Fabric Yo-yo Towels Project Idea

Several weeks ago I demonstrated how easy it is to make fabric yo-yos with Clover Yo-Yo makers. I have been having fun using a charm pack to make a whole bunch of colorful yo-yos. 

So, what can I make with these fabric yo-yos?  Check out our page, 30+ Free Fabric Yo-yo Projects, full of free patterns and project ideas to make with the yo-yos. This tutorial is another idea for a fun and easy project idea to make with fabric yo-yos.

Since my yo-yos were colorful, I decided to use them to decorate blank towels.  I'm not including a pattern with this tutorial, but you can use my designs as inspiration to make your fabric yo-yo towels.

Learn more about these Fabric Yo-yo Towels by watching our video or keep reading this post.

Sample Towels for inspiration

Below are some ideas on how to arrange the yo-yos on towels or other projects. 

For this first towel, a larger yo-yo is in the center and then surrounded by smaller yo-yos.

The next two towels are made so the yo-yos are part of a flower garden.  For these, look through your ribbon and trims stash and find ribbons or ric-rac of different sizes to use.  Place yo-yos on the center of the towel and then pick different ribbons to use for the stems and leaves.

The ribbons were sewn down with matching threads on one or two sides depending on the ribbon width.  For the leaves, loop the ribbon and then stitch it down partially leaving the loop to be 3-D.

Machine stitch around each of the yo-yos using a thread matching the yo-yo fabric color.

For this last towel, I have placed a bunch of yo-yos randomly placed across the towel.  

So, there are many different ways you can decorate the towels with yo-yos.  Let your imagination take you there!

WHAT YOU NEED to make Fabric yo-yo towels

• Fabric Yo-yos
• Blank Kitchen or Bath Hand Towels
• Various ribbons or ric-rac - 1/8" to 1/4" wide
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Pins, scissor

INSTRUCTIONS to make yo-yo towels

STEP 1: Make fabric yo-yos

Make various sizes of fabric yo-yos.  I made my yo-yos from a charm pack of colorful floral spring fabrics.  

If you need a tutorial on making fabric yo-yos, click the link for our tutorial!

STEP 2: Arrange Yo-yos on the towel

Decide on an idea for a design to make with the yo-yos.  Follow one of my designs or come up with your own!

Lay your towel on a work surface and place the yo-yos on the towel in the design.  Pin the yo-yos in place.

If you are including ribbons, cut and pin them in place.  Pinning everything will let you see what the finished towel will look like. For leaves, loop the ribbon and place it underneath the stem ribbon.

Make adjustments as necessary to get the towel looking as you envision.

In the photo below, the yo-yos are pinned in preparation to sew them to the towel.

Place the yo-yos on the front half of the towel with the yo-yos mostly towards the center of the towel.  When the towel is hanging, it will most likely be folded in thirds with the two sides folded to the back.  Keep this in mind when decorating the towel.

STEP 3: Stitch the fabric yo-yos to the towel

Thread your machine with bobbin thread that matches the towel color.  This thread will show on the back and looks nicer if it matches the towel color. I used white bobbin thread for my towels.

For the top thread, match the color of the yo-yo fabric. 

Use a blanket stitch to sew the yo-yos down. If your machine doesn't have a blanket stitch, use a zig-zag stitch for a similar look.  Set your needle to stop in the down position. 

Stitch very slowly taking a few stitches at a time.  Lift the presser foot and turn as you go around each yo-yo. Having the needle down on stopping helps to keep the fabric in place when you lift the presser foot and turn.  Have patience as you are stitching the yo-yos.

Backtack and cut the thread after going around each yo-yo. Change top thread colors as needed while stitching each fabric yo-yo to the towel.

STEP 4: Completed Towel

Below is the last finished towel.  All of the yo-yos are stitched down and will stay in place when the towel is washed.

The back of the towel looks neat.  Since I used white bobbin thread, the stitches mostly blend into the towel.

These were fun and quick projects to make with my fabric yo-yos.  I hope you have some inspiration to make your own fabric yo-yo projects.

Other Project Ideas

Similar designs could be used on the front of a pillow, wall hanging or tote bag. They would make a beautiful embellishment on the front of a shirt or skirt or even on jeans, purses or shoes.

This is a fun way to be creative and come up with your own pattern!

We hope you enjoyed learning how to make these yo-yo Towels.

 

Other Fabric Yo-yo Tutorials and project ideas

• How to make Fabric Yo-yos - Click to find many different tutorials on making fabric yo-yos.
• How to make Fabric Yo-Yos with the Clover Yo-Yo Maker - Click for our video & photo tutorial on making fabric yo-yos.
• 30+ Free Fabric Yo-yo Project Ideas