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You are here: Home arrow Articles arrow Make your own arrow Sewing A Draft Excluder

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Sewing A Draft Excluder

Written by Cathryn

Cathryn shares a quick and simple way to keep those winter drafts at bay.

You will need:

A piece of fabric measuring the width of the door x 44cm, plus enough for the two ends (and a bit extra for turnings)

Stuffing, in this case the polyester filling from 1 1/2 old pillows.

Scissors, thread, needle, pins, sewing machine

Optional extras:

Cord, 1.5 metres

Weights, three pebbles

Method:

Choose your fabric. I have used tough furnishing fabric as it is going to be dragged along the floor. Another option would be to use an old pair of jeans. Simply cut off a leg and the tube is already made for you.

Cut out a rectangle that measures the width of your door x 44cm, plus a little extra all around for your turnings. I picked this size completely by chance but it did mean that the maths to work out the size of circle you need for the ends is not too complicated. (Are you keeping up at the back? It has to do with pi!)

Fold your material in half lengthways with the right side inside. (At this point I should say that I chose to use the stripy side of this fabric. Obviously the wrong side but far nicer than the right side. You are keeping up aren't you?).

Sew the long sides together to form a tube.

Find something that has a diameter of around 15cm (which gives enough for a turning) and cut out two circles for the ends.

I then cut off a bit at the bottom (if you see what I mean) of both circles as I wanted to make sure that it sat firmly on the floor.

Pin the circle of fabric into the end of the tube, right sides together. I matched the top of the circle with the seam of the tube. This will be at the top of the draft excluder and off the floor. It is easier to do it this way and it will get less wear.

You can then replace the pins with a line of tacking or sew it up directly on the sewing machine.

Do the same on the other side but leave a gap into which you can push your stuffing.

Turn it right side out and stuff with the filling of your choice. I placed a pebble at either end and one in the middle to ensure that it all sits on the floor properly.

When it's full, turn the raw edges inwards and pin the stuffing hole together.

I hand-sewed this edge closed, but you can use a machine.

Your draft excluder is finished at this point.

This one will be used on a door that is in constant use, however. As it would never have been put back properly each time, I have added loops and hung it on the door, making sure it still fits firmly on the ground and covers the gaps.

I have used co-ordinating braid but you could use fabric. It is fastened around with a decorative knot and the ends of the braid are whipped and tasselled. The braid has been handstitched into place to stop it moving around.

Two hooks are screwed into the door at the right height. Ta da!

It works so far. I expect it to get dusty and worn out, but not for quite a few winters I hope.