Individual yo-yos are typically hand sewn side by side into rows when they are used to make a quilt, but they also work nicely for 3-dimensional appliqué embellishments. Yo-yo quilts were popular in the 1930s and 1940s, and there are many lovely examples sewn with fabrics from those eras. Some were structured, with the rosettes arranged to form a pattern, but many of the examples are scrap quilts.
It’s common to see yo-yo quilts with no quilt batting or backing. Those projects are used as coverlets or as throws. Some yo-yos are connected with a short seam, but others are sewn together more closely to fill gaps, making the circles appear puffed-up. Yo-yos are sometimes attached to a large piece of fabric, which can then be treated just like any other quilt top. The layers of that type of quilt are usually tied, not quilted.
How to Make Yo-Yos
Decide how large you want your yo-yos to be and make a circular template twice that size plus about 1/2". Plastic or cardboard templates work just fine as do round jar lids. Several companies, like Martha Stewart, produce special cutters to help you create fabric circles of different sizes. You might find that you don’t need the marked line to turn the circles under for sewing. Try rotary cutting the circles, but use a special rotary template to help keep your fingers away from the blade.
Sew Yo-Yos Together to Make a Yo-Yo Quilt
To create a yo-yo quilt, start by arranging the yo-yos into rows. Experiment with the layout until you find one you like. When you’re ready: Yo-yos can be sewn to a large piece of fabric, then sandwiched with batting and bound around the edges. Either quilt or tie the piece.
