How to Create a Yo-Yo Scarf

A yo-yo scarf is made with scraps of colorful fabric bits, and sequins are scattered throughout for a funky, bohemian look. These fabric yo-yos are the same type your grandmother might have used to fashion bed covers. Some of those vintage coverlets are collectible, but there is no need to cut up a quilt when you can easily create a new yo-yo scarf that is affordable, fashionable and fun.

Things You'll Need

• 3 ½-inch circle template
• Remnant fabrics
• Large-eye sewing needle and embroidery thread
• Sewing scissors
• Sequins
• Small glass hexagon beads
• eading needle
• Standard sewing needle & thread

Instructions

1. Make a cardboard template or use the rim of a glass that is 3 1/2 inches in diameter to trace on fabric scraps with a pencil. Use a wide variety of fabrics to create a one-of-a-kind yo-yo scarf. Cut out 78 fabric circles.

2. Thread the large-eyed needle with three-strand embroidery floss. Knot end of thread. Fold in ¼ inch at edges of circle and baste in a long stitch as you go around the circle. Pull up the gathered stitches to form a neat circle. Secure end of the thread by tying a knot. Cut thread close to knot.

3. Complete 78 fabric yo-yos to create a finished yo-yo scarf that measures 4 1/2 inches wide and 40 inches long.

4. Thread the standard needle with all-purpose thread. Double the thread and knot at the end. Pick up the first yo-yo and insert the needle through the center hole and sideways so the needle comes out in the side edge of the yo-yo.

5. Pick up the second yo-yo and hold it next to the first yo-yo. Push the needle through the side edge of the second yo-yo. Stitch back and forth several times, making sure the yo-yos are securely attached and the thread is not seen. Secure and knot the thread. Pick up the second yo-yo and hold it next to the first yo-yo. Push the needle through the side edge of the second yo-yo. Stitch back and forth several times, making sure the yo-yos are securely attached and the thread is not seen. Secure and knot the thread. Repeat process to add a third yo-yo to the row.

6. Continue this same process until you have completed 26 rows of yo-yos with three yo-yos per row, for a total of 78 yo-yos. Lay out the 26 rows in the order you prefer. Sew each of the three yo-yos in each row to the yo-yos in the next row.

7. Use the beading needle to attach sequins to the scarf with the hexagon glass beads acting as anchors. Scatter the sequins over the scarf randomly until the desired look is achieved.

Tips & Warnings

• This is a pick-up-and-go craft because all sewing is done by hand. Take these with you anyplace where you have idle time on your hands.

• Hand wash yo-yo scarf in mild detergent with cool water and air dry when needed.

References

• The Best of Sew Simple Magazine: Over 50 Quick Projects; Ellen March, Beth Bradley, et al.