{"id":4783,"date":"2022-02-22T11:38:23","date_gmt":"2022-02-22T16:38:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.thedailysew.com\/?p=4783"},"modified":"2022-02-22T11:38:27","modified_gmt":"2022-02-22T16:38:27","slug":"how-to-sew-a-draft-blocker-and-use-up-some-fabric-scraps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/2022\/02\/how-to-sew-a-draft-blocker-and-use-up-some-fabric-scraps\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Sew a Draft Blocker and Use Up Some Fabric Scraps"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.thedailysew.com\/why-i-started-this-blog\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"178\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">By Mary Sigler<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"672\" src=\"https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-easy-to-sew-draft-stoppers-mn.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4787\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-easy-to-sew-draft-stoppers-mn.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-easy-to-sew-draft-stoppers-mn-300x202.jpg 300w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-easy-to-sew-draft-stoppers-mn-150x101.jpg 150w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-easy-to-sew-draft-stoppers-mn-768x516.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s drafty in my house. It\u2019s an old house with old windows and most of them are on the north side which gets a lot of wind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As we fix up our house we are putting in energy-efficient windows but that\u2019s not an overnight project. in the meantime, l have sewn up some simple draft stoppers to place in the windows to help keep some of that cold north wind OUT of my house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-default\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"702\" src=\"https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-1-1024x702.jpg\" alt=\"Draft stopper can cover the bottom of a door\" class=\"wp-image-4779\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-1-1024x702.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-1-300x206.jpg 300w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-1-150x103.jpg 150w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-1-768x527.jpg 768w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-1-1536x1054.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-1.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>I made a few a couple of years ago and am surprised at how well they\u2019ve stood up to the sun as they are in the windows all year long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These are quick and easy to make and you will immediately feel the difference they make on a windy day. And of course, these can be placed at a door too to stop the cold coming in from under it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can watch the entire process in my new video OR read on for the step-by-step instructions.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How to Make a Draft Stopper | The Daily Sew\" width=\"1140\" height=\"641\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/zegurSfv2fQ?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Make a Draft Stopper<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-default\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"688\" src=\"https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-supplies-1024x688.jpg\" alt=\"Here are some of the supplies you need\" class=\"wp-image-4776\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-supplies-1024x688.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-supplies-300x202.jpg 300w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-supplies-150x101.jpg 150w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-supplies-768x516.jpg 768w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-supplies-1536x1032.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-supplies.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Supplies You Need<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fabric<\/strong> &#8211; at least 7\u201d wide or tall &#8211; The fabric can be scraps, pieces together as mine is, or made from a single piece, an old pant leg or old towels, sheets, table cloths, etc. You could of course use upholstery fabric that matches your decor. If using scraps press them flat for easier and precise cutting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Scissors or rotary cutter<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>A ruler<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Chalk or fabric marker<\/strong> &#8211; or even a regular ballpoint pen&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Needle and thread<\/strong> &#8211; You can sew the entire stopper by machine but closing up the end may be easier to stitch shut by hand depending on how full your stopper is. Of course, you could sew this entirely by hand as well If so, use a <a href=\"http:\/\/www.thedailysew.com\/2018\/03\/sewing-by-hand-the-basics\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">backstitch<\/a> to be sure the rice doesn\u2019t fall out between stitches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Stuffing<\/strong> &#8211; dried Rice, dried beans, or fabric scraps or a mix of any of these.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>A note about the stuffing:<\/strong><\/em> After making a few my favorite is a 50\/50 mix of rice and small fabric scraps. If you use just rice plan on about 5 pounds (2.268 kg) per stopper. The fabric scraps work best if cut into small pieces, about \u00bd\u201d by \u00bd\u201d (13mm X 13mm). Heavier or thicker fabrics like old sweatshirts, old washcloths, flannel, or denim are perfect for stuffing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-default\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"669\" src=\"https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-filling-1024x669.jpg\" alt=\"here are small pieces of fabric to be used as stuffing\" class=\"wp-image-4763\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-filling-1024x669.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-filling-300x196.jpg 300w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-filling-150x98.jpg 150w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-filling-768x502.jpg 768w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-filling-1536x1004.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-filling.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Steps<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Measure where the stopper will go and write it down. This is the length your finished draft blocker will be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-default\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"688\" src=\"https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-fabrics-1024x688.jpg\" alt=\"you can use an assortment of fabrics to make this draft stopper\" class=\"wp-image-4762\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-fabrics-1024x688.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-fabrics-300x202.jpg 300w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-fabrics-150x101.jpg 150w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-fabrics-768x516.jpg 768w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-fabrics-1536x1032.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-fabrics.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Measure and Cut the Fabric<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If using more than one fabric play with the combinations until you have something you like.