How to Make a Yo-Yo Quilt Block Trim

The yo-yo quilt is one of those blocks that does not really need any trim around the edge, especially if you make the yo-yos, stitch them together and call it done. Other times, when you put a backing on your yo-yo quilt, adding trim around the edges can clean up the raw edge of the fabric as well as give your quilt that completed look. When adding trim to the edges of your yo-yo quilt blocks, the narrower the trim the better to cover up less of the yo-yos on the side.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Yo-yo quilt block
• ½-inch wide fabric binding
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Scissors
• Pins

Instructions

1. Measure around the perimeter of your yo-yo quilt block, or around the entire edge of your yo-yo quilt. The directions are the same for a single block or for an entire yo-yo quilt.

2. Sew as many prepackaged fabric binding lengths as it takes to make it 5 inches longer than the perimeter of the quilt block.

3. Pin the binding to the outer edges of the quilt block. Slip the edge of the yo-yos into the fold of the binding. Make sure that the two unfolded edges meet up perfectly on the top and bottom of the yo-yo.

4. Overlap the binding once you get all the way around the quilt block. Line up all the unfolded edges.

5. Top stitch around the outside edge of the yo-yo quilt block, as close to the edge of the binding as possible. Remove the pins as you sew so you do not sew over them.

6. Trim off any excess threads using the scissors.

Tips & Warnings

• If you do not want to do a very narrow trim leaving you with an outer row of partial yo-yos, consider adding trim that is about a wide as the yo-yo. Use this trim to cover up one complete row of yo-yos all the way around, lining up the edge of the binding with the second row of yo-yos. For this reason, adjust the number of yo-yos in each block.

• For those who do not want to spend a lot of money on prepackaged binding, make your own. Cut your fabric into 2 ½-inch wide strips, fold it in half and press.

References

• "501 Quilt Blocks: A Treasury of Patterns and Patchwork to Enjoy"; Joan Lewis and Lynette Chiles; 2004
• "Creative Scraps: Quilting With Bits and Pieces"; Jeanne Stauffer, editor; 2006