Yo-Yo related: January 2008 Archives

Materials required for each tissue holder:

• 2 pieces of fabric 6" x 6" (pattern may not be suitable for directional fabrics)
• Coordinating Thread
• 2 pieces of ribbon (grosgrain, satin, etc.)  7 ½"  each
• Temporary marking device, i.e., chalk
• Yo-Yo and/or Button, if desired
• Miscellaneous trim (yarn, ribbon, etc.), if desired.

Instructions:

1.      Using a chalk, marker or other suitable marking device, mark 1 ½" in from each edge on one side of one fabric square--on the RIGHT side of the fabric.

2.  Fold each 7 ½" strip of ribbon in half, right sides together.  Center over marks on fabric & pin on the RIGHT side of the fabric.

3.  Baste ribbon to fabric square, using 1/8" seam allowance on the RIGHT side of the fabric.

4.   Pull ribbon loops gently up out of the way.  Bring opposite edge up to match edge with loops, smooth & press in half (being careful NOT to press the ribbon) with RIGHT sides of the fabric together (wrong side out).

5. Press 2^nd fabric square in half.

6. Stitch sides using ¼" seam allowance.  Clip bottom corners. Repeat both seams and corner clips on other piece of fabric.

7.  Use your fingers to align one side seam with pressed bottom center crease, forming a triangle.  Pin.

8.  Measure from point up ½", mark a perpendicular line, stitch.  NOTE:  If you have pinned the point & side seam straight with the bottom center crease, you will form a 1" perpendicular line (triangle). See image below.

9. Clip off triangle point.

9a.  Repeat on other side. 

9b.  Repeat process for other piece of fabric.

10.  You should now have what looks like 2 square bottom bags (each unlined, one has ribbon loops on one side, both with raw edges).  Insert one unit inside the other with right side of both fabrics to the INSIDE.  Be careful to smoothly sandwich the ribbon loops. Match side seams carefully and pin.  Match raw edges all around.  Place one pin in center of long edge that does NOT have the loops.  Place one pin in center of each ribbon tail.  Place a 2^nd pin approximately ¾" or so toward the center away from the ribbon edge (see image below).

Use a ¼" seam allowance, backstitch at beginning and end to secure, stitch around top (raw) edge leaving approx. 2 ½" opening as shown in picture above.  Remove pins as you come to them, do NOT sew over the pins.  Remember to leave an approximately 2 ½" opening (between the two center-most pins on the "ribbon" side), stitch all the way around the top except for the opening.

11.  Press all the way around the top edge to set the seam.  Finger press apart/open the seam opening area, making it even with the seam allowance.  Press this area open gently with your iron.

13.  Determine which side you want to use for the lining and insert inside the other. Remember, this is a REVERSIBLE project, so you can change your mind later to show the other side. Smooth out nicely making sure to pay attention to the open seam allowance between the ribbon loops.

14. Choose how you want to finish.  You may wish to top stitch (using a straight stitch or a decorative stitch if your machine has one you like) all the way around (approx. 1/8' from the edge). 

Or, you may wish to apply a trim of some sort.  After top-stitching or applying trim (if desired), you may wish to embellish your holder with yo-yos and/or buttons.  Scroll down to see a gallery of samples for ideas and inspiration.

I couched a fancy yarn using decorative stitch in the picture below. 

Ribbons, beaded trim, feathers, fuzzy trims, etc....all look great!  Once your trim is secure, clip threads.  Insert tissue packet.  Pull ribbon loops around (exposing the right side) to secure tissue packet inside.  Want to see the reverse side of this one?

How do you secure the loops?

How do use the new packet without removing from the holder?