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Bernat Pop!, Caron Cakes, Mandala, Sweet Rolls Comparison

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87 Comments

Oh yarn cakes how I love thee, let me count the ways. (literally, I’m fixin’ to count the ways) I don’t always know what to do with you but first I want to stare at you, and then I want to buy you, and then I want to run my fingers through you until I know what to make with you. It sounds so scandalous when I say it like that.

The Difference in Bernat Pop! Yarn Cakes, Caron Cakes, Mandala and Sweet Rolls

Pin Bernat Pops, Mandala, Caron Cakes and Sweet Rolls Yarn Cakes

No matter if we are talking Caron Cakes from Michaels (the yarn cakes that started this whole phenomenon) or Sweet Rolls from Joann’s or the NEW Bernat Pop! yarn cakes found at Walmart; I want them all. And now Lion Brand has come out with their own new version called Mandala cakes, also found at Walmart. All the pretty colors, the textures, the excitement and anticipation of not knowing when that color will change. Oh, the things us yarn enthusiasts get excited about.

I have already shared an extensive article on the differences (and similarities) of the Caron Cakes and Sweet Rolls here on Heart Hook Home. Now we are going to add in the Bernat Pop! yarn cakes and the Lion Brand Mandala yarn cakes.

The Difference In Yarn Cakes

Honestly: I love ALL of these cakes. I do like some more than others, and for various reasons. So keep reading friend!

The Difference in Bernat Pop! Yarn Cakes, Caron Cakes, Mandala and Sweet Rolls

Caron Cakes

I like the Caron Cakes because of the beautiful colors. This yarn is super soft, although it does contain that 20% wool. One thing I have noticed is that as time goes on, they are releasing new colors and discontinuing the older. Moral of the story: buy as much as you think you’ll need now, else you may not find it later. I love the length, I was able to make an entire Triangle Scarf with just one skein! One thing I do not like about Caron Cakes: the abrupt color changes. If shopping online you can purchase these through Michaels, but only in multiples of three. As if that’s a problem. 😉

The Difference in Bernat Pop! Yarn Cakes, Caron Cakes, Mandala and Sweet Rolls

Bernat Pop! Yarn Cakes

This yarn feels bit “fuzzier” to me. Not that this is a problem, in fact I like the way it feels compared to the other yarns in this article. I have noticed though that there are random little pops (no pun intended) of color where they shouldn’t be. (see photo)

The Difference in Bernat Pop! Yarn Cakes, Caron Cakes, Mandala and Sweet Rolls

I do love the size of these cakes, and the value (regular price at least) is much better than that of the Caron Cakes or Sweet Rolls. One thing I do not like: the abrupt color changes.

The Difference in Bernat Pop! Yarn Cakes, Caron Cakes, Mandala and Sweet Rolls

Sweet Rolls

This yarn is my least favorite of the cakes. Please do not interpret that as bad. It really isn’t, it’s just not my favorite. Of the three I have had the pleasure of caressing (the Caron Cakes, Bernat Pop! and the Sweet Rolls) these are the scratchiest. If you have previously worked with Sweet Rolls, this may surprise you as they are quite soft. I wish these were longer (they are the shortest of the cakes) and that the colors didn’t change so abruptly. I do love the color choices though.

The Difference in Bernat Pop! Yarn Cakes, Caron Cakes, Mandala and Sweet Rolls

Mandala Cakes

Mandala yarn cakes are are a little thinner/lighter weight than the other three cakes I’ve discussed. These are also a whopping 590 yards (!!!) and would be the perfect yarn to pair with my Dragon Tears Fingerless Gloves pattern.

In fact, I was able to make TWO pairs of my GORGEOUS gloves out of just ONE Mandala cake.  I did control the colors on these Dragon Tears Fingerless gloves and this is How to Create Planned Color Transitions in crochet so that the colors lay just like you want them.

Dragon Tears Fingerless Gloves Crochet Pattern

Which of these cakes is your favorite and why? Are you looking for some patterns to use up all these yarn cakes? Corner to corner crochet makes a gorgeous blanket (for babies, throws, even king size!) or you could make that Triangle Scarf I was telling you about. I have also seen beautiful virus blankets made with all kinds of cakes.

If you’ve got the Mandala I *highly* recommend trying my gloves pattern. It would be absolutely GORGEOUS and I’ll be making myself a pair as soon as I find them. Make sure you are part of the Heart Hook Home Crochet Community on Facebook so you get updated when I get my hands on that Mandala!

More crochet tips and tutorials before you go:

How to Add a Border in Crochet
How to Make the Perfect Mohawk Beanie Using Pom Poms
How to Size Crochet Beanies + Master Beanie Pattern
The Crab Stitch Crochet Stitch + Video Tutorial
Easy Peasy 30-Minute Beanie Crochet Pattern
Child Size Messy Bun Beanie Crochet Pattern

Comments

  1. Gerry/Grace says

    While time consuming, I decided when I bought my cakes through Lion on line, I would try something different. My sister separated her colors for weaving. I decided to separate mine for various projects. So, All four of my cakes, I gave one to sister, I sat and painstakingly separated out all the various colors. One has to be dedicated to colors to do this. I used card stock I had to make cards, folded the size of one half of a toilet paper roll. Full size for the ones that were more on color. Needless to say I have a variety of shades from greys, yellows, blues, etc. It was amazing how many shades in one cake. So for simple accessories like doll clothes/accessories for, I have it all sorted out. Would I do it again? Most likely. I’m a sucker for punishment.
    Reply

