I would use a knitting needle, if the strings have knots at the end that you can catch onto.

I always tie drawstrings together before putting them in the wash.

I would use a large crochet hook.

It's called a bodkin. One example - bodkin

Sometimes its easiest to pull it all the way out. Pin a large safety pin to it. Restring it.

There's also a tool called a latch hook or knit picker.

Latch hook

When you push it, the lever is down so the hook is open...hook it on...then pull which makes the lever go up so the hook remains in place. Also great for pulling snags in sweaters to the wrong side.

Suggestion, make sure you pin the string on the other side, otherwise you can accidentally pull that side through while your fixing the other one. Also, make sure to knot the strings once out so they don't pull through again.

"I always tie drawstrings together before putting them in the wash."

There's your answer for the future.

I hate those drawstrings. When I tie them in a bow or whatever, I feel like they draw the eye to my problem area - a bulging tummy.

After you get both ends out, tie a knot on the end of each one so they won’t slip away down the seam again.

" I hate those drawstrings. When I tie them in a bow or whatever, I feel like they draw the eye to my problem area - a bulging tummy. "

Wear an untucked shirt over your waistline! That will cover the bow.

Some of the drawstrings are useless so I remove them. I have a few pair of pants with an elastic waistband and the drawstrings are also stretchy. I also stitch them at the back center of the pants - that way they don't pull through. I also do that to hoods.

large safety pin will work just fine. I agree with removing it first, much easier.

I make sure there's a chunky knot that can't pull through too, but sometimes things go awry anyway.

I have several of these stainless steel loop turner tools and they're great for things like that...

Sold with sewing supplies.

I ALWAYS remove them.

Carolb! That’s it!! I had one years ago, couldn’t remember the name.
I’m living in Florida and buy these thin, silky lounge pants to sleep in (cool) and all the strings are inside the waistband bunched up. They are all knotted but still slide inside. I like these because I can go outside or answer the door without looking like I’m in PJ’s. I buy cheapies in Walmart or TJ Max and they are great in the heat.
I’m going to look on Amazon. Thank you everyone…I knew I’d get the answer💕

Another approach that works with no implements, 100% of the time for me, with drawstrings on pants and hoodies:

Make sure there's a knot near the aglet. Should the knot duck into the passageway like when a turtle pulls its head back into the shell, what you do is not pull out the knot but rather push the material of passageway past it in the other direction. Hold the knot and then pull the material over it a little at a time from the direction you want the knot to go. It always works, even when the drawstring comes out completely.

If the end is near the hole use a pair of needlenosed pliers.

The knots are not near the holes. They’ve been pulled back to the middle back of the pants. I’ve tried everything mentioned and can’t grab it. I’m guessing the strings got twisted around other clothes in the wash and was pulled in. My next steps was going to be cutting the seam. But I’d rather not.

I can push it through when the cord is completely out and needs to be put back, but maybe that's because I've done it this way for years. Whatever works for you.

Just thread the string with a safety pin and pull it through. https://www.chicaandjo.com/how-to-thread-a-drawstring/

Um - you have to have hold of the end of the string to put a pin on and pull it through. Apparently, the end of the string is all the way inside the casing and needs to be fished out.

carolb you are right. The cord is bunched up in the middle of the back of the pants.

I've tried skewers but they can't lock on to them.

If I pull the cord out, the pants will be too lose. I agree I hate the bump under my shirt, but I also don't want my pants falling down, lol.

Just went on Amazon and order two. Can't wait to give it a try.

Thanks, everyone.

Jane

Carol....I've never seen a tool like that...and I'm always needing to grab the tie string on pants. :0)

I ordered one on Ebay for $1.04....thanks! Link

Happy to share knowledge 🙂

I have found them to be useful for lots of things besides their intended purpose.

seam ripper and needle and thread is what I use ...

I think that drawstrings on pants that have elastic just seems to not make sense. You already have elastic and the draw strings are superfluous and not yielding.

The loop turner that was mentioned is the best tool. You have to have some kind of hooking action to grab the knotted end. I have one of those and it works both as a bodkin and turner for loops.

If you can retrieve your drawstring, just pull it out a ways and cut it off They are redundant and useless. They completely go counter to the stretch of the elastic and render the waistband to be non stretchy. It is much like just simply tying a thin cord around your waist, tightly. Why?

IMPE, the drawstring helps pants stay up, even when there's elastic.