20 Fabric Yo-Yo Sewing Projects You’ll Want to Try

Learn how to turn simple fabric yo-yos into fun sewing projects you’ll actually want to make. These little gathered circles have been around for generations, and once you start making them it’s easy to see why—they’re quick, satisfying, and a great way to use up fabric scraps.

Fabric yo-yos are one of those small sewing projects that can turn into something much bigger. A handful of them might become a quilt, a pillow, a bag, or even a bit of home décor. And because they don’t require much fabric, they’re perfect for using pieces from your stash that are too small for most quilting projects.

20 + Fabric YoYo Projects~

In this collection you’ll find a variety of fabric yo-yo ideas—from quilts and accessories to small decorative projects. Whether you’re new to making yo-yos or you’ve got a pile of them waiting for inspiration, these projects are a great way to put them to good use.

Grab a few fabric scraps, thread a needle, and take a look through these fun fabric yo-yo projects.

Materials needed:  

fabric cut with a circle template + the yoyo maker if you need

Spring Blossom Wall Hanging

This two block wall hanging features yo-yo’s and a 25 patch quilt block.

Spring Flower Pillow

It is made with 5 yo-yo extra large flowers, appliqued onto the background {how to applique tutorial here} and a fun little 3-d leaf tucked under. The block is 8 1/2″ square making it really a small pillow, but a great one anyways to make the pillow pattern with.

Bright Spring Yo Yo Rosette Wreath

Make those yoyo’s into rosettes and clip them onto a wreath – either a wire wreath or even a foam wreath for a fun display. It can be customized to the season and holiday.

Simple Coverlet just like your Grandma’s

Take all those scraps, make them into yo-yos (the perfect travel project) and sew them together to make a coverlet that lays on your bed and looks beautiful.

Using Your Yo-Yo’s

These little bits of fabric circles don’t have to be alone. They make great centers for flowers, hairclips and even put onto pincushions. You name it, they can be added to any project.

Wall Art – it doesn’t have to be a quilt!

Gather all those little circles up and put them together in a frame – for the wall. This is a great place to display them.

Christmas Trees with stacked Yo-Yo’s

Yo-yos in decreasing sizes are slipped over dowels to create these sweet little trees. They are charming in just about any color and will make fun additions to your holiday decor. They are also lovely gifts, and a great use of scraps.

Tiny Yo-yo’s on a Wallet

Patchwork & Quilts. DIY Wallet with yo-yo flowers step-by-step tutorial.

Advent Calendar Tree

This will show you how to make the wall hanging part of the calendar.

Yo-Yo Dog Plushie

Check out YoYo the stuffed dog as it transforms into a yoga master. Watch how effortlessly it balances in a handstand… or should I say a nose stand? There’s no external support holding it in place. Yoga seems to come easy to YoYo… I’m envious!

YoYo Keychain

This yo-yo keychain is a great way to use up your fabric scraps and play with your beloved button stash.

Make a Hanging Fabric Yo-Yo Valentine

Add them to a fun felt piece in a hoop for an easy Valentines project.

How to Make a YoYo

You can find the full YoYo tutorial – with some easy to print sizes.

What Are Fabric Yo-Yos?

Fabric yo-yos are small circles of fabric that are gathered with a simple running stitch around the edge and pulled tight to create a puckered shape. When the thread is secured, the fabric forms a soft little rosette that looks a bit like a flower.

They’ve been used in sewing and quilting projects for many years and are often made from scrap fabric. Because they don’t require much material, they’re a great way to use up those small pieces that are left over from other projects.

One fabric yo-yo by itself is cute, but when you start stitching several together they can turn into all kinds of creative projects. Quilts made entirely of yo-yos are very popular, but they also show up in pillows, bags, table runners, decorations, and even clothing.

Another reason quilters love fabric yo-yos is that they’re easy to make. You don’t need a sewing machine—just a needle, thread, and a small circle of fabric. They’re a relaxing little project you can work on while watching TV, traveling, or sitting with friends at a sewing group.

And once you start making them, it’s hard to stop. Those little circles can pile up pretty quickly!

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