How to Make Fabric Yo Yos

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Learn how to make fabric yo yos in 5 easy steps. If you are looking for decorating ideas for your girl's dress sewing patterns then DIY fabric yo yos are fast and easy to make. Best of all you can use up some of your favorite fabrics from your scrap pile!

Table of Contents

What are Fabric Yo Yos

Yo yos from fabric are cut from circles of fabric which have been hand gathered around the edges and pulled tight to form a puffy textured shape that looks like a flower. They are often decorated with buttons and can be used to decorate clothing, make hair clips and brooches. They can also be sewn together to create interesting blankets and mats.

Make Your Own Template

In order to make fabric yo yos, you need circular templates to draw around. You can use anything from around the house like cups, small saucers or lids. Generally, your fabric yo yo will end up half the size of the circle you draw.

Free Printable Template

Alternatively, download my pattern here for your fabric yo yo flowers template. A new window will open with the PDF file which you can print. I recommend saving the file to your desktop first and then opening it in Adobe Reader. Printing from your browser directly may result in changes to the scale of the pattern.

Further Reading: How to Print PDF Patterns

When printing your pattern pieces, make sure that your printers “page scaling” is set to “none” and “auto center and rotate” is checked. You can use a photocopier to enlarge or reduce the pattern pieces to get an endless array of sizes. The size of your finished yo-yo will vary slightly from these sizes depending on how small the hole at the center of the yo-yo ends up.

fabric flower yo yo templates — How to Make Fabric Yo-Yos - Templates

What are the Best Fabrics for Fabric Yo Yos

Make your fabric yo yo flowers from your favorite scrap fabrics. Quilting cotton works especially well. You will find you get the best results with light to medium weight fabrics as they are easier to gather.

Thin vs Thick Fabrics: Thin fabric will result in a flatter flower with smaller gathers. Thick fabric will result in a puffier flower with larger gathers.

How to Make Fabric Yo Yos - Video

Here is a video I made for you on how to make fabric yo yos. Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for weekly sewing and craft videos.

How to Make Fabric Yo Yos VIDEO

How to Make Fabric Yo Yos

Step 1 - Cut the Template

Cut out the template in your desired size and draw around it on the WRONG side of your fabric with a tailor's chalk or removable fabric pen. Cut out your circle. Further Reading: Marking Tools for Sewing

Step 2 - Stitch Around the Edge

Thread your needle with the thread doubled over and knot the end. Remember it is important you use a thick thread.

Further Reading:

Try and make your knot as large as possible so it doesn’t pull through. With the fabric WRONG side up, start folding over the raw edge by ¼ inch (6mm).

Use a running stitch (simple up and down) to sew around the circle on top of the folded edge. Try and stitch as close as possible to the outside folded edge.

TIPS for How to Make Fabric Yo Yos: Before you start stitching think about the effect you want. Long stitches will mean you can pull the center of the yo-yo tighter and there will only be a small gap. Smaller stitches will result in a larger gap in the center. This can be great if you have a domed button you would like to sit in the center. It will also mean your flower size ends up slightly larger due to the gap in the center.

Step 3 - Pull the Thread

Keep stitching all the way around your circle until you reach the end. Don’t worry if the folded edge is not perfect as you won’t see it once the yo-yo is gathered. Don’t cut the thread.

With the thread still attached, gently pull so the circle starts to gather. Keep pulling until the fabric all meets in the middle. Knot off and cut your thread.

Step 4 - Flatten and Decorate

Flatten your fabric yo yo flowers and pull them into a symmetrical shape.

Fabric Yo Yos - Decorating Ideas

Add a button or bead to the center of the fabric flower. This can be stitched on or glued with a hot glue gun. Glue is an easy option if you don't plan on washing your fabric yo yos.