Deramores Rattlesnake Draught Excluder Knitting Pattern

Deramores Rattlesnake Draught Excluder: Knitted Homeware Pattern

What Is Being Made

The Rattlesnake Draught Excluder is a charming knitted toy designed to block drafts at doorways and windows. This handmade homeware piece measures approximately 96cm long and features a realistic snake design complete with a textured body, decorative eyes, and an optional rattle or bell element in the tail. The project creates a functional yet whimsical home accessory that combines practical draft prevention with decorative appeal.

Craft and Technique Overview

This is an advanced knitting project created by designer Amanda Berry, a graduate of London College of Fashion with First Class Honours. Amanda specializes in knitted toys and soft furnishings, and her designs have been published in magazines and created for charitable organizations. The pattern demonstrates professional-level toy construction techniques suitable for experienced knitters seeking a more challenging project.

Knitting Stitches and Methods

• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch used throughout the project, worked flat on straight needles for the main body pieces
• Mattress Stitch: Used for seaming all pieces together with an invisible, professional finish
• I-Cord: A specialized knitted tube technique worked on two double-pointed needles, specifically used to create the snake's tongue
• Decrease Stitches (ssk): Slip, slip, knit decreases are employed to shape the draught excluder
• Long Tail Cast On: The specified casting method for all pieces unless otherwise noted in the pattern

Materials Required

Yarn: The pattern uses Deramores Studio DK yarn in seven coordinating colors. Yarn A (Green Tea) requires 20g, Yarn B (Paprika) requires 20g, Yarn C (Blue Haze) requires 20g, Yarn D (Storm Cloud) requires 20g, Yarn E (Merlot) requires 20g, Yarn F (Shiraz) requires 20g, and Yarn G (Butterscotch) requires up to 50g. Each color comes in 100g balls, allowing for multiple projects or generous yardage for this single draught excluder.

Needles and Tools: The project requires 3.75mm (US 5) straight knitting needles for working the main pieces flat, plus 2 x 3.75mm (US 5) double-pointed needles for the i-cord tongue. A darning or tapestry needle is essential for seaming and finishing.

Filling and Embellishments: One 250g bag of toy filling provides the stuffing for the draught excluder body. Two 10mm domed black buttons serve as eyes, and an optional rattle or bell can be inserted into the snake's tail for added sensory appeal.

Tension and Gauge

The pattern specifies a tension of approximately 22 stitches by 28 rows over a 10cm x 10cm square when working stockinette stitch on 3.75mm needles. Achieving correct tension is important for the finished draught excluder to reach its intended dimensions and maintain proper structure for draft blocking functionality.

Construction Method

All pieces are knitted flat (back and forth) on straight needles, with the exception of the tongue, which is worked as an i-cord on double-pointed needles. This combination of techniques creates a three-dimensional toy with defined shaping. The pieces are then assembled using mattress stitch seaming, which creates invisible joins ideal for stuffed items. The draught excluder is filled with toy filling to achieve the proper weight and shape for effective draft exclusion.