20 DIY Draft Stoppers That Keep Your Home Insulated

Source: Cut Out + Keep

Keep the cold out with one of these 20 DIY draft stoppers that are just as pretty as they are practical. The basic concept of a draft stopper (also known as a draft dodger, door pillow, draft blocker, etc.) is always the same — a long, thin pillow — but from there, you can use your imagination when it comes to the materials and embellishments.

Learn how to insulate your windows with bubble wrap and keep your windshield wipers from freezing with these 20 must-try winter survival hacks!

So let the creative juices flow and make something that will keep your home insulated and pretty at the same time. Bonus: These door draft stoppers also block out under-door light so you can sleep in on snow days!

Find more winter weather must-haves, plus craft supplies for making these adorable draft stoppers, during this year’s Black Friday sales!

1. Patchwork Draft Stopper

This patchwork draft stopper will add a pop of color to those dreary winter days. Mix and match colors and patterns of your choice to personalize yours or match it to your existing decor for a seamless wintertime addition.

2. Basic Fabric Blocker

Source: The Little House in the City

This simple stopper can be made out of any fabric color or pattern to suit your space. Stuff it with rice, a go-to door pillow filling that is heavy enough to keep out cold air.

3. Old Socks Draft Blocker

Source: Garden Therapy

Turn those unworn or pairless socks into something useful. Make a simple fabric tube, filled with stuffing and dried popcorn, then wrap the socks around it to create a simple door or window draft stopper.

4. Striped Crochet Draft Blocker

Source: crocheTime

Stripes in bold bright colors never fail. This cheery draft blocker is the perfect way to use up scraps of yarn using simple crochet techniques.

5. Double-Sided Draft Excluder

Source: Not Martha via Flickr

For extra blustery thresholds, make this double-side stopper using foam tubing. A bright orange fabric will also help beat the winter blues.

6. Dachshund Doggy Blocker

Source: Cut Out + Keep

This cute pup will act as guard dog against chilly intruders. You can make him with simple sewing techniques, using polka dot and contrasting red fabric.

7. Buttons & Linen Blocker

Source: Good Housekeeping

This handmade draft stopper is both elegant and whimsical. To make your own, sew a simple linen tube, stitch on buttons, and stuff it with dried beans or rice.

8. Pool Noodle Draft Stopper

Source: Lifehacker

This resourceful draft stopper is made from a pool noodle cut in half, then inserted into a pillow or folded sheet. Use a safety pin to secure the noodle to the fabric and keep it from sliding out from under the door.

9. Faux Wood Draft Dodger

Source: Martha Stewart

Make a soft stopper with a sleek wooden look by using a decorative fabric like this wood-grain design. Stuff it with dust-free kitty litter, which is weighty and cheap.

10. Fuzzy Sock Draft Dodger

Source: One Good Thing by Jillee

Take those solo fuzzy winter socks and make them into a perfect, soft draft dodger. Use popcorn and batting to fill it up, then prop it next to that drafty door to reduce your energy bill.

11. Blue Jeans Door Pillow

Source: The Green Phonebooth

Sturdy and practical denim is a great material for insulation. Turn a pair of old jeans into a double-sided draft stopper, stuffed with two foam pipe wraps.

12. Horse Silhouettes Door Draft Blocker

Source: Country Living

This stopper seconds as country chic decor. Make your own horse silhouette door pillow with iron-on transfers.

13. Tree Branch Draft Dodger

Source: Instructables

Keep out the cold air out and let a bit of nature in with this cute tree branch draft stopper. You may even want to make your pup one of their own for a quick game of indoor fetch!

14. No-Sew Faux Fur Blocker

Source: Remodelista

No sewing is required to create this easy and elegant draft excluder. To make your own, simply roll up a fur blanket and tuck into the exposed threshold.

15. Tights Snake Draft Blocker

Source: Journey Into Unschooling

Take advantage of all the fun patterns of kids tights, and repurpose them into a colorful door snake. You could use t-shirt fabrics, too.

16. Lace & Trim Draft Dodger

Source: AO Life

A practical draft excluder can also be a piece of art. Decorate one with lace and pom pom trim embellishments for a touch of whimsy and fun.

17. Woolly Sheep Draft Blocker

Source: The Present Finder

This sweet draft stopper is easy to replicate. To make your own, simply sew together a few short, squat stuffed animals.

18. Boxy Door Blocker

Source: Jennifer Rizzo

Make a square-shaped blocker that will fit perfectly into your entryway. Just stitch together four strips of fabric, then sew two square pieces to either end.

19. Row of Houses Door Pillow

Source: Quappwurms Quilts

Use the helpful tutorial to sew a row of houses that will keep the cold air under control in your own home. You could make all the houses match, or mix up colors and patterns.

20. Pom-Pom Draft Blocker

Source: In My Own Style

For an instantly adorable upgrade, make a basic fabric draft stopper, then add DIY pom-poms in the yarn of your choosing. Polka dot fabric and multicolor yarn will warm up a cold day.

It’s hard to go wrong when making a draft dodger. A wide array of outer materials and inner stuffings will get the job done, so you can get resourceful and make good use of materials you already have on hand. Best of all, you’ll lower the cost of your heating bill while beautifying your home.