Caron Baby Cakes Yarn

Finding the Perfect Yarn for Your Baby Project

As a new parent, I understand the urge to knit or crochet the softest, plushest baby items you can get your hands on. When my daughter Ava was born, I wanted to make her blankets, hats, booties and more using only the best baby yarn out there. After researching different brands and materials, I discovered Caron Baby Cakes, a sugar-soft yarn that is absolutely perfect for babies.

In this in-depth buying guide, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about Caron Baby Cakes Yarn – where to buy it, how much it costs, yardage, weights, fiber content and more. I’ll also provide tips on the best baby projects like blankets, clothes and accessories, along with reviews from other Caron Baby Cakes lovers. Whether you’re buying yarn for your own little one or making a handmade baby gift, this guide will help you choose the right shades and quantities of this top-quality baby yarn.

Where to Buy Caron Baby Cakes Yarn

The great news about Caron Baby Cakes is that it’s readily available at most major craft stores and retailers. Here are some of the best places to buy Caron Baby Cakes online and in-person:

• Michael’s – This is my go-to shop for Caron Baby Cakes, as they carry the full range of colors in stock and often run sales on yarn. Order online or visit your local Michael’s craft store.
• Joann – Similar to Michael’s, Joann is a leading craft retailer that sells Caron yarn in-store and online. Watch for coupons and deals on baby yarn.
• Amazon – Search for Caron Baby Cakes on Amazon and you’ll find many colors Prime eligible with free shipping. Great option when on a budget.
• Yarn.com – Yarn.com has a large selection of Caron yarns, including multi-color baby cakes packages. Fast shipping and bulk discounts available.
• Herrschners – Specializing in discount yarn, Herrschners often has Baby Cakes on sale for as low as $5 per cake.
• Craftsy – Buy yarn kits and supplies along with your Caron Baby Cakes order from Craftsy’s online marketplace.
• eBay – Search eBay for deals on discounted baby cakes yarn, especially retired or hard-to-find colors.

I recommend comparing prices across these retailers and signing up for rewards programs and newsletters so you can catch Caron Baby Cakes sales and exclusive coupon offers.

How Much Does Caron Baby Cakes Yarn Cost?

Caron Baby Cakes has an MSRP of $6.99 per 6-ounce skein, but you can often find it on sale. Here’s a quick price breakdown:

• Regular Price: $6.99 – $7.99 per skein (6 oz)
• Sale Price: $4.99 – $5.99 per skein
• Clearance: As low as $3.99 per skein for discontinued shades
• Bulk Discount: Save 10% or more when buying 10+ skeins
• Multi-Color Packs: Variety packs of 3, 6 or 12 skeins for $20, $40, etc.

I like to stock up when Joann’s runs their 60% off baby yarn sales or grab discounted bundles on Amazon. With regular prices around $7 per cake, it’s definitely worthwhile to shop the sales and snag this premium yarn at a discount.

Tip: Sign up for loyalty programs and email newsletters to get special offers and coupons for Caron yarn!

Yardage and Weights of Caron Baby Cakes

Each Caron Baby Cakes skein is 6 ounces (170g) and contains 220 yards (201 meters) of yarn.

The yarn is a medium weight categorized as a #3 light/DK weight. It’s lighter than a typical worsted weight yarn but with a bit more thickness and texture than your average baby yarn.

Here’s a quick overview of the Caron Baby Cakes specs:

• Weight: 6 oz (170g) per skein
• Yardage: 220 yards (201 meters)
• Weight Category: DK / Light #3
• Recommended Needle: US 5 – 6 / 3.75 – 4 mm hook

The generous 220 yard skeins mean you can usually complete most baby projects with just 1 or 2 cakes. Blankets, sweaters, accessories only require a few skeins at most.

Fiber Content and Materials

Caron Baby Cakes are made from a custom blend of 85% acrylic and 15% nylon.

Here are the characteristics of each fiber:

• Acrylic – Adds softness, loft and warmth. Easy care.
• Nylon – Creates durability and strength. Improves texture.

Acrylic is used in the vast majority of baby yarns since it is very soft, hypoallergenic and easy to care for. The nylon gives Caron Baby Cakes a better drape and stretch than 100% acrylic yarns.

The result is a plush, machine-washable yarn that is gentle for sensitive baby skin. Many moms love acrylic/nylon blends for babies since they launder well and hold up to repeated use and wear.

Available Colors and Prints

One of the best parts of Caron Baby Cakes is the huge selection of beautiful, soft, baby-friendly colors and prints.

