The Serpentine Slumber Draft Stopper: A Knitted Coiled Door Snake with Cable Scales

Transform a practical necessity into a sculptural home accent with the Serpentine Slumber Draft Stopper. This whimsical yet sophisticated pattern creates a coiled, serpentine form with intricate cable scales that adds cozy woodland charm to any doorway. Knitted in plush, heathered worsted weight yarn, this draft stopper is as beautiful as it is functional—blocking chilly drafts while serving as a striking piece of handmade decor. Whether you're a seasoned knitter looking for a unique project or a beginner eager to learn cables, this pattern delivers a rewarding, sculptural result.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. All materials are readily available at your local yarn shop or online.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in two colors:
  • Main Color (MC): Heathered Forest Green (approx. 350 yards)
  • Contrast Color (CC): Warm Amber or Rust (approx. 100 yards)
• Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles (circular or double-pointed for working in the round)
• Cable needle
• Tapestry needle (for weaving in ends and sewing)
• Fiberfill or polyester stuffing (approx. 1–2 lbs, depending on desired firmness)
• Stitch markers
• Scissors

Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (blocked). Gauge is important for achieving the correct size and drape—be sure to check your swatch before starting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked in the round to create a long, stuffed tube that is then coiled and sewn into a spiral shape. The cable scales are created using a simple 4-stitch cable—perfect for practicing your cable technique.

Abbreviations

• CO: cast on
• K: knit
• P: purl
• K2tog: knit two together (decrease)
• C4F: slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in front, knit next 2 stitches, then knit 2 stitches from cable needle
• C4B: slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in back, knit next 2 stitches, then knit 2 stitches from cable needle
• St(s): stitch(es)
• Rnd(s): round(s)
• MC: main color
• CC: contrast color

Body of the Snake (Worked in the Round)

Cast On: CO 40 sts with MC. Place a stitch marker and join in the round, being careful not to twist your stitches.

Rnd 1–4: *K2, P2* repeat to end of round. (This creates a ribbed edge for a neat finish.)

Rnd 5: *C4F, P2* repeat to end. (This starts the cable pattern—your first cable twist!)

Rnd 6–8: *K4, P2* repeat to end.

Rnd 9: *C4B, P2* repeat to end.

Rnd 10–12: *K4, P2* repeat to end.

Repeat Rnds 5–12 until the tube measures approximately 36 inches (91 cm) from the cast-on edge. End after a Rnd 8 or Rnd 12 (so the next round would be a cable round). This ensures your tail shaping begins on a clean round.

Shaping the Tail (Decrease Rounds)

Now we'll taper the tube to form the snake's tail. Work these decrease rounds in order:

Next Rnd: *K2tog, K2, P2* repeat to end. (32 sts remain)

Next Rnd: *K3, P2* repeat to end.

Next Rnd: *K2tog, K1, P2* repeat to end. (24 sts remain)

Next Rnd: *K2, P2* repeat to end.

Next Rnd: *K2tog, P2* repeat to end. (16 sts remain)

Next Rnd: *K1, P2* repeat to end.

Next Rnd: *K2tog* repeat to end. (8 sts remain)

Cut yarn, leaving a long tail (at least 12 inches). Thread the tail through a tapestry needle, slide the needle through the remaining 8 sts, pull tight to close the hole, and secure with a knot. Weave in the end.

Head (Worked Flat, Then Joined)

The head is worked flat in rows, then folded and seamed to create a rounded, sculptural shape.

Cast On: With MC, CO 20 sts.

Row 1 (RS): K all.

Row 2: P all.

Row 3: K2, C4F, K8, C4B, K2. (20 sts)

Row 4: P all.

Row 5: K all.

Row 6: P all.

Row 7: K2, C4B, K8, C4F, K2.

Row 8: P all.

Repeat Rows 5–8 until the head piece measures 6 inches (15 cm) from the cast-on edge, ending with a wrong-side row (a purl row).

Shape the Head (Decrease Rows):

Next Row (RS): K2tog, K16, K2tog. (18 sts)

Next Row: P all.

Next Row: K2tog, K14, K2tog. (16 sts)

Next Row: P all.

Next Row: K2tog, K12, K2tog. (14 sts)

Next Row: P all.

Next Row: K2tog, K10, K2tog. (12 sts)

Next Row: P all.

Bind off all sts. Fold the head piece in half lengthwise (right sides together) and sew the side seams, leaving the cast-on edge open. Turn right side out. Stuff the head firmly with fiberfill. Set aside.

Finishing

Stuff the Body: Stuff the body tube firmly with fiberfill or polyester stuffing, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Do not overstuff—the tube should remain flexible enough to coil into a spiral without bulging.

Coil the Snake: Coil the stuffed tube into a flat spiral, starting from the tail end and working towards the head end. The head should end up in the center of the spiral. Using a tapestry needle and MC yarn, sew the coils together along their inner edges, securing the spiral shape. Take your time here—this stitching is what gives the draft stopper its sculptural stability.

Attach the Head: Position the head in the center of the spiral and sew it securely in place with MC yarn. Make sure it's well-anchored so it doesn't shift with use.

Eyes (Optional, with CC)

Using CC yarn, embroider two small French knots or satin stitches on the head to create eyes. Place them about 1 inch apart, centered on the head. For a more whimsical look, you can position them slightly forward-facing.

Scale Accents (Optional)

With CC yarn, embroider small diagonal stitches over the cable bumps to highlight the scale texture. This adds a beautiful contrast and depth, evoking the fiery scales of a mythical serpent. Space them evenly along the body for a cohesive look.

Weave in all ends. Block gently if desired—this helps even out the cables and gives a polished finish.

Your Serpentine Slumber Draft Stopper Is Complete!

Place your finished draft stopper at the base of a door to block chilly drafts while adding a touch of cozy, woodland charm to your home. The heathered green and warm amber accents create a natural, organic aesthetic that blends beautifully into rustic, farmhouse, or nature-inspired interiors. This project is a wonderful way to practice cables, work in the round, and create a functional piece of art that you'll be proud to display. Happy knitting!