Merry Yo-Yo Christmas!

At a glance, the yo-yo used in this project looks like a traditional fabric yo-yo, but it's not. This method calls for a rectangular piece of fabric instead of a circle. The benefit of using this method is that you get a double sided yo-yo without much effort. In other words, this ain't yo grandmama's yo-yo! Er, uhm, sorry, couldn't help myself. Heeheehee! Okay, back to the task at hand.

To begin, create a 2-3/4" circle out of cardboard or ultra firm stabilizer. This will be used to keep the center of the yo-yo rigid. Remove a 3/4" hole from the center of the circle. You will also need an 11" x 3-3/4" piece of fabric, two 3/4" buttons, and a handful of fiberfill.


Place fabric onto a pressing surface with wrong side facing up. On both 11-inch sides, fold over 1/4" and press in place.


Sew short ends together to form a tube.


Press seam open. Turn right side out.


With needle and thread, take a 1/4" running stitch close the edge of one side of the tube.


Pull thread tightly to gather, knotting securely before cutting thread.


Add a small amount of fiberfill to the inside.


Add the cardboard circle on top of the fiberfill.


Top with more fiberfill. With needle and thread, sew a 1/4" running stitch close to the edge.


Gather tightly, knot securely, but this time, do not cut thread.


Slide a button onto the thread.


Stick the needle through to the other side. Add the remaining button to the thread. Continue sewing from one side to the other to secure the buttons in place while keeping tension on the thread to create a slight tufted look to the yo-yo center. Knot securely, cut thread.


You will need two holly leaves for this project. Draw and cut out a 1" x 2" holly leaf from cardboard.

**An easy way to make the leaf pattern is to first make a 1" x 2" grid onto a scrap piece of paper. Quickly draw holly leaves in each of the boxes. This is a good way to achieve simple shapes and to guarantee the desired size. Simply choose the leaf that you feel turned out the best. Transfer the paper shape to cardboard.


Trace the leaf shape onto the back of a small piece of Heat 'n Bond Ultra Hold (the non-glue side).


Iron the Heat 'n Bond to the back of a remnant piece of green fabric.


Cut out the holly leaves. Remove paper backing and iron both leaves onto a small piece of white felt. Trim the felt to 1/8-inch of the fabric.


Using a 3-inch piece of cardboard as your guide, wrap narrow ribbon around it twice. Tie a knot in the center to form a simple bow.


Cut 8-inches of embroidery thread, clear fishing line, or gold thread and sew it into the top of the berry to form a loop for hanging.


Hot glue or hand stitch the leaves to the top of the berry, just in front of the hanger.


Yo-Yo Holly Berry
Glue the bow on top of the leaves. Leave it as is or add a decorative jingle bell to the center of the bow.


Green and Red Yo-Yo Holly Berry


Yo-Yo Peppermint Kiss
To make the Peppermint Kiss, cut twelve (6 red, 6 white) 1-3/8" x 3-3/4" fabric pieces. Join the pieces together on each of the 3-3/4" sides using a scant 1/4" seam, alternating colors as you sew. Iron all seams toward the red fabric. This will create the fabric piece needed for the yo-yo. The directions to make the Peppermint Kiss is the same as the Holly Berry.


That's it! Make a tree full and have yourself a Merry Yo-Yo Christmas!

Aloha,