :-)
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Trim the fabric and sew along the edge with a zig zag stitch, at the same time closing the open edge.
If you want your edge to be neat, trim down the fabric to a length of 1 1/4" (again measured from the stitching next to the tube) and then bend the fabric of both edges down towards the inside by approx. 1/2". Pin in place and stitch along the edge using a 1/4" seam allowance.
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And that is it! Your draft stopper is finished. Slide it underneath your door and enjoy! No more drafts and it looks kinda stylish too. That fabric isn't even as hideous as I thought.

If you live in a cold area, you will have lots of fun with this. We had our first snow last night and I am not too happy about it... On the other hand I realized I really enjoy the sound of snow falling. Seems like I can't really make up my mind about it :) Do you like winter? Or are you one of those happy folks living in a warmer climate?
Happy sewing and stay warm :)
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51 Comments
Georgina
11/20/2013 05:14:25 am

I am going to my fabric library right now to find what I need for my draft dogger, bought one but it did not fit right too much width for my door, love your instructions, soooo easy

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Anna
11/20/2013 09:04:22 pm

Thanks Georgina, I am glad you like this tutorial! Most of the draft stoppers for sale aren't that good, I agree. Good luck with your project :)

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Catherine
9/26/2015 04:48:06 pm

I did this for myself about a month ago. I saw one of these at Boscov's and checked it out. There foam tubes were solid in the door draft but I use the same tubes you did. It works great. I still want to do some of those stuff door drafts just for the designs. By the way a 8ft. section of that tubing was only $1.87 and you can use left over material from anything.

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steph
11/20/2013 06:15:05 am

love it! guess what im gonna be doin tomorrow :) thnks

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Anna
11/20/2013 09:06:46 pm

Glad to hear that this is going to be your project for today Steph :))

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lorraine
11/20/2013 06:25:59 am

Live in the tropics. this is purfect for keeping the cripey crawlies from crawling from getting under my security and main door Iam off to hardware store today Thanks

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Anna
11/20/2013 09:08:53 pm

Perfect Lorraine! I had no idea this draft stopper could be so versatile. Thanks for your comment :)

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Jamie
11/21/2013 12:54:05 pm

So glad I found this. Making one ASAP to replace the one I have where the foam deteriated and the fabric ripped a bit from all the sliding back and forth. I might leave a side open to replace the foam, just in case since our family seems to be a little rough on them :)

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Anna
11/23/2013 11:38:52 pm

Good idea, Jamie! If you are planning on replacing the foam or tubes every once in a while you could also just baste the last seam, so you will able to open it up again quickly :)

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catherine
9/26/2015 04:49:30 pm

Maybe use a canvas something a little more heavy.

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Gail
11/21/2013 05:05:01 pm

I live in a very hot area and sometimes it is the cool air from the air conditioner that escapes from under the doors, add to the heat the problem of dust, this is a good idea to assist with both problems.

Thanks for the ideas

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Anna
11/23/2013 11:43:08 pm

You are welcome Gail! Heat or cold, I guess this works for both. Even though at 19°F right now I wish I was in a warmer area :) Glad you like my tutorial!

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Gail
12/3/2013 02:26:51 am

Ok I won't whine about being cold in the midlands of SC :) However, I'm always looking for ways to save on energy year round. This is such a neat idea and I already have the foam and plenty of fabric so I plan on three. Thank you for the idea and the great tutorial!

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Anna
12/3/2013 10:11:52 am

Thanks Gail! I have to admit saving energy was another aspect of my effort to stop the drafts in our house :)

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Janet
12/3/2013 04:37:48 am

Thanks for this idea. I am going to make one for my door.

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Anna
12/3/2013 10:13:18 am

Glad you like my tutorial Janet!

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Kathy
12/6/2013 05:45:25 am

This is the perfect idea! I have tried eveything for filler for one of these and haven't found anything good. Since replacing my carpet with tile, I have a 2 inch gap under my doors and wanted to put something to help with noise. This is absolutely perfect!! Thanks SO MUCH!!

