A bodkin includes first and second holding plates, an operation plate and an elongated bar member. The second holding plate overlaps with the first holding plate. The operation plate is rotatably supported by the first holding plate with a part of the second holding plate disposed between the first holding plate and the operation plate. The bar member is connected to the first holding plate so that the operation plate is operable independently of the bar member. Use of the operation plate enables the bodkin to selectively take an opened state and a closed state. In the opened state, the two holding plates are apart from each other, providing a gap into which an end of a string can be inserted. In the closed state, the two holding plates are brought closer to each other, thereby pinching the end of the string between them.