Tutorial: How to Make a Yo-Yo

Hi Everyone!  

This was a fun tutorial to put together and I have even included a video (just in case you did not want to read this whole article! And yes I have created a YouTube Channel... very nervous about that!  So be kind just in case you leave a comment and critique, LOL!

Yo-Yo's can be used for a lot of projects! Embellishments, backdrops on quilts, and even a full quilt, the possibilities are endless.  I love to make them for my garlands that are sold in my shop.

Now to get started!

The supplies you will need:
Scrap of Fabric (make sure it covers the plastic template)
Scissors
Thread
Needle
Yo-Yo Plastic Template
(I used the Quick Circle Y-Yo Maker - Nancy's Notions)

You want to take your fabric and place it on top of the yo-yo template with the hole in the middle. Make sure the wrong side of the fabric is facing you at this point. You will then place the solid yo-yo template on top of your fabric, making sure the edges are kept outside of the circle.


When placing the plastic template onto your fabric you want to make sure you are matching up the raised line facing you to the notch on the bottom portion (see the top photo to the left).

Next you want to grab your scissors and cut off the excess fabric from around the circle. You will cut along the edge of the template making sure you have an excess of fabric to just turn inside so you can sew through both layers of fabric.

Thread your needle and make sure there is a knot at the end (Yes I have forgotten to do this!). You want to start sewing to the left of the notch. Place your needle through both layers of fabric and pull through until the knot catches.  When you look at the other side you will see you are to the right of the opening.


To bring your needle back to the side you started you want to place the needle to the left of the opening.


You are now back to the side you started.


You will continue to do this stitch around the template until you reach the point where you started.


You will repeat one more stitch. Yes they will overlap!

You will now pop out the top template using the hole cut out underneath by pushing on it. 
Once separated you will then pull the fabric off the plastic template.

Place your fabric on a hard surface (our your leg) and start pulling on your thread.  You will see the fabric will naturally gather upon itself.  While pulling you will start to form your yo-yo into the circle you want.

Knot your thread on which ever side you chose on your yo-yo.  Snip it close and Wha-lah!  You have just created a Fabric Yo-Yo!

From here the possibilities are endless in your creativity!

I hope everyone enjoys this tutorial, I had a lot of fun putting it together!  Now that I made you all read this post, below is a video with the same information!

First video made EVER, so I apologize for the background sound!

Let me know what you think!

ENJOY!
~ Desiree