Caron Cotton Cakes Yarn

Unraveling the Details on Caron’s Cozy Cotton Yarn Cakes

As a crocheter and knitter, I’m always on the lookout for fun new yarns to fuel my hobby. Recently, I discovered Caron Cotton Cakes, a line of enticing cotton yarn “cakes” that seem ideal for everything from summer garments to home decor projects. Since this yarn was new to me, I decided to do some digging to get all the details on cost, availability, yardage, weight, fiber content, and more. Here’s what I learned after extensively researching Caron’s cotton cakes yarn collection!

Where to Buy

Caron Cotton Cakes can be purchased online and in craft stores across the United States. All the major online retailers like Amazon, JOANN Fabrics, Michaels, and Herrschners carry the yarn line. I also found it available on independent online shops for knitters and crocheters like Jimmy Beans Wool and Yarn.com.

In terms of brick-and-mortar stores, Michaels, JOANN, and Hobby Lobby all stock Caron Cotton Cakes in the yarn section. Local yarn shops or independent craft stores may also carry it, but call ahead to check availability. The yarn line has become popular since its release, so stores sometimes have trouble keeping it in stock.

Cost and Yardage

Caron Cotton Cakes are considered a mid-range priced yarn, retailing between $6.99 and $12.99 per cake depending on the retailer. Each cake contains approximately 335 yards of yarn. For crafters, that translates to about 3 average sized adult hats or a pair of socks per cake.

Considering you get nearly 400 yards of soft cotton for around $10 a cake, the cost-per-yard ratio is very reasonable. This makes Caron Cotton Cakes a great value for cotton yarns.

Weight and Materials

Caron Cotton Cakes is classified as a medium or worsted weight yarn. It is 100% mercerized cotton and does not contain any wool or acrylic. The cotton has a subtle sheen that gives projects a luminescent look. It also makes the yarn stronger and helps prevent pilling.

The medium weight gives Cotton Cakes excellent drape and is light enough for wearable garments like summer tops and cardigans. But it’s also sturdy enough for home goods like pillows, placemats or towels.

Color Selection

One of the most fun aspects of Caron Cotton Cakes is the huge assortment of colorways. There are over 80 brilliant options like Peaches & Cream, Lemon Drop, Grape Crush, Pistachio Cream, and Sea Glass.

Many of the cakes have variegated coloring that transitions from shades of pink to orange or purple to blue. This self-striping effect adds beautiful pops of color when crocheted or knitted up.

Perfect for Wearables and Home Goods

The medium cotton weight, variety of colors, and soft feel make Caron Cotton Cakes yarn ideal for both apparel and household items. Simple tops, dresses, blankets, and cardigans would all look great in Cotton Cakes yarns. The colors and textures lend themselves beautifully to children’s clothes as well.

For home projects, Cotton Cakes works up into trendy “messy bun” hats, reusable produce bags, lightweight bath towels, and more. The cotton fiber makes pieces both durable and machine washable.

Bonus: Free Crochet and Knit Patterns

Caron provides tons of free patterns for Cotton Cakes yarn on their website. Choices range from crocheted hats and crossbody bags to knit socks and easy linen stitch scarves. They also offer pattern booklets focused just on Cotton Cakes projects.

As a beginner, I appreciate being able to find curated patterns that work with a specific yarn’s weight and yardage. It takes the guesswork out of choosing a project.

How Much Yarn for a Blanket?

One of my planned projects for this yarn is a summer striped blanket. For an average adult sized blanket measuring about 50 x 60 inches, I would need 14 to 15 balls of Caron Cotton Cakes.

The total yardage needed is approximately 4500 yards. Each Cotton Cakes ball has 335 yards, so I’ll buy 15 balls to give myself a little extra. Better to have leftover yarn than run short halfway through a blanket!

Ideal for Garments and Wearables

While my blanket will use Cotton Cakes for the home, the yarn is also perfect for wearing. The blend of cotton with a touch of microfiber gives finished pieces a lovely drape and flow. Cotton Cakes has enough weight to provide structure yet remains airy and breathable.

For summer cardigans, dresses or tops, I would need about 5 balls for an adult size medium. The excellent stitch definition shows off lace patterns and textured stitches beautifully. And the colors stay vibrant even after washing.

Gradient and Self-Striping Effects

One of my favorite things about Cotton Cakes is the gradient color shifts. Many of the cakes go from light to dark or fade between two or more colors as they are crocheted or knitted.

For example, the Peaches & Cream cake starts off white at one end. As you crochet along the yarn, it slowly transitions to peach, pink, coral, and finally dark peach.

This creates a beautiful ombre effect in the final piece that looks like it would take advanced planning and colorwork skills. But the color changes happen naturally as you work.

How it Compares to Caron Big Cakes

Caron Big Cakes is another popular Caron yarn line. Both Big Cakes and Cotton Cakes have color changing variegation and are packaged in convenient cake formats.

But Big Cakes contains a wool and acrylic blend, making it warmer for winter accessories and garments. It is also heavier than Cotton Cakes – a bulky weight yarn versus Cotton Cakes’ medium weight.

While both are great yarn lines, Cotton Cakes has a lighter feel that’s suited for spring and summer projects using cotton fibers.

Recommended Needle Size

The suggested hook or needle sizes for Cotton Cakes yarn is US size 7 to 9 for both knitting and crocheting. Usually a size H or I crochet hook would be appropriate. Make sure to check your gauge swatch and adjust up or down a hook size as needed to match specifications.

For blended cotton and acrylic yarns, I like using an aluminum crochet hook. The smoothness helps prevent snagging the fibers.

Care Instructions

Since Caron Cotton Cakes is 100% cotton, it is machine washable and dryable. There is minimal risk of shrinkage or distortion with cotton yarns as long as heat is kept low.

I recommend using a gentle wash cycle and air drying when possible. Adding a no-heat tumble in the dryer once projects are 80% dry helps soften the cotton further without damaging the fibers.

Washes Up Well

Cotton is the perfect fiber for kitchen and bathroom projects that need frequent washing. Potholders, dishcloths, and towels made with Cotton Cakes can be thrown in the wash without worry. The colors won’t bleed or fade and the cotton will maintain its texture wash after wash.

Reviews and Testimonials

After checking crochet and knitting forums, Cotton Cakes receives glowing reviews from a wide range of crafters. They love the bounce and drape of the cotton along with the inspiring color gradients. Many share photos of the lovely FOs they’ve made with this yarn.

Negative reviews are hard to find – most cite the affordable price, soft feel, and generous yardage as reasons they continue buying Cotton Cakes for all kinds of projects.

Finding Cotton Cakes on Sale

The affordability of Caron Cotton Cakes makes it accessible for almost every budget. But who can resist a bargain on their favorite yarn?

I look out for sales at JOANN Fabrics and Michaels where you can often find coupon codes for 10-20% off regular price yarns. Signing up for email newsletters means you’ll be the first to know when Cotton Cakes goes on sale.

Craftsy.com and Etsy sellers also promote flash sales on Caron yarns, so check there frequently for discounted Cotton Cakes dyelots. With a sale and coupon code, you can stock up on these cotton yarn cakes!

After doing extensive research on Caron’s Cotton Cakes yarn line, I can’t wait to start crocheting my ownproject with these enticing cakes! Their beautiful colors, soft cotton feel, and budget-friendly price make Cotton Cakes a must-try. Whether making wearables or home goods, this yarn offers quality, versatility and the perfect summery feel.