This tutorial, for how to make a draft stopper is one of the most popular posts. Over the years many people have commented on how simple to make and effective this window draft stopper is. We have shared many easy green living ideas, but this might be my favorite. I've updated this tutorial and I hope it will help you keep your home warm and will keep your energy costs low.
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Talk about perfect timing. This week, winter has arrived where we live.
The blistery winds blew into town earlier this week and now we have a few inches of snow on the ground. The chill in the air has got me thinking about different ways that we can keep our home heating costs down this winter. Finding ways to keep the house warm, and us warm, without cranking up the thermostat will save us money and save energy.
I have been thinking about how we can cut down on some of the drafty areas of our house. We live in an older house and there are little spots where the draft sneaks in. One of which is our bathroom window. On a cool day, the chill comes through the bottom of our window. We can't really afford to replace our window right now, so it seemed like the perfect chance to figure out how to make a draft stopper.
I thought I would try doing a little window draft stopper DIY. With a small piece of fabric and a few plastic bags, I was able to sew together a simple way to save our family energy and money this winter. Plus, this project has the added bonus of using up old plastic shopping bags.
How to Make a Draft Stopper (Draft Snake)
measuring tape
piece of fabric to fit your window dimensions
pins, needles, and coordinating thread
plastic bags - clean
Start off by measuring the width of your drafty window or door. Add 2 inches to the width of your window. Our window was 23" thus I needed a length of 25".
Next, it is time to cut out the piece of fabric. We cut out a strip of fabric that measured 25" x 8". After folding the fabric in half and sewing it together, the completed draft stopper will sit about 4" high.
Now it is time to get sewing. Fold the strip of fabric in half lengthwise, with the right sides together. Sew along the long side and one short end of the fabric. Once sewn, turn the fabric tube the right way around.
Grab those plastic shopping bags. Stuff the fabric tube with tightly rolled-up plastic bags. Ours took about 10 plastic bags. This is a really great way to reuse old plastic bags and divert them from the landfill.
What else to use to fill a draft stopper?
I've been asked what the best alternatives to plastic bags might be, for filling a draft stopper, and here are a few different items you could use:
- scrap fabric
- polyester batting or cotton batting
- polyester foam
- old socks or tshirts
- old pillow filler
- bubble wrap
- sand - can be used to weigh down the draft stopper
- packing peanuts
- I wouldn't use anything that may get moldy if it gets damp - no food items like rice or beans
Once the window draft stopper is stuffed with plastic bags, fold under the fabric at the open end and pin and stitch the open end closed.
Place the draft stopper in the drafty window and enjoy the warmth. You can use this tutorial for any sized draft stopper (draft snake or draft excluder) to be placed in any window or door in your house.
You can also check out our draft stopper tutorial on our YouTube channel.
A few of my favorite supplies I used for this project...
Fiskar self healing cutting mat
More homemaking projects
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Wanda Burnett says
Can old oil tablecloth be used instead of fabric because when the windows get foggy and sweaty the fabric will get wet and the oil cloth can be wipe off dry. It doesn't get that cold here in Texas but do get lots of foggy nights.
Jen says
Sure Wanda, that sounds like a great alternative.
Rose says
I will admit I had low expectations for this stopper since I had never seen anyone use plastic bags to stuff them. I made a pretty long one for my baby's window and luckily had enough bags. It worked GREAT! Last night we dropped to 9 degrees and his room had no chill like before. Thank you!
Jen says
Awesome! I'm so glad to help out. Thanks so much for letting me know. Yay!