Easy Way to Make a Door Draft Stopper (Slash Heating Bills!)

Those sneaky gaps under your doors are silent energy thieves, and they’re probably costing you way more than you think.

But before you shell out $30+ for a fancy draft stopper, let me introduce you to the quick and easy solution hiding in IKEA’s home décor section.

We’re talking about transforming a simple table runner into a door draft stopper that actually works.

No fancy skills required, just a sewing machine, some pantry staples, and about 30 minutes of your time.

Your heating bill will thank you!

How to make a door draft stopper

What You’ll Need:

• An IKEA table runner (the Tudi model works perfectly, but any similar runner will do!)
• Sewing machine
• Matching thread
• Scissors
• Several kilograms of dried rice or beans
• Measuring cup
• Wide-mouthed funnel or DIY paper cone (just roll and tape)

Pro tip: Choose a runner that matches your décor, or go bold with a contrasting pattern. This draft dodger is going to be on display, so why not make it cute?

Step 1: Fold and Prep

Fold your table runner in half lengthwise, wrong sides facing out. Think of it like making a hot dog bun shape.

Step 2: Sew the Long Seam

Stitch a seam (or double up for extra strength!) about two inches from the hemmed edge of the runner. Here’s the crucial part: leave a 3-4 inch opening toward one end. This is your filling portal.

Step 3: Trim It Up

Grab those scissors and trim away the excess fabric.

Step 4: Choose Your End Style

Now you’ve got options!

The Simple Route (Option 1): Sew straight seams with 1-2 inch allowances on both ends of your tube. Done.

The Pro Move (Option 2): Want those satisfying, rounded ends that really hug your door? Sew a seam 1/4 of the total width from the top, and another 1/4 from the bottom on each end. Press these flat to create a plus-sign shape, then sew the remaining two edges, each about 1/4 of the runner’s width. It sounds complicated, but check the visual guide—once you see it, you’ll get it!

Step 5: The Inside-Out Magic

Reach through that opening you left and turn the entire tube inside out. Your pretty fabric is now on the outside, and you’ve got a ready-to-fill draft dodger taking shape.

Step 6: Fill ‘Er Up!

Ready your funnel or paper cone. Stand up and hold up the open end of the draft stopper. Slowly pour rice or dried beans into your tube. How much? Enough that it’s packed firmly but still has some flexibility to mold against your door. Usually, this takes several kilograms, depending on your door width.

Step 7: Seal the Deal

Carefully hand-stitch or machine-sew that opening closed. Take your time here to ensure a proper seal.

Step 8: Deploy and Enjoy!

Place your gorgeous new draft stopper snugly against any drafty door and you’ll feel an immediate difference. No more cold toes! No more whistling wind! Just cozy, energy-efficient comfort.

Bonus Uses for Your New Door Draft Stopper

Don’t stop at doors! These versatile tubes work wonders:

• Along windowsills
• At the base of sliding glass doors
• In the garage where that door never quite seals
• As gifts for friends (everyone needs these, and they’ll be impressed by your crafty skills!)

So there you have it—proof that sometimes the best solutions are the simplest. Your wallet, your heating system, and your chilly toes will all be much happier this winter.

Submitted by The Lunchbox Season because the best ideas are always worth sharing!

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