Fabric Yo-Yo's
Yo-Yo's
How To Make A Fabric Yo-Yo
Fabric yo-yo's are very easy to make. They have been used for decades for coverlets, bedspreads or embellishments on clothing. They are not very warm on their own, but stitched on to a backing fabric they add weight for a warm bedspread.
They are best made out of 100% cotton fabric, as it is very flexible and soft. They can be made any size, but directions are given for a 1 1/4" yo-yo.
Cut 3" circles out of fabric. With a needle and quilting thread, turn edge in 1/4" and make a running stitch along outside of circle. When you get all the way around, pull thread tight and gather fabric. It will come together with a small opening in the center. Secure thread, and fasten off. Make enough for your project...with this size, you will need 144 for a cushion cover.
If you wish for more warmth and weight, you could cut a circle of thin batting a tiny bit smaller than the size of your finished yo-yo. Before pulling the thread tight, place the batting inside the circle, flatten, pull thread tight and secure with a couple of back stitches in the center.
To join yo-yo's, put them right sides together and secure with a few stitches. Continue joining them together until you have enough for your project...12 X 12 for a cushion cover. If you want a table runner made with this size yo-yo, you will need 576 of them, joined so you have 12 rows of 48. To make the cushion cover, attach them to a piece of background fabric. For a table runner, backing fabric is not necessary, but can be used if desired.
They are a great take-along project, as you don't need much room to do them. Once you get a feel for them, they will go together quite quickly. I like using "ugly" fabrics for them, as it has a whole new effect when made into a yo-yo. If you want to arrange them in certain colors, I suggest you draw the pattern out on paper and follow it. This will make it much easier to join them together to get the result you want.
They are easy enough for a child to make. Be sure the child is aware of how sharp the needle is, as they can easily poke a finger while stitching if not careful. You may wish to cut 4" or 5" circles for a child, as they will see faster results with a bigger circle.
I have also seen yo-yo's joined together in the centers, and used as arms and legs on pom-pom toys. I have used them as embellishments on wallhangings and vests. You are only limited by your imagination.
