How to Make a Scented Door Draft Dodger to Add Aroma to Your Home

Door draft dodgers have been around for hundreds of years, and although no longer needed in most homes, they can still provide a service. They are fabric tubs filled with material that, when placed along the bottom edge of drafty door helps prevent most air from getting through, but unfortunately, they do not prevent all the air from getting through. Making a scented draft dodger is a way to take advantage of the small amount of air that manages to pass through while adding pleasant aromas to your home.

Materials

-One-half yard of fabric for the lining or inner bag (should be a tightly woven cotton type).
-One-half yard of cover fabric (upholstery type fabric works the best).
-One-half yard of one-half inch wide elastic.
-Four to five cups of non-clumping cat litter.
-Four to five cups of cedar shavings.
-60 drops of an essential oil (your choice of scent or blend)

Equipment

-Needle and thread or sewing machine
-Scissors
-Safety pin
-Iron
-One gallon bucket
-Funnel

Instructions

Cut one rectangle of the lining measuring 11 inches wide by 37 inches long. Cut two four and one-half inch circles of the lining. Cut one rectangle of the cover fabric measuring 12 inches wide by 47 inches long.

Inner Bag

To make the inner bag, stitch around each circle one-half inch from the edge, fold edge over the stitching and press in place. Pin and stitch one circle to one end of the lining rectangle, right sides together, using a one-half seam allowance. Fold the rectangle lining right side together lengthwise and stitch using a one-half seam allowance. Turn the lining cylinder right side out.

Filling

In the bucket mix the cat litter and cedar shavings together. Add the essential oil and mix thoroughly. Pour the filling into the inner bag using the funnel. Pin the second circle to the lining, (wrong sides together) and stitch in place using small, close stitches. An alternate way to stitch the inner bag is to sew bow circles on and leave an opening in the center of the lining tub. Fill the inner bag through that opening and then sew it closed.

Outer Cover

Turn and press under the ends of the rectangle cover one-half inch and then one inch to make a casing for the elastic. Stitch the length of the casing one-eighth inch in from the outer edge and again at seven-eighth inch in from the out edge. Cut two elastic pieces that stretch to 12 inches. Attach the safety pin to one end of the elastic and feed it through the casing. Be sure to pin the end so that you do not pull it completely through. Ensure elastic does not twist. After elastic is in place, stitch a one-four inch seam on each end to close ends. Pin right sides of cover together, lengthwise and stitch a one-half inch seam allowance down the entire length. Turn right side out.

Finishing the Draft Dodger

Insert the inner bag into the fabric cover and lay at the bottom of a drafty door. When the aroma from the draft dodger fades, add more essential oil to the filler. If you want a different scent, make a new inner bag.

Source: Personal experience