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How to make Fabric Yo-yo Pumpkin & Turkey for Fall

Make these adorable fabric pumpkins and turkeys with fabric yo-yos! This free pattern includes two different sizes of the yo-yo pumpkin and yo-yo turkey, step-by-step photos, and a free printable template for the cutouts.

Make several of these pumpkins and turkeys to create a pumpkin patch decoration perfect for fall and Thanksgiving.DIY Yo-yo Pumpkin & Turkey - fb

The pumpkin and turkey bodies are made from fabric yo-yos. Fabric yo-yos are easy to make by hand stitching using Clover Yo-yo Makers. Felt is used for the leaves, eyes, feet, and tail. Weighted stuffing beads ensure they stand upright and don't fall over.

Watch our video through the link below or continue reading this tutorial to learn how to make these fabric yo-yo pumpkins and turkeys.


PRINTABLE PDF TUTORIAL - If you would like an ad free printable version of this tutorial optimized for printing, please visit our Etsy Shop listing for How to make Fabric Yo-yo Pumpkin & Turkey for Fall #ad. For a small fee, you can purchase a PDF downloadable version of this tutorial.
Keep reading for the free version of this tutorial.


COMPLETE VIDEO TUTORIAL AVAILABLE! The video below is a preview with no audio, to watch the whole video tutorial, click the link How to make Fabric Yo-yo Pumpkin & Turkey for Fall to watch in Youtube.


Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. We make a small commission on sales through the affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. Thank you in advance for your purchase and your support! Please see our full Affiliate Statement for more information.

Yo yo Pumpkin Turkey FinishedSample yo-yo pumpkins and turkeys - small and large sizes

WHAT YOU NEED to make the pumpkin and turkey

  • Fall Fabric – Orange for the Pumpkin, Dark or Light fabric for the Turkey
  • Green, Yellow, Tan, Red, Orange & White Felt
  • Clover Yo-yo makers:  Large (orange) 45mm, Extra Large (yellow) 60mm, and Jumbo (Blue) 99mm. The Extra Small (blue) 20 mm and Small (green) 30mm are used for making the turkey hat.
  • A small amount of fiberfill stuffing
  • Weighted Stuffing Beads
  • Thread coordinating with fabric colors
  • Sewing Needle & Thread
  • Craft Glue
  • 13mm Google Eyes (approx.)
  • Small Twig or Stick from a tree or cinnamon stick
  • Free Downloaded Printable templates for the turkey features & pumpkin leaves (scroll to the end of this tutorial)
  • Scissors

Yo yo Pumpkin Turkey Supplies

Step-by-Step Instructions to make fabric yo-yo pumpkins and Turkeys

Print the template

We have provided a printable PDF file with free templates for the pumpkin leaf, turkey face features, and turkey tail.

To get the free downloadable PDF template, scroll to the end of this tutorial past my signature to find the link to the template. 

Open the template and print it in landscape mode.Yo yo Pumpkin Turkey Template

Making the Yo-yos

The pumpkin and turkey are made from fabric yo-yos. Fabric yo-yos are made from fabric circles and are a perfect way to use small amounts of fabric. A running stitch is stitched near the circle's outer edge, and the thread is pulled to gather the fabric into the yo-yo shape.

We have a tutorial on making yo-yos with the Clover Yo-yo Makers. You don't have to make your yo-yos with the Clover makers, but I've found making yo-yos this way is quick and easy.  Click the link to our previous tutorial if you need information on how to make fabric yo-yos.Yo yo Pumpkin Turkey Yo Yo Makers

How to make the Fabric Yo-yo Pumpkin

Step 1: Make the Yo-yos for the Pumpkin

For each pumpkin, make four fabric yo-yos using the pumpkin fabric, needle, and thread.  See above for a link on how to make fabric yo-yos.

NOTE: Read step 2 before making the yo-yos!

For the smaller pumpkin make:

  • 2 Large (orange) 45mm - One with beads inside.
  • 2 Extra Large (yellow) 60mm

For the large pumpkin make:

  • 2 Extra Large (yellow) 60mm - One with beads inside.
  • 2 Jumbo (Blue) 99mm

Yo yo Pumpkin Turkey _1.24.1

Step 2: Add Stuffing and weighted beads

Before closing the yo-yos, stuff each one with a small amount of fiber-fill stuffing.Yo yo Pumpkin Turkey _1.30.1

Yo yo Pumpkin Turkey _1.31.1

For one of the smaller yo-yos, add one or two tablespoons of weighted stuffing beads and some fiber-fill stuffing.Yo yo Pumpkin Turkey _1.33.1

After adding the fiber-fill and/or weighted beads, gently close the yo-yo and tie off the thread.Yo yo Pumpkin Turkey _1.36.1

For the yo-yos with weighted beads inside, make a few stitches across the hole to close it completely.  This will keep the beads from falling out.Yo yo Pumpkin Turkey _1.39.1

Yo yo Pumpkin Turkey Closed Yo yo

Step 3: Stack the Yo-yos

Stack the yo-yos to make the Pumpkin. The top side of the yo-yo is the gathered side, and the bottom is the flat side.

