Yo-yo makers?

Question

I bought a pattern that calls for 3 different sizes of "Clover yo-yo makers" in order to finish it. A quick check reveals that these would cost $20 and that is before shipping. Now, I remember my mother making yo-yos from circles she traced around various glasses and saucers in the cupboard either onto fabric or cardboard. Please tell me that this is easy, and I needn't spent $20? Is it easy to work out the finished dimensions? If I need a yo-yo that finishes at 1 3/4 inches, surely I cut it out at 4 inches (1 3/4 times 2, plus 1/4 seam allowance all the way around?

I have enough gadgets and I am afraid that after purchasing these yo-yo makers that I would not use them again.

While we're at it, what is the best way to make pom-poms?

-- Jo in Scotland

Dee in Oz · Accepted Answer

Well Jo, thats exactly what I would do ( add 1/4" to the desired finished size)I made yos-yos that way before I saw yo-yo makers for sale and can't see the point in buying one now.Dee in Oz

Polly Esther · Answer

Beginning with a 4" square sounds good to me. It may be a little too big but there's not much lost starting there. A couple of tips - it doesn't particularly matter what color thread you use because it shouldn't show anyway - And - don't take wee tiny neat little gathering stitches. The yo-yo will gather up tighter if your stitches around are just a bit longer than you think would work best. Use a strong thread; you must tug on it fiercely to get a pretty gather. We saw a wonderful necklace at a quilt show that was created with yo-yos about ½" in diameter. It was just so precious. For that, you might need a 'maker' or if you go somewhat mad and make a kingsize quilt of them. Other than that, save your $20. We'll want pictures. Polly

"Dee in Oz"

Sunny · Answer

Jo, people like me need those gadgets. I have three sizes. I can't forthe life of me make a yoyo without the gadget.  if you can, then youcan make any size without worries. Have fun,Sunny

Roberta · Answer

Save the money. You might need a gadget to make heart-shaped yoyos-saw something like that in a magazine. But even that could be fudgedout of a regular circle.For pompoms, you can make your own gadget. Cut 2 circles out of stiffcard or template plastic. Diameter a smidgen larger than the diameterof the finished pompom. Cut a smaller circle out of the center (i.e.make a doughnut), and cut a little opening wide enough for your yarn.Sandwich the 2 circles together with a double strand of yarn betweenthem. then wrap yarn around as evenly as possible, until you can't fitany more on. This is a bit tricky, because you have to maintain thelittle opening into the center of the doughnut, without losing yourextra double strand of yarn.  When you have enough, tighten up thedouble strand of yarn and hang onto it. Cut around the rim of yourdoughnut between the 2 circles. then tie the yarn very tightly aroundthe middle. Remove the circles, fluff it up, give it a tidy haircut,and you're done!Roberta...

Lizzy Taylor · Answer

Can't really comment on the yo-yo makers, but I'm sure the simple cheap method will work just fine.

As to pompoms - I succumbed and got a clover pom-pom maker last time I was making bobble hats. It is easier to use, as you wind each half separately and then cut and tie while it is all on the gizmo. I personally find I get a result that needs less of a haircut than when I use two cardboard circles. These seem to be fairly easily available.

YMMV, NAYY

Lizzy

PS You can borrow my pompom things if you like - send me your snail mail addy if you want to try them out.

Yo-yo makers?

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