How To

How to Make a Yo-Yo Appliqué

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(7 Ratings)

Colorful fabric discs called "yo-yos" can be stitched together to make dolls, quilts or pillows. As appliqués, yo-yos can be sewn or glued to decorate vests, T-shirts and other apparel. These decorative circles of scrap fabric originated with thrifty homemakers of the 1930s.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  1. Step 1

    Wash and iron the scrap fabric.

  2. Step 2

    Trace a circle about 4 inches in diameter (or the size specified in your project pattern) onto paper, cardboard, sandpaper or lightweight plastic to make a pattern.

  3. Step 3

    Cut out your pattern.

  4. Step 4

    Lay your pattern flat on the fabric.

  5. Step 5

    Mark the fabric with washable pencil or chalk; make multiple circles.

  6. Step 6

    Cut out the fabric circles with sharp scissors.

  7. Step 7

    Sew a running stitch 1/4 inch from the perimeter all the way around the wrong side of the fabric. Leave 2 or 3 inches of extra thread when you begin and end stitching.

  8. Step 8

    Pull the thread ends tight to gather the fabric into a ball.

  9. Step 9

    Secure the thread with a knot.

  10. Step 10

    Cut off the extra thread.

  11. Step 11

    String the yo-yos together to make limbs for dolls, or attach to plain fabrics to decorate linens or garments.

Tips & Warnings
  • Patterns for yo-yo dolls and quilts can be found in craft books and magazines.
  • The modern way to attach a yo-yo is with the gathered core facing down and the smooth, pretty side up. On original Depression-era quilts and pillows, the gathered sides faced upward, so whichever looks best to you is correct.
  • Most projects require many, many yo-yos, so this makes good handwork to do while watching television.
  • Yo-yo dolls usually require a slightly larger yo-yo for the body than for the arms and legs.
  • If you prefer, you can fold down the fabric edge as you sew to make a narrow hem.

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