Yo-yos by the Hoopful

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Threads Magazine, editor

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Here is a fast way to machine-embroider yo-yo circles in multiples instead of hand basting around each circle individually.

Here is a fast way to machine-embroider yo-yo circles in multiples instead of hand basting around each circle individually.

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Just stitch, cut, and pull

To create a hoopful of yo-yos, import the circles to your embroidery machine, and arrange as many as possible into the largest hoop you have. Space them 1/2 inch apart to make room for the seam allowances.

1. Wind a bobbin and thread your machine. Use a polyester thread that matches your fabric.

2. Hoop wash-away stabilizer. I used Aqua Mesh from OESD (right). Spray a temporary adhesive on the hooped stabilizer. Affix the fabric right-side up in the hoop.

3. Embroider the yo-yos. Trim the yo-yos so each one has a 1/4-inch raw edge around the outside circle (below left). Keep the thread ends as long as possible (below right), so you have something to grab onto later.

4. Rinse away the stabilizer. Squeeze out excess water in a towel, and then press them with an iron until the're dry.

5. Press the raw edge under along the outer stitching line. This step creates a nicely finished center hole (right).

6. Pull the bobbin thread to gather. Find the thread tail along the inner circle, and gently pull the bobbin thread, gathering up the folded seam allowance (below). Use a turning tool to push the outer edge inside the hole as it forms. To secure the yo-yo, tie the gathering threads.

Pattern designer Jennifer Stern manages the Manchester Sewing Machine Center in Connecticut.

Photos: Sloan Howard

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Comments (2)

KathleenSews writes: To make pressing the 1/4" seam allowance easier, cut a piece of very lightweight cardboard or heat-resistant template material, such as Templar, the size of the finished circle. Lay the circle template against the wrong side of the yo-yo circle and pull the gathering threads. The seam allowance will fold itself against the template for you to press. Remove the template and continue per directions above.
Posted: 8:53 am on September 6th

nakpunar writes: Yo-Yo's great for all kind decoration. If you don't have time you can buy ready to use Yo-Yo's. This Lady http://www.iloveyoyo.etsy.com also sew customize Yo-Yo's.
Posted: 10:03 am on February 6th

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