Hi happy crocheters! I’m excited to introduce my latest crochet pattern – a cosy and eco-friendly draught excluder! As someone who always feels cold (especially during the colder months), I knew I needed to create a solution to keep the chilly drafts out of my home. And so, I designed this draught excluder that not only serves a practical purpose, but also allows me to use up my yarn scraps and be environmentally friendly – win win 😁.
One of the things I love about this pattern is its versatility. You can make it in a single color, variegated yarn, stripes, or any combination that you like. Plus, you can stuff it with traditional stuffing or use other items, like yarn and fabric scraps, for a more sustainable approach to crafting.
Additionally, this pattern is perfect for crocheters of all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced crocheter, you can enjoy creating this functional and stylish home accessory. It gets bonus points too because you can make it match your decor, and add a cosy touch to any room in your home.
I’m excited to ingorm you that this pattern is going to be shared in an upcoming CAL (Crochet-Along)! Join other crocheters in creating this draught excluder and share your progress and finished products on social media. It’s a fun way to connect with other crafters and get inspired by their creativity!
This draught excluder pattern is a fun, easy, and sustainable way to keep your home snug and stylish. So grab the pattern, find your yarn scraps, and let’s get crafting!
Sometimes it can be difficult and expensive to keep an entire home warm, but it is still important to stay comfortable during the colder months. Crocheting cosy items to keep yourself warm is a great way to do this. Think hats, mittens, and scarves made from wool or other warm fibers. Crocheted shawls and ponchos are also great options for keeping warm indoors or outside. For those who love to snuggle up with a good book or movie, crocheted blankets or throws are a must-have. Not only will these items keep you warm and cosy, but they also make for great gifts for friends and family. Crocheting these items can be a fun and fulfilling way to keep yourself and your loved ones warm and comfortable during the colder months.
Check out some of the other cosy patterns that we offer below😀. Simply click a photo for more details.
If you love this pattern too, you can show your love (for FREE) by pinning the image below or adding it to your favourites on Ravelry 😀.
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The premium PDF version of this pattern is available on Ravelry, Etsy and Lovecrafts.
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Whilst crocheting your Cosy Stripes Draught Excluder you may find these video tutorials helpful:
The Pattern
Materials
This pattern can be made with yarn of any weight and any hook size (dependent on the final size that you desire)
The example photographed above (24 by 75cm prior to stuffing) was made using Aldi baby yarn in pale rose and cream – apx. 175m/83yds of each colour
6mm/J-10 crochet hook
Stitch markers (optional)
Row counter (optional)
Gauge
A 10cm (4 inch) square required 13.5 rows of 12.5 sc.
Abbreviations
ch = chain
sc = single crochet
slst = slip stitch
fo = fasten off
Difficulty level
Beginner
Pattern Instructions
I recommend that you read through the entire pattern before starting to ensure that you understand what to do at each stage. If at any point you get stuck or would like clarification, please feel free to reach out to us – we are always happy to help!
Please note that this pattern is written in US crochet terms.
All stitches are to be worked into both loops (unless otherwise specified).
This pattern is worked in a continuous spiral.
I recommend marking the first stitch of each round using a stitch marker to help you keep track of your progress.
All stitches (apart from the first round) are sc.
I recommend using the yarn under technique and a smaller hook size than is recommend on the ball band for your yarn in order to minimise any holes that your stuffing might poke through.
Whether you want to make a monochrome, variegated, scrappy or striped version, the basic pattern is the same.
For the scrappy version you may wish to join your scraps together using a magic knot before starting and/or hold your yarn double to create even more colour variation.
For the striped version simply change your yarn colour at the ‘end of a round’, once the preceding stripe has reached your desired width.
A video tutorial that talks you through the basics of changing colours when using sc can be found HERE. Please be aware that further techniques (which can be found online) are required if you wish to create ‘jogless stripes’.
If you wish to minimise your ends I recommend NOT fastening off at the end of each stripe, and instead picking up the same yarn again later for another stripe (see photo below). This method is not invisible but will be hidden inside your completed draught excluder.
Other basic adjustments:
If you wish to make your draught excluder narrower start with fewer fsc in round 1.
If you wish for it to be wider add on extra fsc before ending round 1.
If you wish for a longer draught excluder add on extra rounds before fastening off.
If you wish for a shorter draught excluder crochet fewer rounds before fastening off.
For the draught excluder photographed above:
Main body
Round 1 – make a slip knot, 60fsc, slst into the first fsc to end the round.
Alternatively – ch 61, then place a sc into each ch starting from the 2nd ch (60).
