How to make a draft excluder
If you are tired of chilly drafts entering your home during the winter months, a draft excluder can be a simple and effective solution. A draft excluder is a device that prevents cold air from entering your living space through gaps under doors or windows. It can help you maintain a warmer and more comfortable environment indoors, while also saving on your heating bills.
Creating your own draft excluder is a fun and rewarding DIY project that anyone can tackle. You can customize the design to match your interior decor, and it doesn’t require any special skills or tools. In this article, we will guide you through the steps of making your own draft excluder, using materials that are easily available.
To make a draft excluder, you will need a few basic materials, including fabric, thread, scissors, a sewing machine (or needle and thread), and stuffing material. You can choose any type of fabric, but it’s recommended to use a thick and durable material that can effectively block drafts. Consider using materials like fleece, felt, or wool.
Once you have gathered all the necessary materials, start by measuring the gap under the door or window where you plan to place the draft excluder. This will help you determine the length and width of the fabric you will need. Add a couple of extra inches to the measurements to ensure a snug fit.
Next, cut the fabric according to your measurements, making sure to leave a seam allowance on all sides. You can create a simple rectangular shape, or get creative and make it more aesthetically pleasing by adding patterns or embellishments. Sew the sides of the fabric together, leaving one end open.
Simple Steps to Make a Draft Excluder
If you want to keep cold drafts out of your home and conserve energy, making a draft excluder is a simple and cost-effective solution. With just a few materials and some easy steps, you can create an efficient draft excluder that will keep your living space cozy. Follow these steps to make your own draft excluder:
Materials:
- Fabric (preferably thick and insulating)
- Scissors
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Needle and thread or sewing machine
- Filling material (polyester stuffing or rice)
- Essential oils (optional for a pleasant scent)
Step 1: Measure and Cut the Fabric
Start by measuring the width of the door or window where you want to place the draft excluder. Add a few inches to the width measurement to account for seam allowance.
Next, measure the desired length of the draft excluder from one end of the door or window to the other. Cut a rectangular piece of fabric according to these measurements.
Step 2: Sew the Fabric
Take the fabric and fold it in half lengthwise, with the right sides facing each other. Secure the edges with pins to keep the fabric in place.
Using a sewing machine or needle and thread, sew one short end and the long side of the fabric together, leaving one short end open for stuffing. Remember to backstitch at the beginning and end of your sewing lines to secure the stitches.
Step 3: Stuff the Excluder
Turn the fabric right side out, so the seam is on the inside. Use a ruler or a thin stick to push out the corners and achieve crisp edges.
If you are using polyester stuffing, fill the fabric tube with the stuffing until it’s firm but still pliable. If you prefer to use rice as the filling material, attach a funnel to the open end and carefully pour the rice into the fabric tube.
Step 4: Finish the Excluder
Once you’ve filled the excluder to your desired plumpness, fold the open end inward and sew it shut using a needle and thread or a sewing machine. Make sure the stitches are secure.
Optionally, you can add a few drops of essential oil onto the fabric before sewing the end shut to give your draft excluder a pleasant scent.
That’s it! Your draft excluder is complete and ready to use. Place the excluder along the bottom of the door or window to prevent cold air from entering your home. You can make additional draft excluders for other doors or windows in your house using the same simple steps.
Gather the necessary materials
Before you start making a draft excluder, you will need to gather the following materials:
Fabric: Choose a fabric of your choice. Make sure it is sturdy enough to withstand daily use. You will need enough fabric to create a tube that is long enough to fit the width of your door or window.
Tip: If you want to add an extra layer of insulation, consider using wool or fleece fabric.
Filling material: Select a filling material to add weight and insulation to your draft excluder. Common options include rice, dried beans, or polyester filling. Choose a material that is dense and able to hold its shape.
Thread: Choose a thread that matches the color of your fabric. A strong and durable thread is recommended to ensure your draft excluder is well-made and long-lasting.
Needle: Make sure you have a sewing needle on hand that is suitable for your fabric and thread. A larger and sturdier needle might be needed if you are working with a thicker material.
Pins: Pins will be essential for keeping your fabric in place while sewing. Make sure you have a few pins available to use throughout the project.
Scissors: You will need a pair of fabric scissors to cut your fabric to the desired size and shape.
Measuring tape: A measuring tape is crucial for ensuring accurate measurements and cutting your fabric to the correct size.
Optional extras: If you want to add decorative elements or additional features to your draft excluder, consider gathering any accessories or trims you may need, such as ribbons, buttons, or patches.
Once you have gathered all of the materials, you are ready to start creating your draft excluder.
Follow these steps to create your draft excluder
Creating a draft excluder is a simple and cost-effective way to keep cold air out and warm air in your home during the colder months. Follow the steps below to make your draft excluder:
Step 1: Gather the materials
To make a draft excluder, you will need the following materials:
- A fabric of your choice
- Scissors
- Thread
- A sewing machine or needle
- Dried rice or other filling material
Step 2: Measure and cut the fabric
Measure the width of your door or window where you want to install the draft excluder. Add a few extra inches to ensure proper coverage. Cut your fabric into a long rectangle, making sure it is wide enough to cover the width of the door or window.
Step 3: Sew the fabric
Fold the fabric in half lengthwise with the right sides facing each other. Sew along the long side and one short side, leaving one short side open. You can use a sewing machine or sew it by hand using a needle and thread.
Step 4: Fill the draft excluder
Turn the fabric right side out. Fill the draft excluder with rice or another filling material, leaving enough room to stitch the remaining side closed. The filling material will help the draft excluder hold its shape and provide better insulation.
Step 5: Close the ends
Once the draft excluder is filled, fold the fabric’s open end inside and stitch it closed using a sewing machine or needle and thread. Make sure the opening is sealed tightly, so no filling material can escape.
Congratulations! You have successfully made your own draft excluder. Now, place it at the bottom of your door or window to prevent drafts and keep your home cozy and warm during the winter.
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