Bodkins
with instructor Steve Butler
Class 140
What is it? – The buzzer goes off telling you the drying cycle has finished. Finally. You go over to the dryer and pull out the new hoodie you were planning on wearing today. As you remove it, you notice that the cord that is supposed to go through the hood casing is now wrapped firmly around one of the sleeves. Oh man, how do I get that back where it belongs? Or maybe it’s not an emergency. Maybe it’s part of our creative process. Fashion, fashion accessories, home décor ,crafts or even knitting and crochet can have requirements to pull cording of some type through a casing. There are several work around type tools, most of which can and do introduce differing levels of frustration into our project when they release our cord midway through the casing. There is a tool, however, that is designed specifically to pull our cords through any casing. Simply put, a bodkin is a tool that is used to pull various thin materials through a casing. Elastic, ribbon, cording or other “drawstring” type materials can all be pulled through the casing to serve any desired function. The bodkin is attached to the cording in some way and then manipulated through the casing by hand. To match specific project requirements, Clover has developed a selection of bodkins for even the most demanding applications. Just think, no more do-over’s, no more frustration. The right tool for the right job and a happy sewing experience.
What does it do? – Clover has identified various categories of unique bodkin application and developed unique bodkins to satisfy those requirements.
· Flex ‘n Glide Bodkin – These are long, flexible bodkins that allow you to quickly and easily pull draw strings through fabric casing. Two sizes are available depending on any radius of turn restrictions. The eyes of the bodkins are designed to solidly lock any material in place and prevent it from coming loose in any inconvenient location. Unlike most bodkins, the Flex ‘n Guide is stiff enough to push through a casing but flexible enough to bend around intricate design features of your sewn casing.
· Clip ‘n Glide Bodkin – When special requirements exist, the Clip ‘n Glide Bodkin ensures a more secure connection between bodkin and drawstring material. A mechanical connection virtually locks the cording in place. The lead portion of the bodkin remains flexible and of sufficient length to provide for ease of manipulation and speed the process along.
· Bodkin (2 Types) – This is one package with two types of bodkins designed to meet project specific requirements. Both are constructed from smooth stainless steel. One operates on a binding type function. Simply place the cording material between the beveled ends and push the retaining ring into place to hold the cord securely. The other type is designed more specifically for finer cords which are actually tied onto the ring at the end of the bodkin which pulls them through the casing.
How do I promote it? – There are so many projects that require a bodkin type function. Fashion, fashion accessories, home décor, crafts and even knitting or crochet. Simply make some great step outs for each demonstrating how simple this handy tool makes the construction process. Enthusiasts of each genre will recognize the unique benefits to them and you’ll have fans for life.