Stack the yo-yos in this order:

  • Smaller yo-yo with the beads facing down
  • Larger yo-yo facing down
  • Larger yo yo facing up
  • Smaller yo-yo facing up

Yo yo Pumpkin Stacked yo yos

Step 4: Secure the Yo-yos Together

You can use the same regular thread you used to make the yo-yos or a heavier-weight thread. Thread your needle and knot the end with the thread doubled.

Starting at the top, insert the needle into the middle of each of the four yo-yos and pull it through.  Yo yo Pumpkin Turkey _1.52.1

You may need to put the needle through one yo-yo at a time.Yo yo Pumpkin Turkey _1.53.1

When you reach the bottom, insert the needle from the bottom back up to the top of the pumpkin.Yo yo Pumpkin Turkey _1.55.1

Gently pull the thread to squish the yo-yos together.  This will give it more of a pumpkin shape. Yo yo Pumpkin Turkey _1.57.1

Once more, take the needle down to the bottom of the pumpkin and gently pull it again to squish it. Tie off the thread with a knot.Yo yo Pumpkin Turkey _1.58.1

Step 5: Pumpkin Felt Leaves

Using the provided template, cut two leaves from green felt. Yo yo Pumpkin Turkey _1.60.1

Fold the leaf on the fold line and stitch a few stitches to hold it into a curved shape.Yo yo Pumpkin Turkey _1.65.1

Step 6: Pumpkin Stem

Cut a piece of the twig or cinnamon stick for the pumpkin stem. Use a ¾” piece for the small pumpkin and 1 ¼” piece for the large pumpkin. Choose a size you feel looks best on your pumpkin.Yo yo Pumpkin Turkey _1.66.1

Step 7: Glue Stem and Leaves

Squeeze some craft glue into the center opening of the top yo-yo. Yo yo Pumpkin Turkey _1.69.1Yo yo Pumpkin Turkey _1.70.1

Insert the twig into the hole.Yo yo Pumpkin Turkey _1.71.1

Glue the leaves on each side of the stem. I placed one leaf with the cupped side facing down and the other beside the stem.Yo yo Pumpkin Turkey _1.72.1

The Yo-yo Pumpkin is complete!Yo yo Pumpkin Finished

Yo yo Pumpkin Turkey Small VersionSmall Turkey and Pumpkin

How to make the Fabric Yo-yo Turkey

Yo yo Pumpkin Turkey Large Versions

Step 1: Make the Yo-yos for the Turkey

Using the turkey fabric, needle, and thread, make yo-yos.Yo yo Pumpkin Turkey _1.77.1

NOTE: Read step 2 before making the yo-yos!

For small turkey:

  • 4 Extra Large (yellow) 60mm - One has beads inside.
  • 1 Large (orange) 45mm – Stuffed full and rounded for head

For the large turkey:

  • 2 Extra Large (yellow) 60mm – One is stuffed full and rounded to use for the head. The other one is flat.
  • 4 Jumbo (Blue) 99mm - One has beads inside.

If making the Hat, make:

  • 2 Extra Small (blue) 20 mm
  • 1 Small (green) 30mm

Yo yo Pumpkin Turkey _1.82.1

Step 2: Stuffing, Weighted Beads and Head

For the small turkey, stuff the smaller yo-yo full of stuffing and shape it into a ball for the head.  Add a couple of teaspoons of weighted beads to one of the larger yo-yos and make a few stitches to close the hole.Yo yo Pumpkin Turkey _1.86.1

For the large turkey, stuff one of the smaller yo-yos to make the head.  Add a couple of tablespoons of weighted beads to one of the jumbo yo-yos and close it with a few stitches for the base.Yo yo Pumpkin Turkey _1.87.1

Step 3: Stack the Yo-yos

Stack the yo-yos to make the Turkey.  The top side of the yo-yo is the gathered side, and the bottom is the flat side.

Stack the:

  • Large yo-yo with beads facing up
  • 3 Large yo-yos, all facing up
  • For the large turkey, stack the smaller yo-yo facing up.
  • Last is the head facing down

Yo yo Pumpkin Turkey _1.89.1 Yo yo Pumpkin Turkey _1.89.2 Yo yo Pumpkin Turkey _1.90.1 Yo yo Pumpkin Turkey _1.91.1

If you are making the hat, stack the larger yo-yo facing down and then the two smaller yo-yos facing down.

Step 4: Secure the Yo-yos

You can use the same thread you used to make the yo-yos or a heavier-weight thread. Thread your needle and place the ends of the thread together before making a knot. The doubled thread is stronger.

Starting at the top, insert the needle into the middle of the yo-yos down to the bottom and pull it through.  You may need to put it through one yo-yo at a time. Yo yo Pumpkin Turkey _1.92.1 Yo yo Pumpkin Turkey _1.93.1

When you reach the bottom, insert the needle from the bottom to the top of the turkey body. Tie off the thread.Yo yo Pumpkin Turkey _1.95.1

Stitch the head yo-yo onto the top of the body.Yo yo Pumpkin Turkey _1.101.1

If you're making the hat, secure the three yo-yos together similarly and stitch the hat to the top of the head.

