Five Uses for Fabric Yo-yos

Fabric yo-yos are fun and addicting to make, but what do you do with all those little rounds after a late night bout of insomnia? There are dozens of projects that can utilize these handy crafts, but first, let´s take a look at how to actually make them.

Fabric yo-yos are super easy to create. You just need a template for cutting out the circle and a needle and thread, plus scraps of fabric. Use old clothing, sheets, or quilting scraps. The yo-yos can be made any size you like. Just remember that the finished product will be approximately half the diameter of the original template.

Use a cup, plate or any other round item as your template. Place the fabric to use, good side down, and trace around the template with a fabric pencil. It is usually a good idea to draw as many circles as possible on the same piece of fabric, then cut all the circles out at once.

With the threaded needle, turn the first quarter inch of fabric inward and do a simple running stitch around the edge of the circle. Don't knot it off when you reach the beginning point. Instead, pull the thread until the whole round is all scrunched up. Now you can take a few placement stitches and knot the thread. Smooth out the yo-yo so it lies flat. It should look like a flower with a hole in the center.

Once you have a nice collection of yo-yos, it's time to start using them. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Make a blanket. This is a very ambitious project, but it looks lovely when finished. Simply sew four yo-yos of the same fabric together to form a square. Make as many squares as are necessary and then sew them all together with another distinct color running between the blocks. Try other designs as well, making zigzags or stripes with your yo-yos.

Create a crafty vest. Use another vest as a pattern and stitch the yoyos together to form the same outline. You might add ties to the front to close it off, or just leave it open. Another option is to take a plain vest that you already have in your closet and stitch the yo-yos to it, covering the front panels completely.

Use a handful to decorate a bag. Take any old cloth tote or purse that you have kicking around and spruce it up with a little bouquet of yo-yos. Try making different sized ones and perhaps adding an embroidered leaf or two to complete the design.

Add yo-yos to a hat. Jean hats are particularly conducive to this method. Add a sprinkling of mini yo-yos around the brim, or put a group of them to one side.

Make a fun toy. By stringing lots of yo-yos together, you can create a floppy, colorful doll with strings of yo-yos for arms, legs and bodies. Add a pre-formed doll head and you have an adorable toy for any child.

Yo-yos are a great way to use up old fabric scraps and you will find yourself making more and more of them. Now you have a few projects to use the suckers up!