Quilting

Patterns, patchworks and projects

8 Ways to Use Yo-Yo’s in a Quilt

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Yo-yo’s have been a popular and timeless staple in the world of quilting for many years. They provide a charming, simple, and versatile way to add some extra flair and character to any quilt.

Yo-yos are often overlooked and underestimated, but they have the potential to be a stunning addition to any quilt project. In this article, we explore 8 ways to use yo-yos in a quilt and show you how they can elevate your quilt game to the next level.

Whether you are a seasoned quilter or just starting out, you are sure to find inspiration in these ideas and techniques. Get ready to learn how yo-yos can bring a touch of traditional charm and contemporary flair to your next quilt project!

Fabric yo-yos have been made and used for years in quilting and sewing.  It’s a fun way to add a little texture and dimension to your creation.  These 8 ideas are all great ways to use those little circles of fabric in your next project.  Which do you like best?

dollquilt

1- Yo Yo Doll Quilt from Sew Mama Sew

cherry

2- Cherry Block from Polka Dot Pineapple

mini

3- Mini Yo Yo Quilt from Yellow Farmhouse

posies

4- Posies Quilt Block from Patchwork Posse

treespring

5- Spring Tree Pattern from Fun Threads

modern

6- Modern Yo Yo Quilt from Issuu

pillow

7- Quilted Pillow from Katros Blog

tree

8- Jovial Christmas Tree from Moda Bake Shop

As a quilter, I love using yo-yos in my projects. They add a fun pop of color and texture, and they’re surprisingly easy to make. Here’s a step-by-step tutorial on how to sew yo-yos for your next quilting project:

Cut your fabric into circles. Depending on the size you want your yo-yos to be, you can use a template or trace around a cup or lid to cut out your circles.

Fold the circle in half, and then in half again, creating a smaller circle. Place a small stitch in the center of the folded circle to hold it in place.

Start sewing around the edge of the circle, leaving a small gap between each stitch. As you sew, gently pull the thread to gather the fabric.

Keep sewing around the edge of the circle, pulling the thread tighter and tighter until the fabric is gathered into a neat little yo-yo.

Once you’ve sewn all the way around the edge of the circle, knot the thread and trim the excess.

Repeat the process for each yo-yo you want to make. Once you have a bunch of yo-yos, you can arrange them however you like on your quilt or other project.

To finish, you can stitch your yo-yos onto your quilt using a needle and thread, or you can use fabric glue to attach them.

And that’s it! Making yo-yos is a quick and easy way to add some extra color and texture to your quilting projects. Happy sewing!

 

 

 

Comments

  1. So lovely to see my Yoyo flower doll’s quilt shared here. Yoyo’s are such a fun scrap busting project! Thanks for including the link to my tutorial on Sew Mama Sew. It’s in some terrific company.

Have you read?

Simplicity Quilt Kit – Handmade Sweetness Review

A Soft, Vintage-Inspired Quilt Kit That Lives Up to Its Name

Some quilt kits are bold and modern. Others lean heavily into dramatic colour palettes. But every now and then you come across a quilt kit that feels calm, comforting, and quietly beautiful — the kind of quilt you imagine folded on a guest bed or draped across the back of a favourite armchair.

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This kit is all about soft, coordinated fabrics and classic quilt construction that lets the fabric collection shine. It’s the sort of project that feels relaxing to sew and produces a quilt that looks timeless rather than trendy.

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What’s Included in the Simplicity Quilt Kit

One of the best parts of working with a quilt kit is that the planning stage is already done for you. Fabric choices, yardage calculations, and colour coordination are handled by experienced designers so you can focus on the stitching.

The Simplicity Quilt Kit – Handmade Sweetness includes everything needed to create the quilt top and binding using fabrics from the Handmade Sweetness collection.

Inside the kit you’ll find:

  • Coordinated quilting cotton for the quilt top
    • Binding fabric to finish the quilt edges
    • Fabrics from the Handmade Sweetness collection
    • The official quilt pattern that guides the layout and piecing

Like most quilt kits, batting and backing fabric are purchased separately so quilters can choose their own finishing style.

The Look and Style of the Quilt

The design of the Simplicity Quilt lives up to its name. The layout is clean, balanced, and very easy on the eyes, making it perfect for quilters who prefer classic patchwork over complicated layouts.

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If your quilting taste leans toward:

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…then this quilt kit will likely be right up your alley.

Skill Level – Perfect for Beginners and Relaxed Sewing

One of the nicest things about the Simplicity Quilt Kit is that it truly is approachable.

The construction focuses on traditional patchwork techniques most quilters already know:

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    • Repeating quilt blocks
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Why Quilt Kits Like This Are So Popular

Many quilters love designing quilts, but not everyone enjoys the fabric selection stage. Choosing prints that coordinate, calculating yardage, and ensuring colour balance can take hours.

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Who This Quilt Kit Is Best For

The Simplicity Quilt Kit – Handmade Sweetness is ideal for quilters who:

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Where to Find the Simplicity Quilt Kit

If this soft, vintage aesthetic speaks to you, you can explore the kit here:

It’s a quilt that feels comforting from the very first block — a project built around the quiet joy of sewing something beautiful with your own two hands.