I don't know about you but I absolutely adore fabric yoyos. I mean, a yoyo fanatic over here! They are adorable and can add a feminine, finished touch to anything you add them to. They are incredibly versatile. I decorate and embellish so much with yoyos. In fact, last year I made a quilt for my daughter and lavishly adorned her crib blanket with yoyos. I will add a picture of her quilt at the end of this tutorial.
So, without further ado.. "the yoyo," without a fancy plastic template.
First of all, you will need the following supplies: Fabric, needle, thread, a round object (I used a ramekin), pencil/pen, scissors, Fray Check (completely optional), and an iron (optional).
Trace the perimeter of the round object you are using with a pencil or pen.
Cut it out, of course.
Here is where you can iron it if you so desire. In my case, I didn't bother. I just went ahead onto the next step.
Now, some may say this is a little over board but I am one who makes every effort to create a quality product to ensure my creations last. I use Fray Check around the entire circle to prevent any fraying. Let it dry. If you are adding the yoyo to something that will not be washed then you are probably fine to omit this step. For now though, I take pride in my over achiever status.
While it is drying - go ahead and thread your needle and knot the end. Or, like I did, go put your child to bed. Kidding, it doesn't take that long to dry. No, really, that was my third attempt at getting her to sleep! She's a fighter ladies.
Anyways, fold over the edge of the fabric and make your first stitch with your knot on the inside (so it will not be visible).
TIP: The closer the stitches are together the bigger the hole in the middle of the yoyo will be. The longer the stitch is the smaller the hole in the middle.
Choose your preference and start stitching.
I find to create a consistent length between my stitches, be it short or long, I can go in and out in and out without pulling my needle all the way through. Then once you are comfortable or cannot fit anymore fabric on your needle - pull it all through. This will help with the consistency of your stitches as well as your speed.
Once you have gone all the way around, start cinching the yoyo as tight as you like.
Now that you have a beautiful creation, finish it off with a tack. Simply, find an inconspicuous crevice and stitch straight down into the bottom of the yoyo. Then go back up and back down, close to the same spot.
Now, grab a little bit of fabric with the needle. Do not pull the thread all the way through. Place your needle through the loop of thread and pull tight. I do this twice. Again, I am a little over the top.
Depending on how big the yoyo is, I find at minimum two other places to tack; all connected via the back.
Here are a few others I have done.
Please excuse the horrible lighting and clarity of this picture. My daughters room is not great for picture taking, apparently. I took it out of her crib and got a few more shots to hopefully give you a better idea of what it entails.
I also like to double them up and make different variations! Swoon.
I hope you found this tutorial helpful. Happy yoyo making!