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The fabric must be 7\u201d (18 cm) in at least one direction. Some fabrics have a directional print and you will probably want to have it going in its intended direction on the finished stopper. <a href=\"http:\/\/www.thedailysew.com\/2021\/04\/what-is-fabric-nap-and-why-you-need-to-know-about-it\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"4609\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Directional fabric<\/a> needs to be 7\u201d (18 cm) in its intended direction (usually up and down). Keep that in mind if you don\u2019t want the print to be sideways on the finished stopper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-default\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"579\" src=\"https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-draft-stopper-width-1024x579.jpg\" alt=\"Fabric that has a directional print needs to be 7&quot; in the direction you want it to be oriented\" class=\"wp-image-4778\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-draft-stopper-width-1024x579.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-draft-stopper-width-300x170.jpg 300w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-draft-stopper-width-150x85.jpg 150w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-draft-stopper-width-768x435.jpg 768w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-draft-stopper-width-1536x869.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-draft-stopper-width-2048x1159.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The final draft stopper piece needs to be 7\u201d tall by the length you need.&nbsp;Whether that&#8217;s a single piece of cloth or a combination of pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, cut it 7\u201d x&nbsp; your finished length plus 1\u201d (25mm) (for the \u00bd\u201d SA on both of the short ends). If you are piecing different fabrics together you will need a \u00bd\u201d seam allowance where it is joining another fabric.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-default\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"579\" src=\"https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-draft-stopper-length-1024x579.jpg\" alt=\"each piece of the stopper must have a 1\/2&quot; seam allowance added to both ends lengthwise\" class=\"wp-image-4777\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-draft-stopper-length-1024x579.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-draft-stopper-length-300x170.jpg 300w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-draft-stopper-length-150x85.jpg 150w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-draft-stopper-length-768x435.jpg 768w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-draft-stopper-length-1536x869.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-draft-stopper-length-2048x1159.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>I start cutting as long of a piece as I can get that is still 7\u201d tall. As I get close to my desired length and feel I only need one more piece of fabric to get the length I need, then I do my calculating to see how much I still need, plus 1\u201d (25mm) seam allowance to both join it to the other piece and close it at the end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-default\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"633\" src=\"https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-measuring-1024x633.jpg\" alt=\"measure as you go. After 2 pieces cut, how much more do I need\" class=\"wp-image-4764\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-measuring-1024x633.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-measuring-300x185.jpg 300w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-measuring-150x93.jpg 150w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-measuring-768x475.jpg 768w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-measuring-1536x949.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-measuring.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Example. I need a 30\u201d draft stopper.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My first piece is 7\u201d x 20\u201d cut. My next piece is 7\u201d x 10\u201d + 1\u201d (\u00bd\u201d S.A. at both ends) + 1\u201d because my first piece also loses a \u00bd\u201d at both ends for seam allowance.&nbsp;SO my next piece is 7\u201d x 12\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the wrong side of the fabric, measure and mark your cut lines. I just use a ballpoint pen because it is a cut line, any marks I can see will be on the seam allowance, inside the stopper. So I think it\u2019s okay. Or if you\u2019re using a rotary cutter and wide ruler just measure and cut.&nbsp; Remember the fabric must be 7\u201d in one direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-default\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"658\" src=\"https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-sewing-1-1024x658.jpg\" alt=\"Line up the pieces, right sides together, to sew\" class=\"wp-image-4765\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-sewing-1-1024x658.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-sewing-1-300x193.jpg 300w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-sewing-1-150x96.jpg 150w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-sewing-1-768x493.jpg 768w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-sewing-1-1536x987.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-sewing-1.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Start Sewing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Line up the ends of your pieces, right sides together, and sew them with a \u00bd\u201d seam allowance to make one long rectangle 7\u201d tall x&nbsp; desired length + 1\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If sewing by hand use a tiny <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\/\/www.thedailysew.com\/2018\/03\/sewing-by-hand-the-basics\/\" target=\"_blank\">running stitch<\/a>. And if you don&#8217;t want to sew tiny stitches use a <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\/\/www.thedailysew.com\/2018\/03\/sewing-by-hand-the-basics\/\" target=\"_blank\">backstitch<\/a>.&nbsp;A tight stitch will prevent the stuffing from coming out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Press the seams open or to one side. Well, AT least finger press them \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-default\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"538\" src=\"https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-sewing-2-1024x538.jpg\" alt=\"after the pieces are sewn together, fold the rectangle in half lengthwise\" class=\"wp-image-4766\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-sewing-2-1024x538.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-sewing-2-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-sewing-2-150x79.jpg 150w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-sewing-2-768x403.jpg 768w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-sewing-2-1536x806.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-sewing-2.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Fold the rectangle in half, right sides together, lining up the long edge<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-default\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"688\" src=\"https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-sewing-3-1024x688.jpg\" alt=\"Pivot the fabric with the needle still down in the fabric to sew a corner\" class=\"wp-image-4767\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-sewing-3-1024x688.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-sewing-3-300x202.jpg 300w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-sewing-3-150x101.jpg 150w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-sewing-3-768x516.jpg 768w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-sewing-3-1536x1032.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-sewing-3.