Some of the shades available include:

• Pretty pastels like blue mint, peach blush, lavender breeze
• Happy brights like lemon burst, cherry cola, orange cream
• Neutrals like snow day, angel wings, dove grey
• Plus sophisticated tones like martini olive, cabernet, and tiramisu

The unique space dye effect gives each skein tonal variations that add visual texture and interest. Every cake is dyed in a spectrun of shades that give projects depth and dimension.

In addition to 60+ solid colors, there are also fun variegated and sprinkle-flecked Baby Cakes like:

• Fair Isle – Multi-colored flecks on a white background
• Twinkle – Dense rainbow sprinkles against a solid backdrop
• Ombres – Fading color gradients like pink to blue
• Confetti – Sparsely flecked with rainbow sprinkles
• Tweeds – Multi-hued nubs create flecked tweed effect

You can instantly recognize Caron Baby Cakes by their signature space dyed ombre effect. Browse all the styles and shades to find the perfect color palette for your next baby project.

Soft and Hypoallergenic for Babies

Caron Baby Cakes have a cotton candy-like texture that is incredibly soft and ideal for babies’ sensitive skin. The yarn has a nice squishy feel and just the right amount of cushioning.

Acrylic fibers have hypoallergenic properties that help minimize skin irritation for babies. Meanwhile the nylon content gives Caron Baby Cakes better elasticity than stiff 100% acrylic yarns.

The result is a supersoft, hypoallergenic yarn that is gentle and safe for babies. It has just the right amount of drape and flexibility to make cozy blankets, plush toys and comfortable clothes that move with baby.

Many parents love how Caron Baby Cakes get even softer with washing. The yarn relaxes and blooms when machine washed and dried. Plus the colors stay vibrant wash after wash.

You can feel confident using Caron Baby Cakes for any baby. Their skin-friendly fibers make this a top choice for knitting or crocheting baby items.

Ideal for Blankets, Clothes and Toys

Thanks to its great softness and range of colors, Caron Baby Cakes is wonderful for making all types of baby projects including:

• Baby blankets – Caron Baby Cakes is the quintessential baby blanket yarn. The colors are beautiful in blankets and the yarn softens up through washing and use. Easy care is a must for baby blankets!
• Clothes and accessories – Lightweight yet plush, this yarn works nicely for sweaters, booties, hats and other apparel that touch baby’s skin.
• Afghans and lap blankets – Not just for babies! The vibrant Caron Baby Cakes colors look great in children’s blankets and lap blankets too.
• Toys and stuffed animals – Try crocheting or knitting plush toys with Caron Baby Cakes. The softness is perfect for playtime.
• Decor – Use this yarn for placemats, rugs, pillow covers and accessories to decorate a baby’s room.

While labeled a “baby” yarn, don’t be afraid to also use Caron Baby Cakes for projects for older kids and adults too. The yarn is crazy soft and available in grown up sophisticated tones in addition to pastels.

Tips for Working with Caron Baby Cakes Yarn

Here are some top tips for crocheting and knitting with Caron Baby Cakes based on my experience:

• Use a size 5 – 6 needle or H/I crochet hook – The thicker hooks and needles work best with this DK weight yarn. Size 4 or smaller may split the yarn.
• Wind into cakes before use – Baby Cakes sometimes arrive with yarn barf (tangled strands). Winding into a cake first helps prevent knots.
• Work up to gauge – Make a swatch to match pattern gauge for most consistent results. Yarn thickness varies by dye lot.
• Watch color changes – When working color patterns, pay attention to transitions between color shades.
• Handle gently – Acrylic yarns can pill. Avoid tugging and handle cakes gently.
• Add steam to block – Steam blocking helps even out stitches and makes projects nice and drapey.

With some thoughtful preparation, you’ll find Caron Baby Cakes to be a delightful yarn for everything from baby blankets to adult sweaters.

Free Baby Blanket Patterns Using Caron Baby Cakes

One of my favorite things about Caron yarn is all the free pattern inspiration available. Here are some of my top picks for free Caron Baby Cakes crochet and knitting patterns:

Springtime Baby Blanket – Easy quintuple single crochet blanket. Great for beginners.

Crochet Ripple Baby Blanket – Beautiful rippling texture in post stitch double crochet.

Knit Baby Cables Blanket – Cozy textured knit blanket with mock cable ribs.

Sweet Scallops Baby Blanket – Scalloped blanket edged in single crochet.

Crochet Basket Weave Blanket – Alternating front and back post double crochet.

Check Caron’s sites for patterns using multiple cakes. Having a color guide helps visualize how shades will interplay.

