Two ways to make a yo-yo

Let's make yo-yos!  They are quick and fun and too cute.  I recently found a neato new tool to make y-yos.  I am going to show you the new way first, then we'll make them how grandma did. 

This is the new yo-yo maker, by Clover.  They cost $5-$6,  and come in a variety of sizes and shapes.  They have the classic circle, flowers, and hearts!

Here's what you'll need.  Fabric, yo-yo maker in the size of your choice,  (I think this one is medium.....or was it large...?  I don't remember and I threw out the packaging....it says 45mm on the back and it's the orangey-yellow one), needle & thread, and scissors. 

This yo-yo business is pretty fun.  With the new yo-yo maker, you just insert your fabric, trim around the fabric, and stitch in and out of the little slots in the back.  The directions show you how to do it step by step.  Once you get the hang of it, it's very easy and fun. 

The yo-yo maker comes in two pieces, the 'disk' part, and the 'cup' part.  At least that's what I call them.

First you make sure you put your fabric in correctly, and line up one of the lines on the disk, with one of the little bumps along the edge of the 'cup' part.  The wrong side of the fabric faces the 'disk' part.

Then you trim around the little fella.  Leaving approx. about 1/4 to 1/2 inch of fabric all around.

Then you make a knot in the little flap of fabric you see here.  The best way to make a knot on these is to knot your thread and take a stitch.  Then take another stitch, but don't pull your thread all the way through.  Leave a little loop, and pull your needle through that loop.  Do this a couple of times in the same spot and you'll have a nice sturdy knot.

Now you stitch down through the holes in the 'disk', and up through the slots in the 'cup'.  Down and up and down and up, all the way around.  When you get to the end, you stitch once through the first stitch you did.

Once you're done stitching, you remove your fabric from the yo-yo maker.  And puuuulll the thread.  It will gather up and look funky.  So you have to shape it with your fingers a bit.  Then it will be beautiful.  Once it's beautiful, you make a knot on one of the middle folds somewhere.  Try to make it down in there a bit so you can't see it easily.  Use the same knot we used in the beginning.  If you know you'll be sewing it onto something where you won't see the back, you can poke your needle through the middle and make the knot in the back.  I won't judge you. 

Voila!  A perfect yo-yo.  Now if you want to make one right this very minute and you don't have a yo-yo maker, don't get all panicky.  Take a deep breath and grab some fabric, a needle & thread, scissors, a pen, and a round object like a small bowl, or saucer, or as I did, the lid to your new sugar bowl you bought at the thrift store yesterday.

Now, trace around your lid on the wrong side of the fabric.  Hey look!  A yo-yo turtle!

Now cut it out on the line you just drew.

Now you simply fold over the edge you'll be working on, just a little at a time as you stitch.  Make a knot as we did above, and stitch 1/4 inch long stitches all the way around.

Then pull to gather, reshape, and knot!  I took the easy route and made a knot in the back of this one. 

There!  An 'old fashioned' yo-yo.  Both are easy and fun.  I do like using the yo-yo maker though.  It makes them the same each and every time.  And there is no accuracy or tracing round things involved.  But if you're a purist, the old fashioned way is wonderful too!  I love making these out of 30's reproductions.   You'll have to check back soon to see the project I have in mind for these......I'll try not to take too long, I promise!

Happy yo-yo making everyone!

Comments

[Sabine]

Hi Sarah,
these yo-yos are so cute, wow!! What are you doing with them? Sewing them on a cushion? Decorate a self-sewn bag? Show us, pleeeeaaaase... :-)
Have a wonderful day,
Sabine

[periwinkle]

I never quite know what to do with a yo-yo, not that I;ve ever made one. Now what are the triangles for-- are you teasing?
Lisa x

[Binny]

They're really cute - thanks so much, Sarah. I might be brave and try making some!
And, you have such pretty fabrics too. What are you going to do with them?
Love your yo-yo turtle! :-)
Take care,

[Doe]

Oooh cute! I can't wait to see what you're going to do with them.

[thevintagemagpie]

OMG - I need to be making some of these NOW! They are so cute. Please show what you are making with them. x