Yo-yo hearts

Pictured at left is a finished yo-yo heart on top of the heart pattern, at right are two more finished yo-yo hearts.

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. This year we are making yo-yo heart magnets. They are fast, easy and do not cost much to make.

In the past we have made many things out of yo-yos and have done several columns featuring items made from yo-yos. Past articles of items we have made are on our blog listed below. September 2007 featured pumpkins. April 2007 featured angels as well as a photo of other items made in the past.

Heart decorations are used a lot for Valentines and also for weddings. On the internet we have seen examples of yo-yo hearts made by others so we decided to try our hand at making some.

First we drew a heart pattern, about 6.5 by 6.5 inches. Next we looked through our existing fabric collection for those colors suited for Valentines. Then we chose several different fabrics in red and pink floral prints as well as a solid red.

Using the heart pattern we made, we cut out several dozen hearts. Then to shape the yo-yos we sewed a running stitch starting at the top of the heart and going down one side to the bottom. Next we sewed a running stitch down the other side of the heart. We left a tail of thread on both sides. Pulling the threads gathered the fabric, making the shape of a heart. The threads were tied to secure the heart shape.

When sewing the running stitch we do not fold over the edge of the fabric like a hem is done. Many directions say to do this but it makes the gathers thicker and we do not think they look as nice that way. We only fold over the edges if they will show in the finished product. For most projects something is placed over the gathers and they are not seen in the finished product.

Some directions on the internet indicated they needed to make a “secret stitch” at the center top to define the shape at the top of the heart. When gathering our yo-yo hearts the top came down by its self, not needing any other stitching.

To cover the stitching we used decorative buttons. We have a collection of old buttons saved from used garments as well as collections others have given to us over the years.

We used hot glue to hold the buttons in place. Then to finish we hot glued a magnet on the back.

For those who want to use the hearts like jewelry a closing pin clasp could be glued to the back instead of the magnet. The hearts could also be sewed directly onto clothing as embellishment.

There are websites that have patterns and directions they allow to be copied. We chose to make our own as some fuss about using their patterns for profit. We do not generally sell items we make, but sometimes give them to fundraisers to be sold. Making our own patterns just eliminates questions about how we use the things we make. We welcome any one to copy and use any ideas we have shared. If anyone makes a profit from them we will be happy for them. Having fun and sharing with others is our goal.