what is a bodkin? I've heard the word but don't know what it is.

A bodkin is a litttle metal thing, looks like a pair of tweezers with a ring that slides up and down the pincher pieces. I use it for running elastic through a casing.

Well, I'll be! I have one of those! I call it an elastic puller! Thank you.

Kathy, that's the American name for it. Isn't it? ROTFLOL

Boo, that MUST be the American name for it because I AM American!

I don't know :) my grandmum was English and she called it a bodkin.... go figure.

I also tend to call tools by the name that explains what they do. The darning foot to me is a hopping foot. This girl doesn't darn, darn it!

You're too funny Boo.

I do not know what that is, but I know that in England, Australia and New Zealand they have different names for things like "hand picker"! Can you figure out what that is?
Lucia
Answer: Seam riper

I am taking a class from Eleanor Burns where we use a Ball point end bodkin to turn applique pieces right side out for fusing to the background fabric. This one looks like a long (about 6") small rod with an eye for threading on one end and a ball point on the other end. She uses it with a piece of drinking straw to turn the pieces. This is used when you sew your applique piece to fusible interfacing. You copy the pattern on to the smooth side of the interfacing, lay the rough side of the interfacing (Glue side) to the right side of the fabric for the applique piece. Sew on the tracing line and then cut out piece approximately 1/8" outside the sewing line. You then make a slit in the center of the interfacing, put the end of the 4-5" piece of drinking straw inside being careful to place the end of it against the fabric and not the interfacing. Push the fabric through the straw with the ball end of the bodkin and repeat wherever necessary to completely turn the piece right side out. With wood or plastic presser foot, press the edges of the piece over the sides to hide the interfacing. Place piece on backgroud in desired spot and press with hot iron.

Haven't used mine in quite awhile but I have one.

Eleanor Burns of Quilt in a Day uses one. mine is flat on one end and has a round ball on the other. for making corners nice when turning fabrics sewn right side out. quilts, pillows, etc.