Drawstrings are a great addition to shorts, dresses, bags, or hoodies, but they have a tendency to slip out of their casing.Instead of throwing the item away, push it through the entire case using a safety pin.You can use a straw, coat hanger, or pen cap if you don't have one on hand.
Step 1: If it's lost halfway through the case, pull out the drawstring.
Pull the drawstring completely out if it's starting to come out but is still stuck in the case.It's easier to re-insert the drawstring if you have a tool.
Step 2: Attach the safety pin to the end of the drawstring.
It's easier to feed through a large safety pin.The safety pin should fit through the casing and be secured from the end of the drawstring.If you're buying safety pins, you should look for larger skirt pins.
Step 3: The safety pin needs to be inserted.
The circular openings are where your drawstring comes out.Pull the safety pin through the fabric until it reaches the other one.
Step 4: The pin needs to be worked toward so that it moves through the fabric.
Hold the safety pin in place with one hand and use the other to push the fabric towards the pin.Pull the bunched up fabric away with the opposite hand if you hold the safety pin in place with your other hand.It's important to keep the safety pin in the case.
Step 5: Pull the fabric until the pin is at the end of the casing.
Pull the fabric away from the casing so the safety pin can move through it.Continue until the safety pin comes out of the other end.
Step 6: The safety pin needs to be removed.
Pull the two ends of the rope at the same time.Remove your safety pin.Tie a large knot at each end of the drawstring to prevent it from sliding back into the case.The larger the knots, the better the fit.
Step 7: If you want to save time and effort, buy a Bodkin.
The small tool looks like a sewing needle with a large hole at the end.Push about 4 inches (10 cm) of the drawstring through the hole.If your Bodkin has a small hole instead of a large one, open it and put the end under it before you close it.There are craft supply and hobby stores that sell bodkins.
Step 8: If you're having trouble feeding a safety pin, use a straw.
It can be difficult to feel the safety pin through thick fabric if you're putting a drawstring through it.If you want it to be easier, push the end into the straw and staple it.Push the empty end of the straw through the hole.Pull the straw through the case so it comes out the other side.The bigger the straw, the easier it is to feel it through the heavier fabric.It won't get in the way of the seam allowance.Pull the staple away with a staple removal tool.It is important to keep in mind that this may damage delicate fabrics.
Step 9: To make a hook, bend a wire hanger.
If you want to make a sturdy tool that you can use again and again, look for a wire coat hanger.Take the hook and shape it into a wire.If you bend the straight end, you can create a small hook.Keep pushing the wire until it comes out of the other side.bend the wire over the drawstring to keep it in place if it slips off of the hook.Feel free to bend the wire if you want it to go through the hoodie.
Step 10: If you can't find other tools, wrap the drawstring around the pen cap.
If you can't find a safety pin, you should look for a pen with a pocket clip that has a drawstring around it.The pen's opposite end should be slid through the case.Pull the pen through the fabric until it comes out of the other end.You don't want to accidentally push a tip through your fabric if you use a pen with a pocket clip.