Caron Simply Soft Yarn Burgundy

Discovering the Rich Elegance of a Crafting Essential

In the diverse world of fiber arts, certain materials stand out not just for their utility, but for their ability to transform ordinary projects into extraordinary creations. Among these treasures is a gem that has captured the hearts of both novice and veteran crafters alike: Caron Simply Soft Yarn in Burgundy. This isn’t just another skein on the shelf—it’s a gateway to creative possibilities that deserve to be explored in depth.

As the autumn winds begin to whisper through the trees and the landscape transitions to rich, warm hues, my thoughts inevitably turn to cozy evenings spent with needles clicking or hook in hand. This season, I’ve found myself repeatedly drawn to one particular shade that seems to embody the very essence of fall’s romantic palette. That shade is the deep, sophisticated burgundy offered by Caron in their Simply Soft line, and I’m convinced it might just be the perfect yarn for this time of year.

What Exactly Is Caron Simply Soft Yarn Burgundy?

Caron Simply Soft stands as one of the most recognizable and beloved yarn lines in the crafting community, and their Burgundy colorway represents everything that makes this brand exceptional. This medium-weight worsted yarn offers an unparalleled combination of softness and durability that has made it a staple in knitters’ and crocheters’ stashes worldwide. But what sets the Burgundy shade apart?

This isn’t just any red yarn. The Burgundy shade (sometimes listed as color #9761) captures the essence of fine wine—deep, rich, and complex. It’s neither a bright cherry red nor a muted maroon, but rather that perfect middle ground that evokes images of vintage velvet, ripened grapes on the vine, and the most elegant autumn leaves. The color depth is remarkable, with subtle variations that catch the light differently depending on how you view it.

The yarn itself comes wrapped in Caron’s signature packaging, easily identifiable in craft stores with its clean, modern labeling. Each skein holds the promise of projects that will not only feel wonderful against the skin but will retain their rich color and texture through countless wears and washes.

The Technical Specifications: What You Need to Know

Before diving into a new project, understanding your materials is essential. Caron Simply Soft Burgundy has specifications that make it particularly versatile:

Fiber Content: 100% acrylic, though you’d never guess it from the silky touch. Unlike some acrylic yarns that can feel plastic-like or stiff, Simply Soft lives up to its name with a texture that rivals much more expensive natural fibers.

Weight: Medium (4) worsted weight, making it suitable for a wide range of projects from garments to home décor.

Yardage: Each skein contains approximately 315 yards (288 meters), giving you substantial material to work with per purchase.

Skein Weight: 6 ounces (170g) per ball, offering excellent value compared to many premium yarns.

Recommended Hook Size: H/8 (5mm) for crochet projects.

Recommended Needle Size: US 8 (5mm) for knitting projects.

Gauge: Approximately 18 stitches and 24 rows to 4 inches (10 cm) on the recommended needles.

The yarn features a distinct S-twist construction that contributes to its characteristic sheen and drape. This construction detail might seem minor, but it’s part of what gives projects made with Simply Soft that polished, finished look that crafters crave.

Where to Find This Crafting Treasure

If your fingers are already itching to work with this yarn, you’ll be pleased to know it’s widely available. Major craft retailers like Michaels, JOANN, and Hobby Lobby typically stock Caron Simply Soft, including the Burgundy shade. These brick-and-mortar stores often run seasonal sales that can make this already affordable yarn an even better value.

For those who prefer online shopping, options abound. Amazon, Yarnspirations (Caron’s parent company’s website), LoveCrafts, and numerous other online craft suppliers offer the Burgundy shade, often with the convenience of direct-to-door delivery.

Interestingly, some big-box retailers like Walmart and even some dollar stores have been known to carry Simply Soft at competitive prices. If you’re a bargain hunter, it’s worth checking these unexpected sources for deals.

While availability can fluctuate with seasonal stock rotations, the Burgundy shade tends to be part of the core color lineup rather than a limited edition, meaning you can generally find it year-round.

The Investment: Cost Considerations

One of the most appealing aspects of Caron Simply Soft Burgundy is its accessibility. Generally priced between $4.99 and $6.99 per skein at regular retail (prices as of my latest check), it offers exceptional quality for a mid-range price point. This places it firmly in the “affordable luxury” category of yarns—not the cheapest option available, but offering quality far beyond its price tag.

