How to Make Yo-Yo's - The Fast and Easy Way

There are a lot of great things about making yo-yo's and now it is easier than ever to make a lot of them. For a quick introduction on what yo-yo's are and to learn the traditional method of making yo-yo's, see the Quilting site at About.com.

The fast and easy method is to use a yo-yo maker. I use a 45mm size maker by Clover. The makers come in various sizes and shapes, including hearts and flowers. Each yo-yo took me approximately 5 minutes to complete (after making a few practice ones).

To make the yo-yo's:

1. Cut a scrap of fabric larger than your yo-yo maker. I keep the scraps at least one inch larger than the maker at the smallest point.
2. Place the fabric face-down onto the base of the maker.
3. Put the disc part of the maker on top of the fabric and then snap it into place. Make sure that you properly align the disc and the plate.
4. Trim the fabric leaving a 1/4" - 1/2" seam allowance.
5. Fold the seam allowance toward the center of the disc and insert your threaded needle into the starting point on the disc side.
6. Push the needle all the way through to the base side of the maker.
7. Bring the needle up by pushing it through the notch on the base side up and then through to the disc side.
8. Continue doing this all the way around the maker.
   TIP: Do not sew outside of the holes in the maker.
9. Push the maker apart, and gently remove the fabric from the disc.
10. Pull your needle and thread to gather the yo-yo.
    TIP: Shape the yo-yo as you pull.
    TIP: Pull gently so you do not break the thread.
11. Knot the thread and cut it.

Yo-yo's are a perfect way to use up some of your small squares of leftover fabric. You can make up the yo-yo's from leftover fabric when you complete a project. Each time you finish a project, add to your yo-yo stash. Before you know it you will have enough to make a blanket, toy animal, or wall-hanging. Check out Yo-Yo Cat & Mouse Pattern By Indygo Junction.

They are so easy to make that it is the perfect project while watching TV or sitting in a car. My 11 year-old daughter loves to make yo-yo's. I'm not sure what she does with them, but whenever she has a scrap of material she asks for the yo-yo maker.

Pick one up and give it a try. I'd love to see some of your creations!

Technorati Tags: yo-yo maker,yo-yo quilt,how to make yo-yo's,yo-yo's,fabric yo-yo