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Sew down the long edge with a&nbsp; \u00bd\u201d seam allowance stopping \u00bd\u201d from the end. Pivot the fabric with the needle still down in it to sew the short end shut. Back tack at each end if machine sewing<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Clipping the corners is not necessary here. The stuffing will push out the corners of the finished draft stopper and the seam allowance will just add to the filling inside the stopper. <em>(I did clip mine out of habit, I think. It was so automatic)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-default\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"501\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sea-draft-stopper-scoop-501x1024.jpg\" alt=\"use a cardboard scoop to ease the stuffing into the tube\" class=\"wp-image-4758\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sea-draft-stopper-scoop-501x1024.jpg 501w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sea-draft-stopper-scoop-147x300.jpg 147w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sea-draft-stopper-scoop-73x150.jpg 73w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sea-draft-stopper-scoop-768x1569.jpg 768w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sea-draft-stopper-scoop-752x1536.jpg 752w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sea-draft-stopper-scoop-1002x2048.jpg 1002w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sea-draft-stopper-scoop-scaled.jpg 1253w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 501px) 100vw, 501px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stuffing the Draft Stopper<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Turn the rectangle, now tube, right side out. This takes a little patience but it\u2019s so wide you don\u2019t need any special tools to turn it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are using just dried rice or dried beans you can pour them into your tube directly. Every once in a while you have to shake the stopper so the stuffing gets to the bottom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are using fabric scraps and a dried ingredient mix them together in a wide bowl. Remember the fabric scraps work best (both in the stuffing process and in how the filling is distributed in the stopper) if they are cut up into blueberry size pieces (not the tiny wild blueberries).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The mix of fabric and rice or beans is harder to stuff into the tube than straight rice or beans but I found it tremendously helpful to make a cardboard scoop from a cookie box I pulled out of the recycle bin. At first, the scoop was too wide at the narrow end but after I trimmed it down it really worked efficiently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The scoop\u2019s narrow end is in the tube\u2019s opening and slightly curled by my hand as I hold it in place. Then I scoop up the stuffing from the bowl onto the wide end of the scoop. Lifting it up the curl of the sides and gravity feed the stuffing right into the tube. TIP: have the scoop sit on top of the tube\u2019s seam allowance to keep it out of the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-default\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"631\" src=\"https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-sewing-9-1024x631.jpg\" alt=\"fold the opening ends in 1\/2&quot;\" class=\"wp-image-4771\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-sewing-9-1024x631.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-sewing-9-300x185.jpg 300w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-sewing-9-150x92.jpg 150w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-sewing-9-768x473.jpg 768w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-sewing-9-1536x947.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-sewing-9.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Closing It Up<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When the tube is as full as you like turn the raw edges of the opening into the tube about \u00bd\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pin the opening shut and stitch close by hand or by machine.&nbsp;I used a simple whip or overcast stitch. (It&#8217;s a draft stopper, not a gown).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The weight of the stuffing in the tube can make it awkward to sew on the machine. Simply lay some books beside the machine to keep the draft stopper level with the sewing plate and it will be a lot easier.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-default\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"688\" src=\"https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-6-1024x688.jpg\" alt=\"A simple whip stitch is used to close up the draft stopper\" class=\"wp-image-4782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-6-1024x688.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-6-300x202.jpg 300w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-6-150x101.jpg 150w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-6-768x516.jpg 768w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-6-1536x1032.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-6.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">And With That, You Are Done.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>These draft stoppers really do help keep the drafts out. And are a great use of your scraps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have drafts coming into your house you will be happy to have invested the time, the fabric, and the rice into a few of these.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Perhaps now you\u2019ll only need one blanket instead of two to enjoy sitting by the window.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I hope this was helpful. If you have any questions please put them in the comments below, and I\u2019ll be sure to reply. If you know of any other clever ways to use fabric scraps let us know. Thanks for reading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-default\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"688\" src=\"https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-2-1024x688.jpg\" alt=\"the finished draft stopper\" class=\"wp-image-4780\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-2-1024x688.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-2-300x202.jpg 300w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-2-150x101.jpg 150w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-2-768x516.jpg 768w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-2-1536x1032.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-sew-a-draft-stopper-2.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By Mary Sigler It\u2019s drafty in my house. It\u2019s an old house with old windows and most of them are on the north side which gets a lot of wind. As we fix up our house we are putting in energy-efficient windows but that\u2019s not an overnight project. in the meantime, l have sewn up [&hellip;]&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/2022\/02\/how-to-sew-a-draft-blocker-and-use-up-some-fabric-scraps\/\" class=\"post-read-more\">Read more&#8230;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":4788,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[271,3],"tags":[46,33],"class_list":["post-4783","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sewing-for-home","category-sewing-projects","tag-fabric-scraps","tag-quick-easy"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/2022-2-tds-bg-easy-to-sew-draft-stopper-ft.jpg","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p1EZxn-1f9","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4783","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4783"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4783\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4789,"href":"https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4783\/revisions\/4789"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4788"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4783"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4783"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedailysew.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4783"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}