Strategic shoppers can often find it on sale for as low as $3.49 during major craft store promotions or clearance events. Many retailers also offer bulk discounts when purchasing multiple skeins, which is ideal for larger projects like afghans or sweaters that may require 8-10 skeins.

When calculating project costs, remember that the generous yardage per skein means you’ll need fewer balls than with some competing brands. A typical adult hat might require less than one skein, while a scarf might use 1-2, and a throw blanket could require 6-8 depending on the pattern and desired size.

The price-to-quality ratio is where Simply Soft truly shines. While hand-dyed or natural fiber yarns can easily cost $15-25 per skein of comparable yardage, Simply Soft delivers professional-looking results at a fraction of that investment, making luxurious-looking projects accessible to crafters on almost any budget.

The Color Profile: Decoding Burgundy

Color is subjective, and “burgundy” can mean different things to different people. Caron’s interpretation leans toward the sophisticated end of the spectrum. It’s a deep, rich red with subtle purple undertones—think of a well-aged Cabernet Sauvignon rather than a bright Pinot Noir.

The Burgundy shade is a solid colorway, meaning it maintains consistent color throughout the skein rather than featuring variegation or gradient effects. However, one of the characteristics that makes Simply Soft so special is its subtle luster. This gives the solid color a depth that can appear almost multidimensional when worked up, especially in textured stitches that create natural shadows and highlights.

Under different lighting conditions, you might notice the color shifting slightly—appearing more purple-toned in natural daylight and warmer, more traditional red in incandescent lighting. This chameleon-like quality makes it particularly versatile for home décor projects, as it can complement a range of color schemes.

If you’re trying to match this yarn to existing items, it’s worth noting that digital images often struggle to capture the true depth of this color accurately. When possible, seeing it in person is ideal for color matching purposes.

The Finish: That Signature Sheen

A hallmark characteristic of Caron Simply Soft, including the Burgundy shade, is its distinctive sheen. This isn’t the plastic-like gloss found in some budget acrylics, but rather a subtle silky luster that elevates projects to another level.

The yarn falls somewhere between matte and high-gloss on the shine spectrum—perhaps best described as “satin-like.” This quality is particularly effective in the Burgundy colorway, as it mimics the natural sheen found in luxury fabrics like velvet or silk in similar hues.

This lustrous quality is achieved through the manufacturing process rather than through added chemicals or coatings, meaning it won’t wash away or diminish significantly over time. The sheen is integral to the fiber structure itself.

For projects where you want to showcase elegant stitch definition—like cabled sweaters, textured scarves, or intricate lace patterns—this subtle shine works beautifully to highlight your craftsmanship. The light-catching quality brings dimension to even simple stitches, making basic projects look more sophisticated.

Washability and Care: Practical Considerations

One of the major advantages of Caron Simply Soft Burgundy is its easy-care nature. As a premium acrylic yarn, it offers the best of both worlds: the look and feel of more delicate fibers with the practical washability of synthetics.

The yarn is machine washable on gentle cycles with cold water, making it ideal for items that will see regular use or need frequent cleaning. It can be tumble dried on low heat, though many crafters prefer to lay items flat to dry to maintain their original shape and prevent any potential stretching.

The colorfastness of the Burgundy shade is excellent—it holds its rich color through multiple washings without significant fading. This is particularly valuable in a deep shade like Burgundy, as lower-quality red dyes can often bleed or fade quickly.

For optimal care, I recommend washing items made with this yarn in cold water with gentle detergent, avoiding bleach or harsh chemicals. While the yarn can withstand machine washing, handwashing will always extend the life and appearance of your finished projects.

One practical tip worth noting: like many acrylics, Simply Soft responds well to blocking but should never be exposed to high heat directly. Steam blocking works beautifully to shape and set items like lace shawls or garment pieces.

Project Suitability: What Can You Create?

The versatility of Caron Simply Soft Burgundy is perhaps its greatest strength. This medium-weight yarn with excellent drape works for an astounding variety of projects:

Garments and Accessories

The Burgundy shade lends itself beautifully to wearable items. Its rich, sophisticated color makes stunning scarves, hats, and shawls that can serve as statement pieces in a winter wardrobe. The color is flattering against most skin tones, making it a safe choice for gifts.

For garments like sweaters and cardigans, the yarn’s drape creates a flattering silhouette that moves with the body rather than standing stiffly away from it. The slight sheen elevates these pieces, giving them a more polished, expensive look than many other acrylics can achieve.

