From Janet Wickell,
Your Guide to Quilting.
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What Are Yo Yos?

Yo Yos are little rosettes made by gathering circles of fabric. Yo yos are typically sewn side by side into rows, but also make nice little bits to use as dimensional applique.

Yo Yo Quilts

Yo yo quilts were very popular in the 1930's and 1940's and we see lots of lovely examples sewn with fabrics from those eras. Some were structured, with yo yos arranged to form a pattern, but many yo yo quilts were quite scrappy.

It's common to see yo yo quilts with no batting or backing--I suppose those are best called coverlets. Some yo yos are attached with a short seam, others are closer together, filling up gaps and making the yo yos look more mounded, like the quilt above.

Yo yos are sometimes attached to a large piece of fabric, which can then be treated just like any other quilt top. That type of yo yo quilt is often tied rather than quilted.

Other Uses for Yo Yos

• Create yo yos in an assortment of colors and sizes and applique them to your quilt

• Attach yo yos to a square or rectangular piece of backing fabric and make a throw pillow

• Sew yo yos to a backpack, purse or other tote

• Make tiny yo yos for a doll bed coverlet

The quilt above is courtesy Denice Mariette. You can view her quilts and other items on eBay. Denise's user name is mardyboy.