I'm pretty sure you can find hundreds of tutorials and videos online on how to make fabric yoyos. Because, you know, they're all the rage... right? Well, they are to me! And if I have anything to do with it everyone will be wearing these things. Mark my words! This entry is all about how I came to love and make yoyos, and I even attempt a tutorial! If you can read all the way to the end you get a virtual hug from me.
My Yoyo History
I came across them in a lil craft book about four years ago that I bought that the local bookstore, searching for a new craft project, something cute and simple to make. When I saw these fabric flower looking things and how few steps were involved in making them (lazy, remember?) I thought it was perfect for me. Now yoyos and I can't quit each other!
How Others Make Them
A few months into making them I found out stores were selling these plastic dohickey things called YoYo Makers. As soon as I saw them my first thought was: No. It didn't feel right to have a plastic object between me and my yoyos. It felt impersonal, like cheating on a friend. (I have an irrational attachment to nonhuman things okay) Besides, it also looks like an extra and unnecessary step to me... Not that there's anything wrong with it! It just never appealed to me when I already had my own method.
How I Make Them
My way is basically how anyone else makes them without a yoyo maker since there isn't really any other way to do it, honestly...lol!
They're not perfect, the spacing between the hem stitches aren't identical, but that's what I LOVE about them! Each one is unique and made with love. Yes, love.
So here is my process:
First make circle templates from sturdy cardboard. I made mine from flaps of a box that some Tupperware came in. You can make as many as you want and use just about anything to do it. I used some bowls and jar lids. Or you can be really official and fancy pantsy and use a compass.
I wrote the measurements on each one (7in, 3in, and 4.5in), just for my own reference and in case you wanted to know what sizes I use for my yoyos.
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Turn the fabric wrong side up and fit as many of all sizes of circle templates as you can, tracing them with a pen or marker. It doesn't matter if it's permanent, the edges get hemmed in.
I love buying fat quarters! They're big enough for small to medium size projects and great if you're ordering online so you can try out different designs of quality fabric without breaking the bank on a whole yard of just one design. Normally I'd have more to work with, but I had some leftover colorful mustache fabric after my Kindle case project, so that is what I'm using for this tutorial.
Note: If you're wanting to use a yoyo on its flat side instead of the ruffled side make sure to center the circle template exactly where you want the image on the fabric to be after you're finished.
You'll see later..
When you're done tracing then cut them all out. Personally, I can't ever just sit and watch something on TV or the laptop without having to do something with my hands, and these yoyos are so easy they're great for just that! Also, they keep your hands busy from over snacking. (Not that I let even yoyos stop me from snacking. Still, it helps.)
Now that you have them all cut out, take one in one hand, and a threaded needle in the other. Try and use a complimenting color thread just in case you decide to use the yoyo without covering the hole in the middle. I usually always cover my holes...
ANYWAY, using your thumb, as shown in the photo above, hold down the hem of the circle while doing a simple in and out stitch across from right to left (if you're left handed you'll probably want to do the opposite). Keep going all the way around until you have this:
You just hemmed a yoyo, yo! See that hanging piece of thread to the left? Pull it, tight.
Pull that thread still attached to the needle until it looks like the photo above. Kind of like a flower bud, yes? Now take that leftover thread and knot it as close to the fabric as possible so it stays scrunched up like that (double knot so it doesn't pop out!), then cut the thread free. (Make sure you have a place to put that needle, a pincushion maybe. Trust me, you don't want to lose it then sit on it later...)
Next, flatten that bud out like a flower in bloom! Push the middle in and carefully use your fingers to pleat the ruffles how you want them. Usually only take about 5 seconds. Super easy and fast!
Here is the other side of the finished yoyo. As I mentioned earlier, sometimes, depending on your project and what design fabric you have, you may want to use the flat side of the yoyo. To do this make sure the image you want is centered under the template before tracing and cutting. I tried to get a green mustache centered on this yoyo, but alas it proved a bit too large for my template. It can still work, though!
All three sizes in a row, front and back, pleated and flat.
You can do so so SO many cool things with fabric yoyos!
I like to stack and pair them with coordinating and contrasting colors and patterns, add buttons, and attach them to accessory type things like headbands, clip and pins.
I'm experimenting with more jewelry-type projects
and incorporating them in other projects!
I'm excited to make them from newer, funkier patterned fabric and to use them in more unique ways.
Visit my Etsy shop, Inedible YoYo Designs, for the yoyo accessories I have on sale!
And if you have any ideas for a yoyo project I'd love to see and hear about them, as well as what you've done with them!
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