Fingerless gloves and boot cuffs in this shade add a touch of dramatic color to winter outfits without overwhelming them. The yarn’s softness makes these comfortable for extended wear against sensitive skin areas.

Home Décor

Simply Soft Burgundy transforms ordinary home items into luxurious accents. Throw pillows worked in textured stitches catch the light beautifully, while afghans and throw blankets in this shade add warmth both literally and visually to neutral-toned living spaces.

Table runners and placemats in Burgundy create an elegant foundation for holiday table settings or year-round sophisticated dining. The yarn’s stain resistance makes these practical as well as beautiful.

Basket projects work up quickly and provide both storage and decorative elements. The structured nature of baskets showcases the yarn’s ability to hold shape while still maintaining softness.

Seasonal and Gift Items

The rich wine tone makes this yarn perfect for fall and winter holiday projects. Christmas stockings, ornaments, and holiday-themed décor items benefit from the deep, traditional color that evokes festive warmth.

Valentine’s Day items in this sophisticated red offer a more mature alternative to bright cherry reds, working well for adult recipients who appreciate subtle elegance.

For gift-giving, the yarn’s washability combined with its luxury look makes it ideal for practical yet impressive handmade gifts. Baby blankets, while not in traditional pastel shades, can be stunning in Burgundy when designed for modern parents who appreciate non-traditional color choices.

Is It Baby-Friendly?

While Burgundy isn’t a traditional baby color, the yarn itself is technically suitable for baby items from a practical perspective. The Simply Soft line is extremely gentle against sensitive skin, machine washable, and durable enough to withstand frequent laundering.

For parents who prefer non-traditional nursery colors or are looking for items that can transition as the child grows, Burgundy can be an unexpected but effective choice. It pairs beautifully with neutrals like cream, gray, or tan for baby items that don’t scream “nursery.”

That said, if you’re creating baby items as gifts and aren’t sure of the parents’ color preferences, you might want to consider pairing Burgundy with more traditional baby colors in stripes or color blocks. The Simply Soft line offers numerous complementary shades that work beautifully alongside Burgundy.

Pairing Possibilities: Color Coordination

The depth and richness of Burgundy make it an excellent candidate for color work. Whether you’re planning stripes, color blocking, or more complex Fair Isle or intarsia designs, understanding complementary colors is essential.

Classic Combinations

Burgundy + Cream: This timeless pairing offers high contrast with a vintage feel, perfect for traditional patterns or holiday items.

Burgundy + Gold: For a regal, luxurious look that evokes Renaissance aesthetics or festive holiday spirit.

Burgundy + Forest Green: A classic winter combination reminiscent of traditional Christmas colors but sophisticated enough for year-round use.

Modern Pairings

Burgundy + Gray (particularly charcoal or heather gray): Creates a contemporary, sophisticated palette ideal for modern home décor or fashion-forward garments.

Burgundy + Mustard Yellow: For a bold, on-trend color combination that evokes autumn but works year-round for those who appreciate color.

Burgundy + Teal: An unexpected but harmonious pairing that balances warm and cool tones beautifully.

Monochromatic Options

Within the Caron Simply Soft line, you can create stunning monochromatic projects by pairing Burgundy with other reds like Victorian Rose (lighter) or Autumn Red (more orange-toned). This creates subtle depth without introducing contrasting colors.

Real Crafter Reviews: What Others Are Saying

The crafting community is notoriously honest about materials, and Caron Simply Soft Burgundy has generated substantial feedback over the years. Synthesizing reviews from various crafting forums, retail sites, and social media groups reveals consistent themes:

Positive feedback frequently mentions:

• The exceptional softness compared to other acrylics in the same price range
• Color consistency between different dye lots (important for larger projects)
• The elegant sheen that elevates finished projects
• Durability through washing and wearing
• The yarn’s resistance to pilling, even in high-friction areas

Constructive criticism tends to focus on:

• Some reports of splitting during work, particularly with certain hook types
• The yarn’s slippery nature can be challenging for beginners still developing tension control
• Occasional knots found mid-skein (though this is common across many commercial yarns)

Overall, the Burgundy shade specifically receives praise for its color saturation and ability to maintain its rich tone even after multiple washes. Many reviewers note that projects made with this yarn receive compliments specifically about the color, suggesting its visual impact is significant.

