How to put a hoodie string back in

Few wardrobe malfunctions are as universally frustrating as a hoodie string that has pulled out. That limp, empty drawstring channel taunts you, while the missing cord seems to shrink in shame on the floor. Whether it was a curious pet, a mischievous child, a tug during laundry, or simply the slow creep of time, a de-stringed hoodie feels incomplete and functionally compromised. Fear not—rethreading a hoodie drawstring is a simple, satisfying repair that can breathe new life into your favorite cozy garment. This step-by-step guide will walk you through several foolproof methods, ensuring your hoodie is restored to its perfect, adjustable state.

Gather Your Tools
You don’t need a specialized kit. Likely, everything is already in your home:

• The hoodie and its drawstring.
• A safety pin or a paper clip (large is best). This is the hero of our story.
• Alternatively, a thin straw, a bobby pin, or a pen cap.
• Scissors (to trim any frayed ends of the string).
• Tape (optional, for securing the string to your tool).

Preparation is Key

1. Inspect the String: If the string has frayed, trim the end cleanly with scissors. For a clean cut that resists further fraying, seal the very tip with a dab of clear nail polish, fabric glue, or carefully melt it very briefly with a lighter (synthetic fibers only, and do this with caution).
2. Locate the Openings: Find the two entry points for the drawstring channel. Usually, they are on the inside of the hood, near the wearer’s neck. Sometimes there is one opening in the middle. Identify the full path the string must travel.
3. Attach String to Tool: Straighten out a large safety pin and thread it through one end of the drawstring. Pin it securely, creating a firm connection. If using a straw, tape the string to one end, making a smooth, pointed connection. The goal is to create a stiff “lead” that can navigate the fabric tunnel.

Method 1: The Safety Pin Technique (Most Reliable)
This is the classic, most controlled method.

• Step 1: From the inside of the hood, insert the safety pin (with string attached) into one of the channel openings. Push a small amount of fabric onto the pin, then pinch the fabric around the pin.
• Step 2: Now, instead of trying to push the pin blindly, use your fingers to inchworm the pin through the channel. Gently squeeze the fabric just ahead of the pin, push the pin forward into that new space, release, and repeat. This method gives you complete control and prevents the pin from poking out through seams or stitching.
• Step 3: Keep working the pin through the entire channel until it emerges from the opposite opening. Pull it through, along with several inches of string.
• Step 4: Crucially, do not detach the pin yet. Separate the string from the pin, then re-attach the pin to the other end of the same drawstring. This ensures both ends will be accessible.
• Step 5: Repeat the process, inserting the pin into the same opening it just came out of, and feed it through the second channel (most hoodies have two parallel channels) or back along a single channel to create a loop. Work it until it emerges from the original starting opening.
• Step 6: Remove the pin. You should now have both ends of the string protruding from the same two holes. Adjust them to be even, tie a small knot at each end if desired to prevent future pull-through, and your hoodie is fully operational!

Method 2: The Straw or Pen Cap Technique (Quick & Smooth)
Ideal for wider channels or slick strings.

• Step 1: Securely tape the drawstring to the end of a thin, flexible straw or a hollow pen cap. The connection should be smooth and streamlined.
• Step 2: Insert the straw (with string trailing) into the channel and simply push it through. The rigidity of the straw allows it to slide through the fabric tunnel easily. Once the straw tip emerges, pull it and the attached string all the way through.
• Step 3: Follow the same dual-channel process as in the safety pin method, ensuring both string ends exit at the designated holes.

Method 3: The “Use the Old String” Method (If One End is Still In)
If one end of the string is still inside the channel, you’re in luck.

• Step 1: Carefully sew or tightly tape the new string to the remaining end of the old string. Make the joint as slim and strong as possible.
• Step 2: Gently pull the old string from the opposite end. It will guide the new string seamlessly through the entire path, replacing itself.

Pro-Tips for Success

• Stay Patient: Rushing often leads to the tool poking out of a seam, forcing you to start over. Slow and steady wins the race.
• Use a Flashlight: If the channel is dark, shining a light through the fabric can help you see the tool’s progress and avoid obstacles.
• Prevent Future Escapes: Once rethreaded, tie a substantial knot at each end of the string, or even attach small decorative toggles. This acts as a stopper.
• Wash with Care: Before washing your hoodie, tie the two ends of the drawstring together in a loose bow. This prevents them from retracting into the channel during the spin cycle.

A well-maintained hoodie is a long-lasting hoodie. The drawstring isn’t just decorative; it allows you to customize fit, block wind, and achieve that perfect level of cozy enclosure. Mastering this simple skill saves your beloved garment from relegation to the back of the closet.

Craftsmanship You Can Trust

As experts in comfort and durability, we understand that the details—like a securely channeled drawstring—are what transform a simple garment into a daily essential. This commitment to thoughtful construction and user-friendly design is at the heart of everything we create.

We are WUYI CLOTHING, a professional garment manufacturer. For us, quality isn’t an afterthought; it’s woven into every stitch, every fabric choice, and every functional detail like reinforced drawstring channels. Our brand is built on producing apparel that balances enduring style, unwavering comfort, and practical resilience, ensuring your favorite hoodie stays your favorite hoodie, season after season.