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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?

Book Review- Scrappiness Is Happiness – Inside The Book

First Impressions While Flipping Through the Book

Some quilting books feel calm and minimal. Others feel like opening a box of bright fabric scraps that instantly makes you want to start sewing.

That was my first reaction when I started flipping through Scrappiness Is Happiness by Lori Holt.

This book is packed with colour, cheerful quilt blocks, and the kind of playful patchwork designs that make scrap quilting so addictive. I found myself stopping on page after page thinking, “That block would be perfect for leftover charm squares…”

It’s the sort of book that encourages you to dig straight into your scrap bins.

What This Quilting Book Is All About

As the title suggests, this book celebrates scrap quilting.

Instead of focusing on a single large quilt pattern, the book includes a large collection of quilt blocks and scrappy quilt layouts designed to use small pieces of fabric.

If you’re someone who hates throwing away fabric leftovers (which is most quilters), this book is full of inspiration for turning those scraps into beautiful quilts.

Inside the book you’ll find:

  • dozens of colourful quilt block patterns
     • scrappy quilt layouts
     • projects designed for leftover fabrics
     • Lori Holt’s signature cheerful quilting style

The Quilt Blocks That Caught My Eye

While browsing the pages, several blocks immediately stood out.

There are plenty of classic quilt block shapes, but the way they’re presented with bright fabrics makes them feel fresh and modern.

The blocks are ideal for:

  • scrap quilts
     • sampler quilts
     • block-of-the-month style projects
     • mixing prints and colours

I particularly loved the blocks that combine traditional shapes with playful colour placement. They’re simple enough to sew but still look visually interesting when repeated across a quilt.

The Style of the Book

If you’re familiar with Lori Holt’s work, you’ll recognise her style straight away.

The book leans heavily into:

  • bright cheerful fabrics
     • vintage-inspired colour palettes
     • classic patchwork shapes
     • fun and approachable quilt designs

It’s the kind of quilting book that feels uplifting to browse. Even if you’re not ready to start a new quilt immediately, it’s inspiring just to flip through the block designs.

Who This Book Is Best For

After spending time looking through the book, I’d say it’s ideal for:

  • quilters who love scrap quilting
     • anyone wanting to use up leftover fabric pieces
     • makers who enjoy block-based quilt designs
     • quilters looking for colourful, cheerful quilt inspiration

Many of the blocks are approachable enough for confident beginners, but the variety also keeps experienced quilters interested.

Would I Recommend It?

If your scrap bin is starting to overflow (which tends to happen to all of us eventually), Scrappiness Is Happiness is the kind of book that turns those leftover fabrics into opportunity.

It’s full of lively quilt block ideas and creative layouts that make scrap quilting feel exciting rather than overwhelming.

For quilters who enjoy bright fabrics, classic patchwork shapes, and the freedom of scrappy quilt design, this book is a fun and inspiring addition to the quilting bookshelf.