DIY Draft Door Stopper

Making a door draft stopper is a simple and effective DIY project that can help keep your home warm and reduce energy costs. Here’s a straightforward method to create one:

Materials Needed:

• Fabric (a heavy, durable material like denim or canvas works well)
• Scissors
• Measuring tape
• Needle and thread or a sewing machine
• Filling (dried rice, beans, or sand, alternatively use polyester fiberfill for a lighter stopper)
• Pins (if sewing by hand)
• Funnel (optional, for easier filling)

Instructions:

1. Measure Your Door: Measure the width of your door to determine the length of your draft stopper. Add an inch or two for seam allowance.
2. Cut the Fabric: Based on your measurement, cut a piece of fabric. For a standard door, you might cut a piece about 36 inches long and 8 inches wide. This will give you a 3-4 inch diameter stopper once sewn and filled.
3. Fold and Sew: Fold the fabric in half lengthwise with the right sides facing each other. Sew along the long side and one of the short sides, leaving one short side open. If you’re sewing by hand, use a backstitch for durability.
4. Turn Right Side Out: Turn the fabric tube right side out, so the seams are on the inside.
5. Fill the Stopper: Use a funnel (or a makeshift one from a rolled-up piece of paper) to fill the tube with your chosen material. If using rice, beans, or sand, fill the stopper to a point where it remains flexible but dense enough to block drafts. For a lighter option, polyester fiberfill works, but it may not be as effective at blocking heavy drafts.
6. Close the Open End: Once filled, carefully fold in the edges of the open end and sew it shut. Ensure it’s well sealed to prevent any filling from escaping.
7. Decorate (Optional): You can add decorative elements like fabric paint, appliques, or sew on buttons for a personalized touch.
8. Place the Draft Stopper: Lay your new draft stopper along the bottom of your door or window where drafts are noticed.

This DIY door draft stopper not only serves a practical purpose but can also be a charming addition to your home decor. It’s an eco-friendly way to improve energy efficiency and can be easily customized to match your interior design.

Need more aggressive draft or insulation help. Call Us we are happy to help keep your home cozy.