Ever get that icy chill creeping in when you walk past the windows or doors in your apartment? If you’re in a chronically cold place like upstate New York, renting an apartment in Rochester, or surviving the freezing winter months in a Chicago rental, those drafts aren’t just annoying—they’re making your electricity bill skyrocket. Ifreplacing the windows or doors isn’t an option, you’re not stuck shivering. With a little DIY magic, you can insulate your space and keep the cold air out of your apartment.
Enter the draft stopper—also called a door draft or window draft blocker. These simple fabric tubes, filled with insulating material, seal the gaps where chilly air sneaks in. Making your own draft stopper is quick, budget-friendly, and took me less than an hour. Keep reading to learn how to make your own and finally say goodbye to those icy drafts.
Supplies needed for your DIY door or window draft stopper
Before you start, gather these essential materials to make your draft stopper as effective as possible. I found that having a little extra fabric made the process easier—just in case.
- Medium-weight fabric: Amount depends on window/door size and how many you’re making (better to have extra).
- Scissors: Sharp fabric scissors for clean cuts.
- Tape measure: Ensure accurate sizing for a snug fit.
- Sewing machine (threaded): Speeds up the process, but hand sewing works too.
- Straight pins: Helps keep fabric in place while sewing.
- Insulating material: Options include dried rice, beans, sand, or foam for better insulation.
Step 1. Measure your window or door
Before cutting any fabric, measure the width of the window or door where you’ll place the draft stopper. Getting the right dimensions ensures a snug fit and prevents wasted materials. For this project, we’re starting with a narrow window that’s just 23 inches wide, but your measurements may vary. Be sure to add a little extra length to accommodate seams and allow for a secure fit.
Step 2. Cut your fabric
Now it’s time to cut the fabric for your draft stopper. To get the right width, add four inches to your window or door measurement—so for our 23-inch-wide window, we’re cutting the fabric to 27 inches. No matter the width, keep the fabric 8 inches tall to ensure it effectively blocks cold air while still allowing your heater to run efficiently. Once cut, you’ll have a long rectangle of fabric, ready for the next step!
Step 3. Fold and pin your fabric
Take your fabric and fold it in half lengthwise, aligning the long edges so they meet evenly. This will form the basic tube shape of your draft stopper. Once folded, use straight pins to secure the edges, making sure everything stays in place for sewing. A few pins along the length should be enough to keep it steady for the next step.
Step 4. Sew seams
Using your sewing machine, stitch along the pinned long edge and one of the short ends to create a sealed tube. For extra durability, sew a few backward stitches at the beginning and end to reinforce the seams. If you don’t have a sewing machine, you can sew it by hand, but using a machine ensures a stronger and more consistent stitch—helping your draft stopper last longer.
Step 5. Turn the fabric tube inside out
Gently flip the fabric tube inside out so that the stitched seams are hidden inside. This gives your draft stopper a clean, finished look while keeping the seams protected for durability. Take your time to smooth out the edges and ensure the shape is even before moving on to the next step.
Step 6. Fill with insulation
Now it’s time to fill your fabric tube with insulating materials. You have plenty of options—rice, beans, sand, or even kitty litter all work well, as long as they’re small and granular. Just avoid powders, as they can leak out and make a mess.
We used rice for ours, and trust us—having an extra set of hands helps. Without help, you might end up spilling half your insulation on the kitchen floor (lesson learned the hard way). Don’t overfill the tube—you want it to be firm but slightly flexible, so it can mold to the bottom of your door or window.
Some people like to alternate layers of insulation, such as rice followed by pillow fluff, then another layer of rice. This can create a softer, more cushioned draft stopper, but the choice is yours.
Step 7. Sew remaining edge shut
Carefully pin the last open end to keep your insulating material from spilling out while you sew. If your draft stopper is on the heavier side, having someone hold the filled end steady can make the process easier. Using your sewing machine or hand stitching, sew the edge closed, making sure to include backward stitches at both ends for extra durability. Once it’s sealed, give it a quick shake to make sure everything stays in place—and just like that, your DIY draft stopper is complete.
Step 8. Place draft stopper in your door or window
Now for the best part—put your draft stopper to work! Place it snugly along the base of your door or window, making sure it fully covers any gaps where cold air might sneak in. Not only will your apartment feel warmer (or cooler in the summer), but you’ll also start saving on energy costs. Sit back, admire your handiwork, and enjoy a more efficient, draft-free apartment.
Step 9. Make another or decorate
Why stop at just one? Check your other windows and doors for drafts and make additional stoppers to keep your entire apartment cozy. If you’re feeling creative, decorate your draft stopper to match your space! You can sew on different fabrics for a pop of color, wrap it in old clothes for a rustic look, or even personalize it with fun patterns—whatever makes it feel more like something you made, not just something you have.
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