Energy Saving Sewing Projects for the Home
Draft Stoppers, Window Shades and Window Quilts
Mar 9, 2009
Winter and summer are peak times for energy use. Reduce your energy consumption with energy saving sewing projects. Here are some project ideas and recommended patterns.
Draft Stoppers
Draft stoppers are a good place to start. These are suitable for all outside doors. In addition, doors leading from unheated/uninsulated areas of the home also benefit from draft stoppers.
A draft stopper fits along the bottom of the closed door. It is filled with insulating material that prevents drafts from entering the room. Most draft stoppers have some decorative component. They’re typically shaped like figures or animals, such as cats with long tails. The long tubular sections, usually the legs or tail, stop the draft.
Patterns for draft stoppers are available from various sources. These can be found in the usual fabric shops and online. In addition, some craft books also have patterns with templates and instructions.
One of the commercial patterns is by Kwik Sew. Kwik Sew pattern 3279 features two styles of draft stoppers. One is shaped like a Santa, and the other a snowman. For year-round use, choose non-seasonal clothing and decorative motifs for the figures.
Draft stoppers are sewn much like a pillow. There is an inner liner made of muslin or other sturdy material. An attractive fabric is used for the outer layer of the draft stopper. The completed inner liner is inserted into the outer one. Then, a stuffing is added. The opening is slip-stitched.
Energy Saving Window Treatments
Windows benefit from some sort of insulating material. Depending on the season, this keeps out the heat or cold. Save energy by sewing some insulated window shades, insulated drapes, and window quilts.
The Warm Company manufactures the Warm Window shade system, which is available in fabric stores and online. Warm Window fabric is sold by the yard. It can be cut to fit almost any window. The insulated fabric has four layers in all—two of insulation, a reflective metallic-like layer, and an attractive outer fabric. Warm Window shades are easy enough for beginners to sew. Minimal skills are required to install the hardware, which is included with the purchase of the fabric.
As with most shades, Warm Window shades can be mounted on the inside or outside of the window frame.
Various kinds of insulated linings are available for drapes. For warm areas of the country, select ones that reduce the need for air conditioning.
Window quilts can be used year-round. These keep out the chill on winter nights and the fierce heat on hot days. They’re made just like any other quilt. Measure your window frame, and create a quilt to fit the space. A window quilt hangs over the window frame just like a shade. For best results, use a heavy weight batting. Add tabs or a quilt sleeve on the quilt back for hanging the quilt. A ribbon can be added so the quilt can be rolled up like a shade when it isn’t in use.