Round 2 – ch1, 60sc. DO NOT slst to end the round, you are now working in a spiral.
Row 3 onwards – place a sc into each st i.e. 60 per round.
Continue to word rounds until your draught excluder is your desired length, then slst into the first sc of the round. (The example photographed above required 100 rounds. The colours were alternated every 5 rows.)
Fo and weave in your ends.
Sew up one end of the draught excluder
Please note, if you have made a striped version and do not have jogless rows you may wish to hide these at the back your item – please bear this in mind when deciding how to ‘flatten’ your work before sewing it up.
Flatten your draught excluder so that the end is no longer circular.
Using a tapestry needle and a long piece of your desired yarn, attach your yarn at one end of the flattened length.
Work along the now flattened opening placing your needle, from the outer side towards the inner side, through the back loop of the first stitch (your needle will be moving away from you – see photo 1.), then repeat this with the opposite sc (your needle will be moving towards you – see photo 2).
Keep alternating which side you are working on in a zigzagging fashion and periodically pull the yarn tight so that the edges meet securely.
When you reach the end of the flattened length, again fasten your yarn.
Weave in the two ends from this fastening process.
Stuff your draught excluder with your desired material.
You could use shop-bought stuffing, or like myself you could repurpose items that may otherwise destined for landfill e.g. small scraps of yarn, cut-up old clothing/fabric, plastic carrier bags. Please bear in mind that your choice of filling will affect the weight of the finished item and therefore potentially how you use/store it.
Sew up the remaining open end in the same manner as the first.
Congratulations on making your Cosy Stripes Draught Excluder 😊
Safety Notices
The following has been added as per the new General Product Safety Regulation update December 2024, from the EU Commission.
Safety Disclaimer for Crochet Patterns
Crocheting blankets, accessories, garments, decor, or other crochet products is a fun and rewarding craft. However, it’s essential to follow every step of the pattern carefully to ensure that the finished product is both functional and safe. Please note that, as with any handmade item, there are inherent risks when recreating these patterns. By following all instructions closely and taking appropriate safety measures, you can minimize potential hazards.
Safety with Young Children, Animals, and Adults
- Always use child- and pet-safe materials when creating items for children or pets, particularly for toys, blankets, or any item likely to be chewed, pulled, or handled roughly.
- Ensure the final product is properly constructed, with securely fastened joins and woven-in ends, to prevent unravelling or loose threads that could pose a choking or entanglement hazard.
- For small embellishments such as buttons or beads, avoid their use on items intended for children under three years old or pets, as these can present choking hazards.
Blanket Safety for Babies
- Temperature Regulation: Babies are not as effective at regulating their temperature, and overheating increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). When creating blankets for babies, consider the yarn’s warmth and breathability to ensure it is suitable for the intended environment.
- Safe Sleeping Guidance: Blankets should be tucked no higher than the baby’s shoulders, and their feet should be placed at the end of the crib or bed. This minimizes the risk of the baby’s face becoming covered by loose bedding.
- For further advice, refer to the safe sleeping guidelines provided by The Lullaby Trust.
Handling Tools Safely
- When working with sharp tools such as scissors, sewing needles, or crochet hooks, handle them carefully and keep them out of reach of children and pets.
- Accidental cuts or injuries can occur if tools are not used properly. Always store tools safely when not in use, ensuring they are secured in a suitable storage container or area.
Important Note
By purchasing and using this pattern, you acknowledge that you are responsible for the construction, use, and safety of the completed item. I am not liable for any accidents, injuries, or damages caused by the finished product or the tools used during its creation. This includes, but is not limited to, blankets, accessories, garments, decor items, or other crochet creations, whether for children, adults, or animals.
GPSR Contact Details
Elimee Designs EU/NI Representative
Ciara Doyle, C15 Y5F9, Ireland
Elimee Designs (Designer)
N. Griffiths, 435, LE10 0NF, England.
The Fine Print
Please note that all written patterns from Elimee Designs are non-refundable.
If you have any questions or suggestions regarding this pattern please feel free to contact us via [email protected] or our Elimee Designs Crochet Pattern group on Facebook.
Please use the hashtag #cosystripesdraughtexcluder or #elimeedesigns, or tag me (@elimee_designs on Instagram or @elimeedesigns on Facebook) so that I can see your finished blanket too, and show it some much deserved love!
I’d like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to our pattern tester Lourdes Cervantes. Thank you for all of your hard work!
If you’d like to be notified when our next pattern goes into testing simply sign up below, or click HERE to learn more about becoming a crochet pattern tester.