“Bodkin” may be related to the Gaelic word for “dagger,” which makes sense since most bodkins are tapered at one end. At the other end, there’s a hole or other means of attaching elastic or cord. This video shows how and when to use three types of bodkins, as well as a bonus do-it-yourself bodkin you can use in a pinch.
What are Bodkins and How do I Use Them When Sewing? - Threads
Others are slender enough to be used as a bodkin and are designed to thread material through a casing. Heat-resistant versions have a silicone tip for gripping or pushing fabric while pressing. Substitutes Although specially designed sewing stilettos are useful, some on-hand tools can stand in for a stiletto. Bamboo skewer
She then shows how to add elastic and/or a drawstring to the sewn casing using a bodkin or basic safety pin. She also demonstrates how to sew the elastic edges together without creating bulk. For a drawstring casing, you’ll need an opening for the drawstring ends. Judith shows two ways to create this exit for the drawstring ends.
Bodkin or small safety pin Scissors Sewing machine Silk pins Thread Connect the scarves The two scarves are joined with short side seams. When the sewn-together scarves are folded in half, parallel edges meet at the neckline and the fold becomes a hem. 1 Press the scarves. Select and mark neckline edges on each scarf.
1 yard of 60-inch-wide fabric or 12⁄3 yards of 45-inch-wide fabric Safety pin or bodkin (a tool for threading elastic through a casing) Point turner wool. The garment shown is medium size, based on a 36-inch bust measu ement. Add or s hange. Lengthen or shorten as d 1⁄2-inch-wide elastic cut 2 inches shorter than your waistline
- Form fabric tubes. With right sides together, fold each strip in half lengthwise, pin, and stitch 1/4 inch from the raw edges. With a tube turner or bodkin, turn the tubes right side out. Turn the bias strips right side out using a tube turner or bodkin.
Press and stitch the hem. Finish the sleeve hems, either with a double-fold hem, or a casing. Insert a ribbon, cord, or self-fabric tube into the neckline casing, with a safety pin or bodkin. If desired, insert elastic or drawstrings into the sleeve hems. Once you’ve completed your blouse, consider pairing it with a custom godet skirt.