DIY Yo-Yo Tote

DIY Yo Yo Tote

Do you want to stand out this summer?  Here is the say to style out in front of the crowd and be a trend-setter.  
These Yo Yo’s are incredibly easy to make, even for the ‘non-sewer’ and a perfect craft for kids, teens and adults.
It is very inexpensive and you can make a tote for your crafts, overnight travel, a very thought gift or for any purpose you have in mind.
I promise they are SO easy, that kids through any age can make them.  I will give you easy step-by-step picture tutorials on how to make this chic tote to carry anything your heart desires.  A fabulous way to use up scrap fabric too! Simply click on over and let’s get started.


DIY Yo Yo Tote or Bag
Supplies:
Canvas bag/tote
7″-13″ fabric – the YO YO will be half the dimension from the width you begin with.  Choose as many designs and colors as you desire for your tote  HERE  are some I thought might be really fun to work with all ready to go
Sewing needle
Thread
Scissors
Cups or anything round to trace your circle
No Sew Fabric Adhesive – I found this is the best fabric glue that holds, but doesn’t make your fabric go all stiff, hard and crunchy
Embellishments for center of each YO YO –  Like THESE could would go with the fabric above
1  1/2″ wide double sided ribbon approx. 1 1/2 – 2 times the width of the tote, optional, or cover the top of the tote with more YO YO’s




Directions:
Using a cup, bowl or compass trace a circle in your fabric
With scissors, cut out as many circles are you want to decorate your tote.Cut varying sizes for interestThread your needle with a double strand, with enough length to go around the circle, but not so much that it easily tangles. 
Make a knot in the end except leave a 3″ tail – this is VERY important!!!Stitch about 1/4″ in from the outer edge all around the circle, stopping when reaching the beginning threads.
Pull the threads taught, but do not break them. Careful not to use your superman strength here – save that for another time.Tie a knot with the threads to form a tight circle. Again, don’t get carried away and break the threads with your buffness.Trim any stray threads and excess fabric at the top of the circle above the stitches you just sewed.Play with the circles to see where you want them.  Experiement.
Then glue the Yo Yo in place.
Next, glue the embellishment in the center of the Yo Yo to give it a finished lookNow for the ribbon.  Burn the edge of the ribbon to prevent fraying.Thread a needle with a double thread at least the width of the tote. 
Turn the end over 1/4″ then again 1/4, this give a nice looking edge.
Now push the threaded needle through the layers you just made.With stitches about 1/4″ apart, being to hand sew down the middle of the ribbon, gathering the ribbon a little as you go.  
This step will help you see how much ribbon you want to use, and how far of the length to sew.Continue until you are pleased with the length and how loose or tight the ribbon is gathered.
Tie the end of the thread by making a knot at the end of the ribbon and going back through a couple of times to secure it.
With the No Sew Glue, place a drop at one end of the tote, and place the gathered ribbon wherever your little heart desires.  
Push it in place to secure.Gently continue the length of the tote with this same step, gluing every inch or so, depending on ribbon; you may need a bit more glue and closer spacing between glue spots.I chose to twist the ribbon as I glued it to the tote because the ribbon was patterned on both sides; which I liked, and for interest.Secure with glue at the other end of the toteI had enough ribbon to make a bow on the handle, which I also secured in place with a bit of glueAllow your project to sit for 24 before using to allow the glue to set up *See glue bottle for instructions
Now you have a fun tote for summer fun, vacations, crafts, a gift, or for anything that will make your life complete, lol!
 I want to thank  Barbara at Bits Of Ivory for the inspiration and instructions on a basic fabric yo yo.  You can see her YO YO creation HERE
Copyright Carrie Groneman, A Mother’s Shadow, 2014
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