Step 5: Turkey Face and Feet

Cut out the eyes, nose, wattle, and feet from felt using the provided template. Yo yo Pumpkin Turkey _1.104.1

Glue the nose onto the eyes and then glue the googly eyes onto the white felt.Yo yo Pumpkin Turkey _1.106.1

Glue the wattle onto the back, hanging down.Yo yo Pumpkin Turkey _1.107.1

Glue the face to the turkey head.Yo yo Pumpkin Turkey _1.111.1

Yo yo Pumpkin Turkey _1.111.2

Cut the feet from yellow felt.Yo yo Pumpkin Turkey _1.109.1

 Glue them to the bottom, sticking out from under the turkey.Yo yo Pumpkin Turkey _1.110.1

Step 6: Make the Turkey Tail

I made the same-sized tails for the small and large turkeys.  The oversized tail on the small turkey makes him cute. I cut out the tail and five feathers from felt.  Yo yo Pumpkin Turkey _1.112.1

Glue the feathers in place on the tail. The template has dotted lines with suggested placement for the tail feathers.Yo yo Pumpkin Turkey _1.114.1

Once the tail is dried. Glue the tail to the back of the turkey yo-yos.Yo yo Pumpkin Turkey _1.115.1

The Yo-yo Turkey is complete!Yo yo Pumpkin Turkey Closeup

Yo yo Turkey FinishedTwo large and one small turkey
Yo yo Pumpkin Turkey with Hat CloseupTurkey with a hat
Yo yo Pumpkin Turkey SmallSmall Turkey

We hope you enjoyed learning how to make these cute yo-yo pumpkins and turkeys.  These would make fun centerpieces for a Thanksgiving table!  Scroll down for the free printable template!

Chris's Signature  

PRINTABLE PDF TUTORIAL - If you would like an ad free printable version of this tutorial optimized for printing, please visit our Etsy Shop listing for How to make Fabric Yo-yo Pumpkin & Turkey for Fall #ad. For a small fee, you can purchase a PDF downloadable version of this tutorial.




QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions about this project, contact us through the YouTube Video comments or our Contact Us page. We respond to questions in e-mails and YouTube comments regularly.

Other Yo-yo Projects

Last year, I made two other fun Yo-yo projects: a yo-yo Santa and a yo-yo snowman ornaments.  If you like these yo-yo turkey and pumpkins, check out those other tutorials!Yo-yo Santa and Snowman Ornaments

Another tutorial for fabric yo-yo pumpkins is by Postively Splendid.  She also has a tutorial to make fabric yo-yos with templates.

 

Supporting Products and links: Some of the links below may be affiliate links. We make a small commission on sales through the affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. Thank you in advance for your purchase and your support! Please see our full Affiliate Statement for more information.

 Yo-yo Turkey & Pumpkin Printable Template

Yo-yo Turkey & Pumpkin Printable Template PDF

This is the printable template for the turkey features and pumpkin leaves. Needlepointers.com

Clover Yo-yo Makers from Joann #ad

Here are a selection of yo-yo makers available from Joann. Affiliate Link to Joann

Clover Yo-Yo-Maker - Large

Clover Yo-Yo-Maker - Large #ad

Finished size approx 1 3/4 ", large yo-yo. Affiliate Link to Connecting Threads

Clover Yo-Yo-Maker - Small Yo-Yo

Clover Yo-Yo-Maker - Small Yo-Yo #ad

Finished size approx. 1 1/4 ", small yo-yo. Affiliate Link to Connecting Threads

Connecting Threads 100% Cotton Thread Sets

Connecting Threads 100% Cotton Thread Sets #ad

1200 Yard Spools, Various Color Combinations. Fits standard sewing machine spindles. Affiliate Link to Amazon

Dritz 25 Assorted Craft Needles with Threader

Dritz 25 Assorted Craft Needles with Threader #ad

Includes Betweens, Sharps, Straw/Milliners, Chenille, Tapestry and Crewel Affiliate Link to Amazon.com

Simthread 12 Multi Colors All Purposes Cotton Quilting Thread

Simthread 12 Multi Colors All Purposes Cotton Quilting Thread #ad

50s/3 Thread for Piecing Sewing etc - 550 Yards Each (Neutral Colors) Affiliate Link to Amazon.com

Yo-Yo Maker

Yo-Yo Maker #ad

A selection of Yo-Yo makers for sale at Amazon.com. Affiliate Link to Amazon.com

Yo-Yo Maker - Small

Yo-Yo Maker - Small #ad

Manufacturer: Clover Affiliate Link to Amazon.com






DIY Yo-yo Pumpkin & Turkey - pin

DIY Yo-yo Pumpkin - pin

DIY Yo-yo Turkey - pin


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