How to Make a Draft Blocker for your doors and windows.

How to make a draft blocker for your doors or windows. If you're partial to sewing or home crafts, this project is for you! It's also a good incentive to finish this simple little project to help keep the heat in your house, IN your house!

Things you will need:

Sewing Machine heavy fabric thread Measuring tape heavy fabric (Corduroy, denim, upholstery fabrics, etc) batting or stuffing rice, beans, or sand

1. Measure the area where your draft blocker will be placed. This will help you determine how much fabric you will need. The average amount is about 36" x 8" - about a quarter of a yard.

2. Select fabric and thread. Select a fabric that's a little on the heavy side. You could even use an old pair of jeans to do the job Select thread that is compatible with the fabric weight and color you've chosen.

3. Cut your fabric the same length as the inside of the bottom edge of your window or along the bottom edge of your door, plus 1 1/4 inches to allow for a 5/8 inch seam X 6 to 8 inches wide.

4. With the "right" sides of the fabric facing, fold the fabric length-wise and pin it together along the open edges, placing the pins about 4" apart. You now have a pinned, rectangular "tube" that is inside-out.

5. On the sewing machine, sew one end and the long side of the tube closed, using a 5/8" seam. Do NOT sew both ends closed. Remove ALL pins.

6. Turn the tube right-side-out. Begin at the closed end of the tube. Insert the handle end of a spoon or other blunt-ended tool into the closed end. This can be a little tricky to get started. Working with your fingers, manipulate the tool through the full length of the tube until the spoon brings the closed end out the open end. Now you have an open-ended tube that is right-side out.

7. Stuff the tube. Using a yard stick, fill the tube with chunks of batting; a little at a time. Push each chunk as far as it will go each time. Leave enough room at the open end to form a 5/8" seam. Pour the sand (or whatever weighty material you've chosen) into the tube with a funnel. Try to make certain it is evenly distributed. It is necessary to properly weigh down the draft-blocker.

8. Close the tube. Carefully fold the raw edge of the open end of the tube towards the INSIDE of the tube to form a neat edge for hemming. Pin it closed. Using a needle and thread or on the sewing machine, stitch the end closed.

Now you have a perfect draft blocker for your doors or windows! I hope it helps to keep you warm this winter!