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Q&A

By Marla Stefanelli

How do you make fabric yo-yos?
Kim P.,
e-mail


Yo-yos are made from fabric circles in which the edges are gathered, creating a finished circle about half the size of the original. The resulting circles are often stitched together at the edges to form a decorative throw for a bed. They also can be stitched together to create fabric for a garment, such as a vest. Individually, yo-yos are used as "flower" embellishments on quilts and accessories. Yo-yos can be made from any type of fabric but are usually made from 100% cotton fabric without batting or lining.

Cut a circle twice the diameter of the desired yo-yo size plus 1/2". Turn under the outer edge 1/4" and hand baste the edge with a running stitch (5).



Pull up the threads to tightly gather the edge, making sure the fabric right side is on the outside of the yo-yo (6). Secure the thread ends with a few backstitches.



Lay the yo-yos on a flat surface and join them together where they touch with a few overcast stitches (7).



From the November 2004 issue of Sew News magazine.