Making Yo-Yo Quilts & Decorations for the Holidays
December 11, 2006 by Mary Emma Allen
Filed under Home & Living
Old-time patchwork can be turned into Christmas gifts and decorations. Yo-yo’s, which once were very popular with quilters, seem to evoke a great deal of interest when I write about them. Some quilters contact me concerning their memories making these as children and with their children. Other quilters want to know how to make yo-yo’s.
These decorative shirred circles can be used by themselves…with loop of yarn or trim attached…as decorations for your tree. They can be sewn together in a chain. Or they can be stitched to other items…such as pillows, tote bags, vests (see Noreen’s ideas), scarves, hats, headbands for decorative effect.
They also can be sewn together, as quilters in the 1920s and ’30s did, to make quilts, spreads, and table cloths.
To make a Yo-Yo: Cut a circle from cotton or cotton-blend fabric, 4, 5 or 6-inches in diameter, depending on the size you want your decorations. Some quilters make mini yo-yo’s and cut even smaller circles. I find the 6-inch circle is a convenient size, especially if you’re making yo-yo’s with your children.
Turn under a tiny hem, just slightly less than 1/4 inch, to the wrong side. Children will need this pinned down before they start sewing. Adults usually can turn as they sew. You also can press the hem, if you find that works best.
Take a double thread with knot in the end. Then make basting size stitches around the hem. Gather the fabric as you go.
When you’ve finished sewing and gathering, you’ve gathered your circle into a double circle with small hole in the center of the front. Take a few stitches to secure your thread. For decorative effect on Christmas decorations, sew a pretty button or sequin in the center over the hole.
One hint: Do not gather with tiny quilting stitches. This will leave a large hole in the center. Basting stitches will gather the circle tighter so there’s only a small hole left.
This is a good way to use up scraps of fabric. For Christmas decorations, use Christmas fabrics and colors.
