DIY: Yo-Yo Rosette

Use a compass to draw perfect circles quickly or just use a dish for a template.

Fabric yo-yo rosettes were often used between the 1920s to 1940s in making quilts. According to the Alaska State Museum, "yo-yo quilts were popular because women could carry the little circles of fabric with them and make yo-yos whenever they had a free moment." Gathered fabric circles flattened to form three-dimensional flowers were sewn together side-by-side to make colorful bed covers. The simplicity of the construction process allows the most novice needle worker to produce beautiful creations. Adding a decorative centerpiece makes a lovely flower that can be used anywhere artificial flowers would be appropriate.

Instructions

1. 

   If a cutting board is not available, a clean kitchen table works well.

   Lay the fabric out smoothly on a flat surface.

2. Draw a circle with a radius that is the size of the desired finished yo-yo plus 1/4 inch. This will yield a circle that is twice the size you want plus a 1/4-inch seam allowance.

3. Cut out the circle carefully, cutting clean edges to ensure consistently sized and shaped yo-yos.

4. Thread the needle and tie a knot in the end.

5. Turn a 1/4-inch edge of the circle in with your fingertips as you sew.

6. Insert the needle into the wrong side of the fabric so that the knot will be inside the finished product.

7. Stitch all the way around the circle, keeping your stitches inside the edge. Keep your stitches about 1/4 inch long. Maintain as much consistency in stitch size as possible to make the ruffle effect even.

8. Gather the yo-yo tightly, using the thread as a drawstring, when you have sewn all the way around the circle.

9. Tie off the end of the thread and trim off the excess close to the knot.

10. Flatten the yo-yo with your fingers, keeping the hole to the center.

11. Convert the yo-yo into a rosette by adding a decorative centerpiece or leave it plain. Your completed rosette can now be joined with other yo-yo's to create pillow tops or quilts, stacked to create spring-like toys, or used alone as embellishments for packages or hair clips. Add centerpieces of buttons or rhinestones to create flowers.

Tips & Warnings

• Make fabric choices based on color, texture, ease of cleaning or any factor that you determine. If you have a lot of scrap fabric, this is a good way to use it. If not, create a keepsake, such as a quilt or coverlet, from cast-off clothing. Denim projects can be fun and sporty, while old baby clothes can be converted into toys or other mementos.

• If the fabric is light in color, use a pencil when drawing the circle. If dark, use chalk for visibility. If you would rather use a template, make your own out of cardboard or use a dish or other round object to create a perfect circle.

References

• Alaska State Museum: Yo-Yo Quilts