How to Make a Yo-Yo in Quilting
Yo-yos can be made in any size using the traditional method or the modern method. The traditional method involves tracing and then cutting fabric circles, turning the edges and hemming with long running stitches. The modern method, using a Yo-Yo Maker, a plastic template, eliminates the need to trace the circles first. Both methods are quick and easy. Completed yo-yos can be sewn together and made into table runners, bed coverlets or wall hangings. Yo-yos can be used individually as embellishments for tote bags, quilts and clothes.
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Things You'll Need
- Assorted pieces of fabric (cotton, silk, laces, polyester, taffeta)
- Bowl, teacup or saucer (if using traditional method)
- Marking pencil
- Circle Yo-Yo Maker (if using modern method)
- Scissors
- Iron and ironing board
- Sewing needle
- Thread to match fabrics
Instructions
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Creating a Yo-Yo the Traditional Way
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1
Trace a circle with your marking pencil around a circular object (a cup or saucer) onto a piece of fabric. You can make the yo-yo any size you wish. Trim around the circle with scissors. Turn under a 1/4-inch of fabric along the edge, ironing the fold as you go.
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2
Hand sew the 1/4-inch ironed fold with evenly spaced running stitches all the way around the yo-yo. Finish off back close to the first stitch. Do not cut the thread. Pull your needle off the thread tail.
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3
Carefully pull the end of the thread until the fabric gathers along the edge, forming soft pleats. Continue pulling until the yo-yo has taken shape with a small central open circle remaining.
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4
Sew a small final stitch to hold the pleats in place; take a few back stitches and cut the thread. The yo-yo is now completed.
Creating a Yo-Yo using a Yo-Yo Maker
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5
Place fabric right side down into the Yo-Yo Maker disc. Snap the Yo-Yo Maker circle into place on top of the fabric. Turn the Yo-Yo Maker over. Trim along the outside edge of the Yo-Yo Maker, leaving a 1/4-inch of fabric all the way around.
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6
Hand sew, stitching into the evenly placed stitching holes along the edge of the yo-yo template. Continue stitching back to the first stitch. Do not cut the thread. Pull your needle off the thread tail. Pop the Yo-Yo Maker apart and place to one side
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7
Holding the yo-yo, pull the end of the thread until the fabric gathers along the edge to form soft pleats. Continue pulling until the yo-yo has taken shape with a small central open circle remaining.
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8
Sew a final stitch to hold the pleats in place; make a few back stitchs and then cut the thread. The modern yo-yo is now completed with the aid of the Yo-Yo Maker.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
