A tool for inserting a drawstring into a drawstring passage has elongated leading and trailing bodies which are connected to each other by a flexible member. The trailing body defines at its rear end an aperture into which an end of a drawstring can be inserted, which drawstring can be secured to the trailing body by the cooperation with the trailing body of a drawstring retainer. The retainer is carried by the trailing body and is movable relative to that body toward and away from the rear end of that body. When the retainer is at its rear end limit of movement relative to the trailing body, the retainer is effective to cause a drawstring inserted into the aperture to be held in the insertion tool. The retainer can be spring-biased toward its rearward limit of motion in the insertion tool.