Looking for a simple way to keep the chill out and cut down your energy use this winter? Meet your new best friend: the draught snake. This DIY solution helps insulate your home, keeps you warm, and gives a second life to materials you probably already have lying around. Here’s how to make one from scratch—sustainably and stylishly.

Step 1: Source and Cut Your Fabric

Start by seeking out upcycled fabric—think old curtains, denim, flannel shirts, or pillowcases that have outlived their original purpose. Choose something sturdy enough to block cold air but still easy to sew.

Cut your chosen fabric into a strip approximately 10–15 cm wide and around 90 cm long. Be sure to measure the width of your door first, so the snake will fit snugly across the base with no gaps.

Step 2: Choose Your Filling Wisely

With your fabric prepared, it’s time to choose a filling. Fill your tube to about 90% full, allowing some flexibility so it can mold effectively to the doorframe and stay in place.

Here are a few sustainable options to consider:

• Sand: Dense and heavy, sand is ideal for keeping the draught snake firmly in place—especially for frequently used doors. It’s not washable, so it suits long-term placement in dry environments.
• Rice or lentils: These pantry items are easy to handle and adapt well to the shape of the door base. They’re not moisture-resistant, so they work best in dry indoor areas.
• Shredded fabric or old socks: A great use for worn-out textiles. This option is soft, lightweight, and machine-washable—ideal for homes with children or pets.
• Plastic bags or soft packaging waste: An innovative way to reuse non-recyclable materials. These are lightweight and moisture-resistant, though they may produce a slight crinkling sound.
• Dried beans or corn kernels: A balanced choice that provides both weight and pliability. As with other organic fillings, they should be kept dry to prevent spoilage.

You can also combine fillings—for instance, placing sand at either end for weight and soft scraps in the center for shape and comfort.

Step 3: Seal and Add Personal Touches 

Once filled, tuck in the open end of the fabric and secure it by sewing it closed with a needle and thread, using a sewing machine, or applying strong fabric glue. If you’d like, add a few decorative touches—sew on buttons to create eyes, use contrasting thread for a defined edge, or even embroider a name or pattern. These subtle details can turn your draught snake from a simple utility into a piece of home-crafted charm.

Finally, place it snugly along the base of your door to help block cold air, reduce heating bills, and minimise energy waste—all while adding a sustainable and personal accent to your home.