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Anna
12/6/2013 06:20:30 am

Thanks Kathy! This is definitely going to help with the gaps under your door. Happy stitching :)

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Mrs. Kramer
12/7/2013 12:26:55 pm

Nice easy and useful project

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Anna
12/8/2013 08:50:47 pm

Thank you :)

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Annette
5/8/2014 12:09:34 am

All of our doors in the house are set a little high and the back door flap has gotten old. This is the perfect project! I will get started after I got thru my fabric stash! Thanks for posting!!

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Anna
5/8/2014 12:32:26 am

Thank you Annette. Hope you will have fun with this tutorial!

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Vandana
5/29/2014 06:01:42 pm

Oh I cant thank u enough for this wonderful gift of this idea. I have just finished making one and reaping the appreciations. I am passing the same on to u

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Anna
5/30/2014 12:47:11 am

Thanks so much for your comment Vandana! I am very glad to hear you enjoyed this tutorial and get a lot of good feedback for your project from people :)

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Kathy
9/27/2014 12:43:09 pm

I am going to make one of these as soon as I get my sewing machine moved here. I have a front door that most certainly could use one of these. Thank you for the idea.

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Anna
9/28/2014 10:51:58 pm

Thanks for your nice comment Kathy!

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Nadine
9/27/2014 11:19:18 pm

Wow-I really like this idea. I live in the same weather zone as you and I also live in a older home. I am going to make this right away for my basement door. Thanks for sharing

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Anna
9/28/2014 10:53:00 pm

So you have to deal with those cold winters too Nadine?? This will help tons, I promise :) Happy stitching!

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Becky
9/28/2014 02:25:00 am

Its been almost a year since you posted this hope your still getting you comments.
Did it hold up all winter?
Did you ever have problems with it not letting you close the door?
Did you ever wash it and did it hold up?

I am thinking I have some water proof fabric that would work great...

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Anna
9/28/2014 11:00:26 pm

Hi Becky,
Thanks for your nice comment. Yes, the draft stopper did hold up all winter and I loved it! No problems whatsoever. However, I did not wash it since the foam tubes are not made for this. I just use the vacuum cleaner and a wet cloth to wipe it down every now and then. Using water proof fabric is a great idea since you will easily be able to wipe it clean. Let me know how it worked out for you. Happy sewing :)

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Christina
9/28/2014 12:05:15 pm

Thank you so much for this tutorial, I was just thinking about looking for a pattern online to make some of these for our farm house here in Vermont...

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Anna
9/28/2014 11:05:19 pm

Thanks Christina! I bet in Vermont you will need this as badly as we do here in NY State...cold winter is coming up again.. Hope you will like this tutorial! Happy sewing :)

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Elizabeth
9/29/2014 08:30:46 pm

These are wonderful. They sell for around $3.00 at the local discount store, but I could either make some as presents, or just make a new cover for them. I live in Tasmania, Australia, so we need draft excluders too.

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Anna
10/1/2014 12:31:33 am

Glad you like my tutorial Elizabeth :)

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Tammy link
10/10/2014 10:00:33 pm

Thank you so much for sharing, I am making these for a completely different reason other than drafts, but will still work perfectly. I have a kitten who loves playing with bag toppers you pull off of candy bags, the ones that are like foil; well he has a thing about sliding them under our hall closet and pantry door and then meows desperately for someone to open the door to get them out. Now this cute little instance has become an exhausting game which isn't so cute anymore especially when he insists on you getting out of bed late at night so he can get his toy. Your draft stopper idea is perfect for keeping the kitty from sliding his toy under the doors therefore no need for the insistent meows for retrieving :)

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Elizabeth
10/11/2014 08:28:34 am

How about not giving him the bag toppers in the first place? Maybe a small rubber ball or a knitted one would keep him happy?? lol

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Anna
10/12/2014 12:40:20 am

LOL Tammy, that is great, I am glad to hear this draft stopper works for all kinds of "problems". Thanks so much for your comment :)

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Kim
11/19/2014 01:32:10 am

I was going to work with my daughter on making the draft stoppers that you have to keep putting into place. I am so glad you posted this as this is perfect. We have been in the single digits with the wind this past week, so we need these around our doors!

