Do you feel that little chill when you walk past your front door? That sneaky cold air that slips under the door can make your whole room feel chilly. It also makes your heater work harder, which means higher energy bills. But what if I told you there’s a simple, fun solution you can make yourself in under an hour?
Hello, fellow creators! Today, we’re going to tackle that problem head-on. We’ll show you how to make a door draft stopper that will keep your home cozy and save you money. This is a perfect project for beginners and a great way to use up leftover fabric scraps.
We have two incredibly easy methods for you. The first is a classic, soft draft stopper you can fill with almost anything. The second is a super-quick version using a pool noodle. Let’s get started and make your home more comfortable!
Why a DIY Draft Stopper is a Great Idea
Making your own draft stopper, sometimes called a door snake, is a fantastic weekend project. It’s an energy saving sewing project that works all year round. In the winter, it keeps the cold air out and the warm air in. In the summer, it does the opposite, keeping the cool air from your air conditioner from escaping.
Plus, you can customize it to perfectly match your home decor. It’s a small touch that adds personality and function to any room.
What You’ll Need for Your Project
Before we start sewing, let’s gather our supplies. You don’t need much, and you might already have everything at home. Here is a simple table showing what you’ll need for each method.
| Supplies for Both Methods | Method 1: Classic Stopper | Method 2: Pool Noodle Stopper |
|---|---|---|
| Sturdy Fabric (Cotton, Canvas, Denim) | Filling (Rice, Dried Beans, Fabric Scraps, Batting) | One Pool Noodle |
| Sewing Machine & Thread | Velcro (Optional) | |
| Scissors or Rotary Cutter | ||
| Measuring Tape or Ruler | ||
| Ribbon or Elastic (Optional, for hanging loops) |
Method 1: How to Make a Classic Fabric Door Draft Stopper
This is the traditional method, and it’s very flexible. You can make it look exactly how you want and fill it to be as firm or as soft as you like.
Step 1: Measuring and Cutting Your Fabric
First, you need to measure your door. Use a measuring tape to find the width of your doorway from one side of the frame to the other.
Now, let’s cut your fabric. You will want to cut one rectangular piece of fabric with these measurements:
- Length: The width of your door + 2 inches. The extra length gives you room for the seams.
- Width: 8 inches. This will create a nice, thick tube when folded and sewn.
For example, if your door is 30 inches wide, you would cut your fabric to be 32 inches long and 8 inches wide.
Step 2: Adding Hanging Loops (Optional)
Adding loops is a great idea. They allow you to hang your draft stopper on the doorknob when you’re not using it or attach it to hooks on the door so it moves when the door opens.
Cut two pieces of ribbon or elastic, each about 3.5 inches long. Fold each piece in half to form a loop.
Lay your fabric down with the pretty side facing up. Place the raw ends of one loop on the top long edge, about 5 inches in from the side. Pin it in place. Do the same with the other loop on the other side.
Step 3: Sewing Your Draft Stopper Tube
Now it’s time to sew a draft stopper! Fold your fabric in half lengthwise, with the pretty sides touching each other. The loops you just pinned should be tucked inside the fold. Line up all the edges and pin them together.
Take it to your sewing machine. You are going to sew along one of the short ends and down the long, open side. Leave the other short end completely open for now. This will be the opening you use for stuffing. Use a half-inch seam allowance, which is a common guide on most sewing machines.
When you sew, remember to backstitch at the beginning and end. This just means sewing backward for a couple of stitches to lock them in place so they don’t unravel.
Step 4: Turning and Filling Your Draft Snake
Your tube is sewn, but it’s inside out. To turn it right side out, reach inside the tube, grab the far corner, and start pulling it through the opening. Once it’s all turned out, use a chopstick or a knitting needle to gently poke out the corners so they are nice and crisp.
Now for the fun part: filling it! You can use so many different things. Polyester batting is light and fluffy. Rice or dried beans give it a nice weight so it stays in place. My favorite option is to use old fabric scraps cut into tiny pieces. It’s a wonderful way to recycle and clean out your scrap bin.
Fill the tube until it is firm but not bursting. Use a wide tube or a funnel to help get the filling all the way down to the end.
Step 5: Closing the End
To finish, you just need to close the open end. The easiest way is to fold the raw edges of the fabric about half an inch into the opening. Pin it shut.
Then, sew a straight line very close to the folded edge to seal it. This is called topstitching. And just like that, you’re done!
Method 2: The Super-Quick Pool Noodle Draft Stopper
If you want a DIY draft stopper that is incredibly fast to make, this is the method for you. The pool noodle provides the shape, so there is no stuffing required!
Step 1: Prepare Your Fabric and Noodle
First, cut your pool noodle to be the same width as your door.
Next, you need to measure the noodle. Wrap your measuring tape all the way around the noodle to find its circumference. For your fabric width, you will use the circumference measurement plus 1 inch.
For the fabric length, use the length of your noodle plus about 5 inches. The extra fabric will be used to tuck in the ends.
Step 2: Sew the Fabric Cover
This part is very simple. Fold your fabric in half lengthwise with the pretty sides together, just like in the first method.
Sew down the long edge with a half-inch seam allowance. You will now have a long, skinny tube that is open on both ends. Press the seam open with an iron if you like, and then turn the tube right side out.
Step 3: Insert the Noodle and Finish the Ends
Now, just slide your fabric cover over the pool noodle. It should be a snug fit. Center the noodle inside the fabric so you have an equal amount of extra fabric at both ends.
To finish, simply tuck the extra fabric into the hole at the end of the pool noodle. Push and pleat it in until it looks neat and is held snugly in place. Do this on both ends. That’s it! Your pool noodle draft stopper is ready to go.
FAQs
How to make an easy door draft stopper?
The easiest way is to use a pool noodle. Cut a noodle to the width of your door. Sew a simple fabric tube. Slide the fabric cover over the noodle. Then, tuck the extra fabric into the ends. It is very fast and simple.
How to make a DIY door stopper?
You can easily make one yourself. Cut a long rectangle of fabric. Fold it in half. Sew the long side and one short side shut. This makes a tube. Turn it right side out. Then fill it with rice, beans, or fabric scraps. Finally, sew the open end closed.
What is the best way to stop door drafts?
Using a door draft stopper is a great method. It is a long tube that you place at the bottom of your door. It physically blocks the gap. This stops cold air from getting inside. It is an easy way to save energy.
What is the best filling for draft stoppers?
The best filling depends on your needs. Rice or dried beans make it heavy. This helps it stay in place. Polyester batting makes it light and soft. You can also use old fabric scraps. This is a great way to recycle.
Can you use a pool noodle as a door draft stopper?
Yes, a pool noodle works perfectly. It is a great choice for a draft stopper. It is firm and lightweight. It blocks drafts very well. Just cover it with some nice fabric. It’s one of the quickest ways to make one.
A Simple Way to Stop Under Door Drafts
Whether you chose the classic version or the quick pool noodle method, you’ve just made something amazing for your home. You now know how to make a door draft stopper that will help you stay warm, save money, and add a little handmade charm to your space.
This project proves that you don’t need to be an expert sewer to create things that are both beautiful and useful. Give it a try—you’ll be so proud of what you made!
What do you think? Which method are you going to try first? Share your plans or ask any questions in the comments below. Happy sewing