Caron Simply Soft is a reliable, do-it-all acrylic yarn: soft out of the skein, machine washable, smooth enough to show off stitch definition, and available in a huge colour range. It suits everything from a quick beginner hat to a fitted cardigan or a keepsake baby blanket. We've gathered 31 free patterns, grouped by project type, with the yarn, hook size and skill level listed up front so you can pick your next make in seconds.
How to Choose a Pattern
Picking comes down to three things: who it's for, how much time you have, and your skill level.
- Short on time or new to crochet: start with the hats, cozies and ponchos in the first two sections. Most are easy or beginner level.
- Gifting to a new parent: the baby blankets and the baby jacket & hat set are machine washable, which parents appreciate.
- Decorating your home: the throws show off the yarn's drape and colour range, with no sizing to worry about.
- Ready for a challenge: the jackets, tunics and shawls reward more experienced crocheters with texture and shaping.
Tip: Caron Simply Soft is acrylic, so it's best for cozy, decorative and wearable pieces rather than absorbent kitchen cloths.
Easy Accessories, Toys and Fun Makes
Quick projects that work up fast and make great gifts.
- Lambchop Hat (Easy): 1 skein Grey or Ivory, 1 skein Soft Pink, size H hook. Comes in two sizes.
- Coffee-on-the-Go Cozy (Easy): 1 skein in any colour, size G hook.
- Twist 'N' Shout Cowl (Intermediate): 3 skeins Teal Sparkle, size H hook.
- Bear Feet Slippers (Intermediate): 1-2 skeins depending on size, size 7 hook, black yarn for embroidery.
- Sock Monkey Toy (Intermediate): 2 skeins Chocolate; 1 skein each Bone, Autumn Red and Black; size H hook. (Via Yarnspirations)
- Christmas Star Ornament (Easy): 1 skein each Autumn Red and Dark Sage, size H hook. (Via LoveCrafts)
Ponchos, Wraps and Shawls
Simply Soft drapes beautifully over the shoulders, and these pieces are forgiving on fit.
- The Gift Poncho (Beginner): 3 skeins each Grey Heather and Bone, size K hook, tapestry needle. Three sizes.
- Weekend Wrap with Flower (Easy): 2 skeins each Autumn Red and Grey Heather, size K and size 7 hooks, tapestry needle, five 4 mm dark grey beads, sewing thread and needle.
- Simply Shawl (Easy): 4 skeins White, size H hook. (Via Yarnspirations)
- Flowers Shawl (Easy): 4 skeins Country Blue, size H hook.
- Friendship Shawl (Intermediate): 3 skeins Plum Wine, size H hook, 19 mm knitting needle. (Via LoveCrafts)
- Flower Motif Wrap (Experienced): 1 skein Victorian Rose, size I hook. (Via Ravelry)
- Pineapple Shawl: 2 skeins Eco, size J hook. A classic pineapple stitch in Simply Soft Eco.
Jackets, Tunics and Summer Tops
The yarn's drape keeps garments soft and polished rather than stiff.
- Floral Cami (Intermediate): 2 skeins White, size H hook, two 90 cm ribbons. A summer-weight make. (Via Ravelry)
- Soft Sage Circle Jacket (Intermediate): 4-5 skeins Sage depending on size, size I and H hooks, two plastic bone rings for closures.
- Lacy Jacket (Intermediate): 3-5 skeins Blue Mint depending on size, size I and G hooks, 2 plastic bone rings.
- Asymmetrical Jacket (Intermediate): 2-3 skeins Chocolate depending on size; 1-2 skeins each Raspberry, Bone, Dk. Sage and Grey Heather; size J hook.
- Kimono Shrug (Easy): 3-4 skeins Autumn Red depending on size, 2 skeins Country Blue, size G and J hooks, 118 cm flat braid trim, brass, bugle and glass beads, tapestry needle, beading thread, sewing needle and thread.
- Simple Tunic (Experienced): 4-7 skeins Bone depending on size, 1 skein each Chocolate, Iris and Grape, size G, H and I hooks. (Via Yarnspirations)
- Renaissance Tunic (Experienced): Dark Country, Light Country, Black and Orchid (skein counts vary by size), size H, I and J hooks. (Via LoveCrafts)
Throws and Home Décor
Blankets and throws let the yarn's colour range and drape do the work.
- Retro Circle Throw (Easy): 8 skeins Bone; 3 skeins each White, Chocolate and Blue Mint; size J hook.
- Land & Sea Throw (Easy): 3 skeins each Simply Soft Eco in Forest Floor, Ocean Mist and Natural; size I hook.
- Eco Throw (Easy): 2 skeins Black, 3 skeins each Ocean Mist and Forest Floor, size I hook.
- Hexagonal Throw (Easy): 3 skeins Off White; 2 skeins each Chartreuse, Light Country Blue and Victorian Rose; size H hook. (Via Yarnspirations)
- Spider Stitch Throw (Intermediate): 6 skeins Plum Perfect, 3 skeins each Ocean and Wine Country, size H hook.
- Winter Posies Lap Robe (Intermediate): 3 skeins each Ocean and Plum Perfect, size I hook.
- Granny with Radiant Stripes Blanket (Intermediate): 4 skeins Blue Mint; 3 skeins each Royal Blue, Bone and Off-White; size H hook.
- Spiral Throw: 9 skeins White, 8 skeins Blue, size J and K hooks. A striking, unusual construction.
Baby Blankets and Nursery Favourites
Simply Soft is gentle on delicate skin, comes in soothing colours, and survives the washing machine.
- Blue Plaid Baby Blanket (Easy): 3 skeins White, 2 skeins Light Country Blue, 1 skein Country Blue, size H hook. (Via Yarnspirations)
- Soft Shells Baby Blanket (Easy): 3 skeins each Misty Green and Baby Powder, 2 skeins Soft Green, size H hook.
- Baby Jacket & Hat Set (Intermediate): 3-4 skeins Aqua Mist depending on size, 1 skein Heather Mist, size I hook, 3-4 buttons.
Easy-care win: because Simply Soft is machine washable, parents will actually reach for your handmade gift again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What projects can I make with Caron Simply Soft yarn?
Hats, cowls, shawls, ponchos, jackets, tunics, baby blankets, throws, slippers, toys and seasonal décor. Its soft feel, smooth finish and drape make it versatile for both gifts and everyday pieces.
What is Caron Simply Soft best for?
Soft, polished projects that benefit from drape and clear stitch definition, such as wearables, baby gifts, lightweight blankets and shawls. Because it's machine washable, it's also practical for items that get used often.
Which pattern should a beginner start with?
The Gift Poncho is labelled beginner, and the Lambchop Hat, Coffee-on-the-Go Cozy, Simply Shawl and Blue Plaid Baby Blanket are all easy-level.
Can I use Simply Soft Eco instead?
The Land & Sea Throw, Eco Throw and Pineapple Shawl are designed for the Eco version, which is made from recycled fibres.
