DIY magnetic vent cover and faucet insulator (2023)

Introduction: DIY magnetic vent cover and faucet insulator

Hello Instructables friends! Today I'm going to share two ways you can use sewing to winterize your home and keep you warm. This is a two project Instructable that I grouped together because they were so similar in construction.
The first is a magnetic vent cover. In my house I have metal openings. There is one in particular that doesn't close completely and I would like to be able to close it in the winter to divert heat to other parts of the house. Sometimes I have to have it closed because I use this space to pickle candy (which can take three days) and I don't want dust blowing on it. You may have a vent that has a broken lever or is painted in place. Anyway, I'll show you how to make your own magnetic vent cover.
The second project you can do to winterize your home is to make a faucet insulator. This is very important when temperatures drop below freezing. I made mine to help my elderly neighbor who didn't have a proper isolator.
These projects are pretty easy if you are a beginner. If you know how to sew a pillowcase, you can probably complete these projects without too much frustration.
They don't take too long and they're not expensive either.
Look at her:

Step 1: Deliveries

For these projects you will need:
At least 1/4 yard of outdoor fabric
At least 1/4 yard of regular fabric (like duck fabric)
20 Zoll Nylon-Paracord
line stop
Magnetic tape oder andere Magnete
At least 1/4 yard of cloth insulation (I used Thermolam)
Scissors
Ruler
sewing machine
thread

Step 2: Measure

Use a ruler to measure your vent. Mine was 8" x 12".

Step 3: Cut the fabric

To cut your fabric, add an inch to both the length and width of the size of your slit. My vent was 8" x 12" so I cut two pieces of fabric that were 9" x 13".

Step 4: Cut insulation material

I also cut a piece of insulation material that was 9 inches by 13 inches.

Step 5: Ironing

The insulation I used was fusible on one side, so I followed the manufacturer's instructions and ironed the insulation onto the wrong side (no pattern) of one of the pieces of fabric.

Step 6: Pin and Sew

Before I sew the fabric, I make a 1/2 inch slit in the corners to make folding the material easier. I then folded the fabric over 1/2 inch and sewed around the perimeter. I did this with both the rectangular plain fabric and the rectangular fabric that had the fusible insulation.

Step 7: Insert magnets

Now you need to add the magnets. It's important that your magnets are strong enough to hold three layers of fabric to the vent. Test this out before you sew them into your vent cover.
I used magnetic tape, which unrolls like a piece of tape and has a sticky side. It was super helpful to have that sticky side to hold it in place while I worked with it.
I made a line of magnetic tape that went around the perimeter of the rectangle of fabric that had the insulation and I was able to cut it with scissors.

Step 8: Sew it closed

Pin the two pieces of fabric wrong sides together. Sew around the inside of the magnets as well as the outside perimeter. This should hold the magnets in place and keep your fabric pieces together.

Step 9: Ta Da!

With very little effort I glued the vent cover in place and now my other rooms will be warmer and my candy will have a lot less dust. woo hoo!
Yes, I also discovered a crack in my ceiling. Looks like another Instructable on the horizon...

Step 10: Now Let's Make This Insulator...

To make an insulated faucet cover, also known as an insulator, you are basically sewing a sack with a layer of insulation on the inside. My insulator uses a piece of nylon paracord at the top with a cord stopper to tie it off at the top. It is reusable and washable. The outdoor fabric I used said it was water and sun resistant for over 500 hours.
To start, I cut a 9" x 20" rectangle from the outdoor fabric.

Step 11: Cut out the insulating material

I also cut out a piece of insulation that was 9 inches by 20 inches.

Step 12: Prepare the Paracord

To attach the insulator you will need a 20 inch piece of paracord. Burn the cut ends to keep them from fraying later. Be careful! Be careful with an open flame. Have a cup or sink of water handy in case you're doing more than just melting the ends.

Step 13: Pin the fabric

Lay the insulating fabric on the wrong side of the outdoor fabric. Add pins around the perimeter to attach the insulation fabric to the outer fabric. Tie a knot midway down the length of paracord. Pin the knot to the edge of the right side of the fabric about 3 inches from the end. Make sure the "legs" of the paracord reach the middle of the fabric. That way it will be right when you turn over the "pocket" you have while sewing.

Step 14: Time to Sew

Sew around the perimeter of the rectangle. When you reach the knot of the paracord, sew across the legs and reverse your machine a few times to reinforce that sewing area. Do not try to sew over the knot or you will break your needle.

Step 15: Sew it the wrong way

I tuck the "legs" of the paracord into the center of the fabric so they don't accidentally get sewn into a seam. Fold the rectangle in half so the wrong sides of the outdoor fabric are facing each other. Now that it's been folded, it should be almost square in shape. Pin and sew around the perimeter (3 sides only) leaving the "top" open.

Step 16: Fold and Sew

It is now in the form of a bag. Fold down 1/2 inch of the fabric at the opening of the bag. Sew around this folded fabric. Turn the bag inside out.

Step 17: Add the cord stopper

Untie the paracord "legs". Wrap them around the bag and add a piece of tape around their ends to secure them together tightly. This makes threading through the cord stopper easier. Press the button on the cord lock and thread the taped ends through the hole in the cord lock. Remove the tape and tie the ends of the cord in a knot to keep the cord lock from slipping off.

Step 18: So Cool! Let's try it!

There it is! First, take a look at my neighbor's insulation. Now take a look at the new homemade faucet insulator. I hope she likes it. (I tried it out for the picture on my house.) That should keep her faucet a little warmer this winter.
Now that you've seen my finished insulator, it's important to note that I live in Texas, which doesn't get as cold as other parts of the country. If you live up north, I recommend adding several layers of insulating fabric to the inside of your DIY faucet insulator.
Okay, that's the end of this Instructable. Hope you enjoyed and stay warm this winter.
Keep creating!
Jennifer
"Butter My Cookies"

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