How to Make a Crochet Draft Dodger

Turn your stash of yarn into an energy-saving draft dodger.

It's hard to get cozy on a cold winter night when the chilly draft blows in under the front door. Cut down on your heating bills, save energy and keep your floor toasty warm with a crochet draft dodger to snug against the crack and keep the chill out. Grab a skein of yarn and a few cast-off T-shirts to create a handmade draft dodger. All it takes is a few hours and basic crochet skills.

Things You'll Need

• 3.5 oz. worsted-weight yarn
• Crochet hook, size H
• 2 adult large T-shirts
• Scissors
• Yarn needle

Instructions

1. Work six chain stitches. Slip stitch into the first chain to form a ring. Work 10 single crochet stitches into the center of the ring. Slip stitch into the first single crochet stitch to join the ring.

2. Work one chain stitch. Work two single crochet stitches in each single crochet stitch around. Slip stitch into the starting chain to join the round.

3. Work one chain stitch. Work one single crochet stitch in the next single crochet stitch. Work two single crochet stitches in the next single crochet stitches. Repeat the last two stitches to the end of the round. Join in the starting chain with a slip stitch.

4. Work one chain stitch. Work one single crochet stitch in each of the next two single crochet stitches and two single crochet stitches in the third single crochet stitch. Repeat the three stitches to the end of the round. Slip stitch into the starting chain stitch.

5. Work one chain stitch. Work one single crochet stitch in each single crochet stitch to the end of the round. Do not join the round. Continue working in rounds without joining or increasing until the crocheted tube is long enough to fit across the door opening.

6. Cut across both T-shirts at the underarms to cut off the shoulders and neck. Set the top of the T-shirts aside to use in another project. Cut up one side of each T-shirt. Lay the two T-shirts out flat, one on top of the other. Roll the two T-shirts together loosely, starting at the bottom edge, to make a tube.

7. Work the crocheted tube up over the T-shirt roll. Push the end of the roll down slightly to make it easier to finish crocheting the draft dodger.

8. Crochet one single crochet in each of the next two single crochet stitches. Pull up a loop in each of the next two single crochet stitches, bring the yarn over the hook and pull it through all three loops on the hook to complete a single crochet decrease. Repeat the last three stitches to the end of the round. Slip stitch into the first single crochet stitch.

9. Work one chain stitch. Work one single crochet stitch in the next single crochet stitch. Work one single crochet decrease over the next two single crochet stitches. Repeat the last two stitches to the end of the round. Join with a slip stitch in the starting chain.

10. Work one chain stitch. Work a single crochet decrease over the first two single crochet stitches. Repeat the stitches to the end of the round. Slip stitch into the starting chain.

11. Cut the yarn about 8 inches from the hook. Pull the end of the yarn through the loop to end off. Thread the yarn needle with the end of the yarn. Weave the yarn end through the last round of stitches and pull it tight to close the end of the tube. Take one or two stitches to secure the yarn and bury the end inside the tube.

Tips & Warnings

• Work the tube in black yarn and add crocheted ears and a tail to make a black kitty draft dodger, or use pink yarn and add a snout and curly tail for a pig draft dodger.

• Choose T-shirts in the same color as the yarn so the stuffing doesn't show through the stitches.

• Substitute fleece sweatshirts for the T-shirts to make a heavier weight, thicker draft dodger.