Yo-yo’s always seem so popular whenever I mention them or I find them on other quilting and crafting sites.  These little shirred circles can be used for so many projects and have been around for ages. 

Noreen Crone-Findlay,  at Hankering for Yarn, always has some yo-yo ideas to share with us, too.  Here she shows us how to make a yo-yo circle.

 I wonder how someone first discovered they could make yo-yo’s.  Was it by accident or done deliberately?

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Discover Heart-Shaped 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.

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Making Yo-Yo Quilts & Decorations for the Holidays

Noreen is from Canada and I live in the United States.  It’s interesting how we both have a fascination for the yo-yo’s of the quilting world and have made them with our daughters.

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More Yo-Yo Decorations for Quilters & Crafters

Perhaps Noreen’s creativeness will give you inspiration for making yo-yo projects.  Yo-yo’s are very versatile and can be used for decorative effect or making complete items, such as bed coverings and tablecloths. 

(I shall go more into detail about making and using yo-yo’s in future posts.  I’ve written about them for magazines and in my newspaper columns in the past.)

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Another Yo-Yo Vest

Yo-yo’s have a place in my life, too.  I made exquisite bits of fabric art with my daughter.  Together we created yo-yo Christmas tree decorations one year.  Currently I have a bag of yo-yo’s in my closet and must find a project for them.  Noreen has inspired me!

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Creating a Yo-Yo “Memory” Vest