Beginner Quilting - Learn To Design A Yoyo Quilt

By Jennifer B. Walter

All of us have our preferred choices. Of these, Yoyo quilt is my obvious choice. Yes admittedly people would differ as yoyo quilts are the most intricate to make of all the varieties.
But then Yoyo quilts are the most intricate for that very reason. Let's be all clear that Yoyo quilts take impervious time to make and thus are meant for impatient and beginners. During the 1930's & 40's these quilts were at the prime in recognition and their time seems to be here again now.

These quilts are basically small rosettes containing cotton. The technique involves assembling and sewing material into a circle. The rosettes are then stitched into a predetermined pattern. Printed materials are commonly used for making yoyos.

The choice of fabric is not limited as ironing is not required for these quilts and therefore batting type can also vary. Many a times a large fabric is used as a cover for yoyos, some do it as they do not like their special yoyo to get spoilt while using it while others just like to preserve the quilt for longer use.

Yoyo quilts like other quilts are the result of our imagination of colors and patterns, they can be made as per your preference. If you like your yoyo to serve as mini cushion on your sofa or like a bed cover then slight adjustments of not adding batting and backpack shall do it.

Be clear that initially the art of making a yoyo quilt can be difficult to learn but gradually once you have got accustomed to the steps it shall not take much time.

It's always important that the supplies are ready before hand. Beautiful designs added with color variations give the yoyo quilt an elegant look. Here are the steps to craft a yoyo quilt.

1. Before you do anything have the size of the quilt in you mind and thereafter make a spherical cut-out pattern twice that dimension and an extra 1/2". A cardboard cutout will act as a guide.

2. Place the cut-out pattern to your right or left hand side of the fabric depending on your writing hand and then using a pencil create a highlighted area around it. Allow space of 1/2" between circles.

3. Create circles of size ¼ inch after the line.

4. It is recommended that a quilting thread be used or else if you use a regular thread then sew with 2 strands. Tie a knot at the last tip of the thread and take it upside from behind while folding underneath the ring on the line.

5. Keep stitching on the line of the circle, folding underneath the seam allowance further.

6. As you keep stitching you shall reach the start point again, there pull the thread so that it all collects within a rosette. the yoyo should have an opening in the center

7. Few backstitches will help secure the thread, tie a knot so that the thread is not lost.

8. All the excess thread should be cut off then re-knot & start another yoyo.

9. Place the yoyo in front of you in rows in a manner that reflects the kind of design/pattern you want to make.

10. Now sew two yoyos. Stitching can be done either from the middle or any side. Do this again until all rows are done. Now sew all the rows to form one piece.

11. What you can also do is sew the yoyo with a larger material, then adding batting to it & adding finishing touch to the edges.

Discover free beginner hand quilting instructions and expert quilting lesson by Jennifer Walter, the owner of successful quilting site at http://www.quilthowto.com
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