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Lauree
11/21/2014 12:15:42 pm

Does this work for the front door? I like the idea of not having to fix it every time you open the door but am wondering how it would work for the main door.

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Anna
11/23/2014 10:51:31 pm

Hi Lauree,

I think you won't have to make any changes for your front door. The only thing that might be tricky is the fact that your front door probably sits very tight on the floor so I don't know if you could actually slide fabric underneath..
It is definitely worth a try though!!

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Patricia
11/24/2014 03:30:29 am

Thank you for publishing and sharing your tutorial. I have some draft stoppers, but since they don't go on both sides of the door, I continually have to push them back into place. This idea looks like it will stay tight to the door.

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Lindasues
12/4/2014 11:47:36 am

Does this work on carpet? I just need to know that my door will shut. I also owned the store bought one and it would 't fit my door, way to loose. Thanks for the tutorial.

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Anna
12/4/2014 11:58:55 am

Thanks for your comment and your question! I have never tried it on carpet, I guess it will depend on the thickness of the carpet or you could also try and use a fabric with a smoother texture so that it will glide easier over the carpet (e. g. laminated cotton or oilcloth?).

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dee dee
5/11/2015 04:34:54 am

This is also good when using the air conditioner. Keeps the cool air in side where your paying for it. dee dee

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GrandmaSue10
5/30/2015 03:29:02 am

I love the tute, but didn't anybody wonder how you hear snow falling?
Maybe rain mixed with snow, or the little pellet-like snow we call Gropple or corn snow can be heard. But regular big snowflakes are very silent. PS I live in Colorado. Contrary to popular belief we do NOT get a lot of snow like upper NY State. It's all in the mountains.

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Susan Bird
6/24/2015 03:31:48 am

I live in a 1920's building with new windows, like yours. I love the 6" deep windowsills and the fact that, even after all this time, they still look natural (dark wood, no paint). Also like you, I hate the cold (having grown up in Key Colony Beach, Florida Keys. This will help me immensely. Thank you.
Like GrandmaSue10, I do wonder how you here snow. Is it coming so hard that you here it hit the windows? Thanks, again.

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Cydney
8/15/2015 04:33:12 pm

I'm glad I found this I just moved into my dorm room today and we kicked up all kinds of bugs like Camel Spiders and Roaches because our door has a gap between it and the floor. So thank you!!!!!

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Jeanni
10/6/2015 04:59:02 am

I have a drafty window. I might try to modify this to a mini draft dodger. Also I have a drain right outside my basement door and might try this in a water proof version and use some kind of plastic or bubble wrap. Thanks for the pattern.

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Nancy Nurse
6/10/2016 08:02:35 pm

I liked your tutorial also. I previously made one and used solid core foam rounds, like yours without the holes. I also added a small zipper to the end to allow myself access so I could remove the tubes and wash. It also made it easier to sew as I did not have to sew around the tubes and was able to insert them in the end after my sewing was completed. The zipper works great but if I made it again I think I would just use a small bit of Velcro for the closure as it would probably be a little easier and would close it almost as well as a zipper. They work like a charm and save you about $8.00+ on buying ready made ones. Thanks for sharing.

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Lyn Harris
10/16/2017 09:26:00 pm

Hi Anna
Thank you for your pattern. I live in the bush here in Australia, and in the summer there is a slight problem with snakes coming in under the door. Summer is coming, and your stopper is perfect. No more snakes and the heat stays out. I am off to look at my store of material,and next time I go to town will visit the hardware store. You have my day. Thank you Lyn

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Ginny
3/29/2021 04:47:52 pm

I’m making a Duffy blacker as I live in a senior apartment and the doors have a big space a my dog barks at people walking by with the blocker he won’t be able to see them🥰

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    Welcome to my blog! I am an accountant who once started out her "career" in the US by designing bag and wallet sewing  patterns! My patterns are available on Etsy and occasionally I will share some of my sewing projects that I work on in my spare free time on my website.  Happy sewing :)

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