Browsing an annual holiday craft fair with my mom and sister,  I rounded the corner and stopped abruptly.

My eyes widened and I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. Hanging from a Christmas tree display was a colorful assortment of ornaments in the shape of Christmas trees…all made from fabric yo-yos!

While I had seen many ways to use fabric yo-yos, I had never seen anything like this before.

I LOVE fabric yo-yos and, needless to say, was super excited. Looking carefully at each yo-yo Christmas tree, I finally selected one where all of the yo-yos were made from the same fabric.

The Inspiration

The magical moment described above happened a few years ago. Ever since then, when we decorate the Christmas tree, a warm fuzzy feeling fills my chest when I unwrap the yo-yo ornament from the tissue paper and hang it on the tree.

For years I’ve thought about having a Christmas tree dedicated to handmade ornaments. This year, I’ve started making it a reality. Can you guess what ornaments I made first?

That’s right… Christmas trees out of fabric yo-yos!

How to Sew Yo-Yo Christmas Tree Ornaments

After following the directions in this lesson, you’ll know how to make cute Christmas tree ornaments made out of different size yo-yos.

Tip: Read all of the steps before you begin.

Preparation

Gather the Supplies

• For one yo-yo Christmas tree you’ll need:
  • 2 yo-yos made from a 5-inch template*
  • 3 yo-yos made from a 4-inch template*
  • 3 yo-yos made from a 3-inch template*
  • 2 yo-yos made from a 2-inch template*
• embroidery floss (such as DMC)
• needle
• 1/8-in ribbon (for the ‘star’)
• a bell about 3/4″ in diameter (for the ‘trunk’)
• 1/4-inch ribbon (used to hang the ornament from the tree)
• scissors

*Not sure how to make the fabric yo-yos? They are simple and enjoyable to make and a fantastic way to use up scraps. Check out my post How to Sew Fabric Yo-Yos. I included a video along with written directions and photos.

Construction

Tip: Read all of the steps before you begin.

1. Cut a length of embroidery floss about 14-inches long. If you’re using a type of floss like DMC that is made up of 6 thin strands, separate 2 strands from the rest to use together.

2. Thread the embroidery floss through the handle of the bell.

3. Bring the ends of the floss together and thread them through the eye of the needle.

4. Start with the largest yo-yos. Poke the needle through the center of one yo-yo at a time. Push the needle from the bottom to the top. The flat side of the yo-yo should be facing toward the bell and the gathered side should be facing up.

5. Add the next three yo-yos (made from the 4-inch template) to the floss. Push the needle through the center of the yo-yos one at a time.

6. After that, add the next three yo-yos (made from the 3-inch template).

7. Now, add the smallest yo-yos.

8. Make sure all the yo-yos are resting against each other so the embroidery floss is not visible between them.

9. Cut a length of 1/4-inch ribbon that is about 10 inches long. Fold it in half and push the needle through the fold. The ribbon should be resting on the top yo-yo.

10. Make a stitch about 1/4-inch in length near the fold and push the needle back through the center of the top two yo-yos. Pull the needle out from the bottom of the second yo-yo from the top.

11. Gently tug on the floss to make sure there aren’t gaps between the yo-yos and the small stitch you just made is resting flat on the ribbon. Remove the needle and tie the floss in a knot. Clip the thread close to the knot fabric.

12. Straighten the two sides of the 1/4-inch ribbon so they are next to each other. Keep the sides together and make a knot. Leave a loop large enough to hang on a Christmas tree branch. Clip the ends of the ribbon at a diagonal.

13. Cut a length of 1/8-inch ribbon that is about 12 inches long. (This is more than you’ll need, but it makes tying the bow easier.) Tie a bow around the base of the other ribbon. Cut the excess ribbon at a diagonal.

That’s It. You’re Done!

Fabric yo-yos are super cute and a good way to use up fabric scraps. In addition, they are simple to make and can easily be done while watching TV or listening to a podcast.

Combining yo-yos with each other and adding details such as buttons, ribbon, bells, beads, etc. results in creative ways to embellish everyday objects and/or create something unique.

The yo-yo Christmas tree ornament is one of many creative ways to use fabric yo-yos. Take a look at 12 Ways to Showcase and Celebrate Fabric Yo-Yos. (post coming soon)

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