Free Pattern Resources: Getting Started

One advantage of working with a popular yarn like Caron Simply Soft is the abundance of free patterns specifically designed for it. These patterns are optimized for the yarn’s characteristics, helping ensure successful projects:

Yarnspirations (the parent company) offers numerous free patterns on their website that specifically call for Simply Soft. These range from beginner-friendly scarves to more complex afghans and garments.

Ravelry, the popular fiber arts community, has a pattern database where you can search specifically for projects using Caron Simply Soft. Many of these include user photos of completed projects in the Burgundy colorway, giving you a clear idea of how your finished item might look.

YouTube tutorials abound for projects using this yarn, with many designers specifically showcasing the Burgundy shade for its photogenic qualities and visual appeal on camera.

For beginners, simple texture patterns like the moss stitch or basketweave show off the yarn’s sheen particularly well while remaining accessible to new crafters. More advanced crafters might appreciate how cables and lacework maintain excellent stitch definition with this yarn.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Techniques

For crafters looking to push creative boundaries, Caron Simply Soft Burgundy offers excellent performance with a variety of advanced techniques:

Colorwork

The yarn’s consistent thickness and smooth texture make it ideal for colorwork techniques like Fair Isle, intarsia, or mosaic crochet. The Burgundy shade provides excellent contrast against lighter colors without bleeding or blending at the color changes.

Texture Play

The smooth strand allows textured stitches like popcorns, bobbles, cables, and raised patterns to stand out clearly. The slight sheen highlights these textures by creating natural shadows and light reflection points.

Garment Construction

For those venturing into sweaters, dresses, or other fitted items, Simply Soft has enough structure to maintain shape while still draping beautifully. It works well for both close-fitting and more relaxed garment styles.

Mixed Media

Crafters experimenting with mixed media will find that this yarn complements other materials beautifully. It pairs well with wooden beads, leather accents, or metal findings for projects that combine different elements.

Comparing to Other Red Yarns: How Does It Stack Up?

The world of red yarns is vast, ranging from bright cherry to deep garnet. Where does Caron Simply Soft Burgundy fit in this spectrum, and how does it compare to competitors?

Unlike Red Heart Super Saver’s “Burgundy” (which leans slightly more toward the purple end of the spectrum), Caron’s version has more depth and richness. The Simply Soft version also offers significantly more drape and a softer hand feel compared to Super Saver’s stiffer composition.

Compared to Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice “Burgundy,” Caron’s version has a more noticeable sheen and slightly deeper color saturation. Vanna’s Choice has a more matte finish that some prefer for certain projects, but lacks the luminous quality that makes Simply Soft special.

In the premium acrylic category, Bernat Satin’s “Bordeaux” offers similar sheen but at a higher price point per yard than Simply Soft. The colors are comparable, though Bernat’s version sometimes appears slightly darker depending on lighting conditions.

For those considering natural fiber alternatives, Cascade 220 in similar wine shades offers the advantage of wool’s natural elasticity and warmth but at nearly triple the price point and with more complex care requirements.

Conclusion: Why This Yarn Deserves a Place in Your Collection

After exploring every aspect of Caron Simply Soft Burgundy, it’s clear why this yarn has maintained its popularity among crafters of all experience levels. It represents that rare sweet spot where quality, affordability, versatility, and beauty converge.

The rich, sophisticated Burgundy shade offers year-round appeal while being particularly perfect for fall and winter projects. Its ability to elevate simple patterns through its natural sheen and excellent stitch definition makes it accessible to beginners while still satisfying experienced crafters’ standards.

The practical benefits cannot be overstated—machine washability, colorfast dye, and durability ensure that time invested in creating with this yarn results in items that last and maintain their beauty through regular use. In an era where handmade items compete with mass-produced alternatives, this longevity is increasingly valuable.

Whether you’re creating heirlooms to pass down, practical everyday items, seasonal décor, or memorable gifts, Caron Simply Soft Burgundy offers the performance needed for success. Its rich color depth connects to traditional crafting heritage while its modern performance characteristics meet contemporary expectations for convenience.

For those who haven’t worked with this yarn before, I hope this exploration inspires you to pick up a skein and discover its possibilities for yourself. And for those already familiar with its charms, perhaps this has illuminated new potential applications or techniques to explore with an old favorite.

In a crafting world constantly chasing trends and novelty, there’s something deeply satisfying about materials that stand the test of time through consistent quality and versatility. Caron Simply Soft Burgundy is undoubtedly one of those enduring classics—a true crafting essential worthy of any yarn collection.