Quantity Needed for a Baby Blanket

If you’re planning a baby blanket with Caron Baby Cakes, here’s a rough estimate of how many skeins you’ll need:

• 1 cake – Small throw about 25″ x 30″
• 2 cakes – Medium throw around 35″ x 40″
• 3 cakes – Large throw around 45″ x 60″

I recommend 2 to 3 cakes for a typical baby blanket measuring about 36 x 45 inches. Buying an extra skein gives you a cushion for fringe or other finishing details.

The blanket pattern and stitch technique will impact yardage needs too. More open lacy stitches use more yarn than dense stitches like single crochet.

It’s always smart to purchase an extra skein just in case. You can use leftovers for accent stripes, edging, appliques or hair bows!

Is Caron Baby Cakes Machine Washable?

One of the best things about Caron Baby Cakes yarn is that it is completely machine washable and dryable.

The acrylic fiber can be tossed in the washing machine and dryer without worry. Some parents even wash Caron Baby Cakes projects in hot water to maximize sanitation.

Washing and drying helps relax the yarn fibers and make projects even softer. The colors stay bright and the yarn remains durable through repeated machine washing.

This easy care machine washability makes Caron Baby Cakes a practical option for baby items that will be laundered frequently. You don’t have to worry about special washing requirements.

Tip: Use a laundry bag or pillowcase to protect larger projects like blankets from pilling in the washer and dryer.

Long Lasting Durability for Heirloom Projects

In addition to being soft and easy to care for, Caron Baby Cakes yarn offers excellent durability and longevity.

The plied yarn construction gives blankets, clothes and toys made with Baby Cakes outstanding strength and durability. Projects hold up beautifully through years of use and machine washing.

Many parents pass down Caron Baby Cakes projects as heirlooms since the yarn remains soft and colorful even after frequent machine washing and repeated use. The colors do not bleed or fade over time.

Between the rich color palettes and durable fibers, projects made with Caron Baby Cakes truly become keepsakes to cherish for years to come.

Ideal for Beginners But Loved by Experts

Caron Baby Cakes is a great match for beginner to intermediate crocheters and knitters. The balance of softness and strength makes it pleasant to work with.

The color changes provide built-in texture and visual interest, even when using simple stitches. You can create beautiful blankets, clothes and toys without having to master complex techniques.

But advanced crocheters and knitters love Caron Baby Cakes too! The yarn shows off more intricate lace, cable and colorwork stitches beautifully. And the palette satisfies crafters who want more than just pastels.

On Ravelry, Caron Baby Cakes is used for everything from simple single crochet blankets to elaborate lace shawls and sweaters.

No matter your skill level, Caron Baby Cakes is a winner. The yarn’s great properties make any project look polished and professional.

Customer Reviews and Testimonials

Caron Baby Cakes yarn earns rave reviews across the web. On various sites, it averages between 4 and 5 stars out of 5.

Here’s what fans say about this top-rated baby yarn:

“It really does feel like a baby cake! So incredibly soft and the colors make beautiful blankets.”

“I don’t usually like acrylic yarn but Caron Baby Cakes is so soft and snuggly. Works up beautifully.”

“The variegated colors are lovely. I used two cakes to make a stunning blanket as a gift.”

“One of my favorite yarns for baby items. Affordable, super soft against skin and great colors.”

“I love how the colors blend together. Makes amazing rainbow baby blankets.”

“Softer than other brands and much higher quality. My go-to for baby gifts!”

It’s clear that Caron Baby Cakes satisfies crafters of all skill levels and produces exceptional results, especially for blankets and apparel.

Top Tips for Buying Caron Baby Cakes Yarn

After reading this guide, I hope you feel confident to start your own Caron Baby Cakes project! Here are my top tips for buying this wonderful yarn:

• Look for sales and coupon deals to save money. Sign up for retailer loyalty programs.
• Feel the yarn quality firsthand whenever possible. Check for softness.
• Swatch to determine yardage needs and get gauge. Avoid running out of yarn mid-project.
• Wind skeins into cakes first to prevent tangles and knots.
• Handle gently and watch out for pilling. Acrylic fibers are delicate.
• Buy an extra skein as backup for larger blankets or clothing.
• Follow laundering recommendations and use a bag to protect projects.
• Browse free patterns on Yarnspirations.com and Ravelry to inspire your own creation.
• Have fun making heirloom blankets, clothes and toys for the babies in your life!

I hope you’ve found this guide helpful for choosing the best yarn for your next baby project. Let me know if you have any other questions – I’m always happy to help fellow crafters! Wishing you many happy hours of stitching with the softest Caron Baby Cakes yarn.