How to Make a Door Draft Stopper

There is nothing more frustrating than a pesky draft sneaking into a warm and cozy room. Instead of cranking up the heat, stop the problem with a no-sew door draft stopper. Because this project doesn't require fancy sewing or crafting skills, homeowners of all skill levels can make one or many, depending on their homes' needs.

Placed along the crevice between the door and the floor, this homemade device blocks cool air from entering in the room and stops heat from leaving the room, creating a more energy efficient home. With these cute and functional items, you will be less likely to waste energy heating your home

If you are worried about the door draft stoppers looking out of place, simply use a fabric that coordinates with your decor and style. It's a fool-proof way to make them look like they belong while they work hard to protect your wallet from high utility costs.

Step 1 - Gather Your Materials and Prep Your Workspace

First, gather the materials needed for this project.

Then set up an area where you can use the iron safely, such as an ironing board. A table covered with a towel works well too.

Step 2 - Cut Webbing Tape

Cut and measure a 40-inch strand of fusible webbing tape. This will adhere the long ends of the fabric together, forming a tube. This tube will be the foundation of your door draft stopper.

Lay the fabric on a flat surface, right side facing up, and place the fusible webbing tape along the top edge.

Step 3 - Fuse The Long Sides Together

Fold the fabric in half lengthwise. The wrong/unfinished side of the fabric should now be facing you. Make sure the fusible webbing tape is completely hidden in between the two layers of fabric. Otherwise, the tape will melt onto the metal plate of your iron, leaving you with a complicated cleaning project.

Set the iron to "Cotton" or "Medium." Apply firm pressure along the top edge until the tape melts and fuses the fabric together. Because the cotton can get very hot, use caution when handling the fabric.

Step 4- Continue Applying Heat

Working in small intervals, move the iron across the door draft stopper. Again, press firmly. The fusible webbing tape should melt within 10-15 seconds.

Step 5 - Cut More Webbing Tape

Cut a 7-inch strand of fusible webbing tape. This piece will be used to close up one of the short edges.

Before moving forward, place the piece of tape in the opening to make sure it fits. If not, cut another strip.

Step 6 - Apply Heat

Insert the tape in between the layers of fabric along the short end. Firmly press with the iron to fuse the layers together.

Step 7 - Turn Right Side Out

Flip the fabric right side out by reaching inside the door draft stopper tube and pulling the closed end outward.

It can be tricky to turn a long tube inside out. Our arms are only so long, after all. Here's a tip: you can use a yard stick or broom handle to help move the fabric right side out.

Step 8 - Insert Pillow Stuffing

In order create an energy efficient home, your door draft stopper needs to have some bulk to it. This will ensure that cool air doesn't sneak in, forcing you to turn up the heat and waste energy. Pillow stuffing will bulk up the tube to adequately block air flow from room to room.

Step 9 - Fill the Tube Completely

For best results, fill with pillow stuffing until the tube is plump. Make sure the stuffing is evenly dispersed; your door draft stopper should be the same thickness along the entire tube. It should also have a long, cylindrical shape. The round form of the tube will block air along the floor and bottom of the door for a more energy efficient home.

Step 10 - Fold the Fabric

At the open end of the tube, fold the fabric inward about 1 inch. This will create a nice edge that will not fray.

Step 11 - Fuse and Iron Together

Cut a piece of 7-inch webbing tape and place in between the layers of fabric, just as you did in Step 4. Apply heat with the iron; this will close up the tube. It's important to fuse the tube so that it is completely shut. This will prevent stuffing from coming out over time.

Step 12 - Use Your Door Draft Stopper

To use, simply place the door draft stopper along the bottom of the door.

These can be especially useful for preventing drafts overnight or when you are not at home. During these times, no one is present to adjust the heat accordingly, causing an even greater waste of heat. You can even place door draft stoppers along the bottom of your sliding closets to stop heat from drifting in. Other ideas include blocking drafts from the basement, front door, or empty guest rooms.

While this project is designed for the standard door size, you can easily adjust the measurements for your specific needs. Just make sure to account for the extra two inches needed in length and width for your fusible webbing tape.

Time: 35 minutes || Cost: $10