Fabric yo-yos are one of those easy little crafts that are so perfect for so many different projects! I love that they are so easy and perfect to make with fabric scraps. This Fabric Yo-Yo Wreath is a great way to put those yo-yos to good use. By using fabrics in any color scheme and design, this handmade wreath can be made for any season or holiday. Continue reading for all of the details of how this wreath comes together, including a link to my handy fabric yo-yo tutorial.
First things first: What is a fabric yo-yo?
Fabric yo-yos are made with circles of fabric that are handstitched around the edge and gathered to create a small rosette shape. If you’ve never made them before, be warned: once you start making them, it is hard to stop!
My Fabric Yo-Yo Tutorial is the perfect resource for getting started. It includes step-by-step photos for how to make them, including templates for four different sizes, and instructions for making your own template to create a yo-yo of any size you like. I recommend reading carefully through that post before starting on your wreath.
Even more great projects to make with fabric yo-yos!
Now that we are familiar with the wide world of fabric yo-yos, let’s get started on our wreath.
Project Q&A
- What type of fabric is best for this project? Quilting cotton or other lightweight fabrics are best for making yo-yos, since the lighter weight makes gathering the yo-yo centers easier than it is with heavier fabrics.
- Where can I find a wood wreath form? I purchased my wreath from the seasonal section at Michaels a couple of years back. Similar forms can be found on Etsy. Amazon has a couple of different options, with this wreath here (the holes on the wreath will be covered by the yo-yos), or even this 12″ letter O.
- Can I use a different type of wreath form instead of wood? Absolutely! A yo-yo wreath can also be made with a styrofoam wreath. Wrap the wreath with ribbon to conceal the styrofoam before gluing on the yo-yos.
- When can I find time to make all those yo-yos? Fabric yo-yos are a perfect project for working on while you watch TV in the evening, or even for taking in the car on long road trips. Because they require so few supplies to make, they are incredibly portable, which makes them the perfect craft to take along to just about anywhere: ballgames, the school pickup line, doctor’s office waiting rooms, and more!
How to Make a Fabric Yo-Yo Wreath
(A PDF version of these instructions is available below.)
Supplies:
- Wood wreath form (see my notes above)
- Craft paint
- Fabric in assorted colors and patterns (see my fabric recommendation above)
- Thread
- Ribbon
Equipment:
To begin, paint the wreath form with the craft paint. Set it aside to dry completely while you get started on your yo-yos.
Using the four different templates from my yo-yo tutorial (linked above) cut circles from your assorted fabrics in the various sizes, and then stitch them into yo-yos. For my 14.5″ wreath, I made:
- (14) 3″ yo-yos
- (13) 2″ yo-yos
- (10) 1.5″ yo-yos
- (12) 1″ yo-yos
You can adjust the number of yo-yos you make depending on the size of your wreath base.
Once you’ve finished stitching all of your yo-yos, arrange them on your wreath as you like and secure them with hot glue.
Helpful Tip: I found it worked best to position and affix the largest yo-yos first, and then add the smaller yo-yos after that.
Finally, add a ribbon hanger to the wreath. For this step, cut two 18″ lengths of ribbon. Position one end of each ribbon piece on the back of the wreath so they are centered about 1.5″ apart at the top edge, and use hot glue to secure them into place. Tie the loose ends in a bow and trim away any excess ribbon from the tails of the bow.
Your new yo-yo wreath is now ready to add a bright pop of color to any space you choose!
I stacked some of the smallest yo-yos on top of the largest ones to make them look like flowers. I love how this wreath turned out, and I already have plans to make one in Christmas colors!
Fabric Yo-Yo Wreath
Equipment
- Paintbrush
- Hand Sewing Needle
- Hot Glue Gun
Materials
- Wood wreath form see my notes in the original post
- Craft paint
- Fabric in assorted colors and patterns see my fabric recommendation in the original post
- Thread
- Ribbon
Instructions
- To begin, paint the wreath form with the craft paint. Set it aside to dry completely while you get started on your yo-yos.
- Using the four different templates from my yo-yo tutorial (linked above) cut circles from your assorted fabrics in the various sizes, and then stitch them into yo-yos. For my 14.5" wreath, I made: (14) 3" yo-yos; (13) 2" yo-yos; (10) 1.5" yo-yos; and (12) 1" yo-yos. Adjust the number of yo-yos depending upon the size of your wreath.
- Once you've finished stitching all of your yo-yos, arrange them on your wreath as you like and secure them with hot glue.
- Finally, add a ribbon hanger to the wreath. For this step, cut two 18" lengths of ribbon. Position one end of each ribbon piece on the back of the wreath so they are centered about 1.5" apart at the top edge, and use hot glue to secure them into place. Tie the loose ends in a bow and trim away any excess ribbon from the tails of the bow.
Having grown up in a home brimming with sewing notions and paintbrushes, Amy has a deep love for all things creative. On any given day, you’ll find her knee-deep in her latest creative endeavor, with projects ranging from sewing and crafts to home decor and kid-friendly ideas. Amy believes that everyone, regardless of skill level or experience, possesses the ability to create something beautiful, and Positively Splendid was born of her passion for helping others harness their innate creative potential.