  2. Helen says

    I want to knit a baby blanket from one of these yarn cake rolls. I have to have a yarn that is soft and washes well. What do you suggest and have you tried Plymouth Hot Cakes Roll? Glad for any advice!
    Reply

  3. Konnie says

    I am not a fan of the cakes. The patterns I've seen with the abrupt color changes look tacky. (My opinion). So I stay away from them. It would drive me crazy. And those "pops" that just show up....UGH! The yarns that have subtle blended color changes are fine.
    Reply

    • Cindy says

      Mandala has subtle color changes and the color schemes are beautiful. It is helpful to find cakes that start with the same color in enough to complete the project. I did have to pull off the first color on one cake to make the correct sequence of colors. But attached it to the last color in sequence so none was wasted. I made a lapgan that came out soft and beautiful. It is a light yarn but was perfect for our warmer southern winter.
      Reply

  4. Linda Shepherd says

    I am not impressed with Bernat Pops - I bought several rolls and in each one, colors are bled onto other colors. EX - I am knitting "Lipstick on your collar" - in the grey part of the yarn, the hot pink and red show up - it is the same with the white yarn on this roll. It truly makes the scarf I am knitting look tacky.
    Reply

  5. Sara says

    Just finished my first project with Sweet Rolls. Loved the color changes but found I needed a fairly plain pattern to not compete with the stripes. Also just finished my first blanket from mandala. At first it was quite tedious to work with and frustrated with the sudden changes in density of thread but I "got over it". The finished product was mesmerizing. I laid it on my living room floor and just starred at it. The drape is lovely and perfect for a warmer weather baby blanket. I will definitely be buying more of this. I made a blanket 36 X 45 out of two and about a half cakes.
    Reply

  6. Pamela Conley says

    Since Mandala is a 3 instead of 4, does it take more yarn for an afghan? Or can you go up a hook size without it being too loose?
    Reply

    • Heart Hook Home says

      Hi Pamela! Yes, if using a 3 instead of a 4, you will need more yarn to complete an afghan. You can go up a hook size, but you are correct that the stitch will be looser (which may not be an issue if that's the look you want) and the stitch will still probably be a bit smaller than what a 4 weight yarn would be with the same size hook. Hope that makes sense!
      Reply

  7. Laura says

    you did not state in your review how many colors there are in each cake. I know sweet roll only has 3, I would like to know how many color are in each cake for each brand. thanks
    Reply

  8. Sheila says

    You didn't state whether the Mandala color changes are subtle or not (although the other three you stated they weren't. I would like to try a triangle scarf and was wondering about that. Could you clarify please?
    Reply

    • Carolyn says

      I just finished making a shawl in Mandala Wood Nymph (after making one in Caron Cakes), and I have to say that the Mandala had a smoother transition for the most part.
      Reply

      • Sherri says

        Hello. Did you knit or crochet it? I’m having trouble finding knitting patterns for mandala yarns. I wanna knit a shawl.
        Reply

  9. jen says

    Hobby Lobby now has a cake. It is called Sugarwheel. I haven't used it yet, but I plan on making an iPad cover with it for a friend. She chose the yarn. It will be interesting.
    Reply

  10. Brenda Oldroyd says

    Does anyone have coordinating solid colors that match Mandala Wizard? Or any of the Mandala's? I'd love to do a solid color border on a blanket that I used Wizard for, and I have several more rolls of different Mandala's that I will be using soon.
    Reply

  11. jdh says

    I've only tried the Bernat Pop!, so far. I loved the softness of it in the finished scarf (cashmere-like but fluffy). But I found working with it extremely frustrating because it's SO smooth and frictionless that I had a dickens of a time keeping the tension tight enough -- the yarn kept slipping through my feed-hand fingers! (I knit American style, perhaps if I could do European it would be better). Am I missing something?
    Reply

  12. Tina says

    My question would be what is the length of yarn before each color change in each of the brands?! I knew it's an odd .. And maybe a time consuming question but it works make a huge difference in which i would purchase for certain projects.
    Reply

    • Ashlea says

      Hello! I don't know the exact yardage, but all of these are much longer than I thought originally. I also try to make sure I purchase cakes that start and end at the same color (or abouts) so that I can better plan my projects, if that makes sense.
      Reply

  13. Nancy Mower says

    I have tried them all and currently working with Bernat Pop..I am knitting a shawl and I find that the yarn is rather firm when knitted up and do not think it will drape very well..little dissapointed because I do like the colors but I find that the color changes were just tied on which I do not like to see..this is just my opinion..
    Reply

    • Krayolakat says

      I plan to crochet a poncho from a pattern found on yarninspirations, it does look bulky; but I think it will make a terrific late fall/winter poncho. It's defiantly too thick for a shawl as I am making a afghan & it's quite bulky for that purpose; I think it should be classified more a 5 than its current 4 for weight. Though the 4 rating is medium, it more a light bulky.
      Reply

  14. BritK says

    Found your article today after being curious about the Mandala and Pop! yarns! My Walmart has a TON of both currently and I'm intrigued. I've played with the Sweet Roll yarns, I really like them but I'm thinking that Mandala would make a fab lightweight cardi for fall. Picking a color way may be difficult.
    Reply

    • Krayolakat says

      Yes, I have several n yet to make anything. Saving them for scarves n hats; hand wash because of the wool.
      Reply

    • Eileen says

      I machine wash articles I've made with Caron cakes. I use gentle cycle and lay flat to dry. I haven't had any problems., in fact it makes the articles even softer.
      Reply

  16. Frances says

    No wonder we can't find any in the stores. Look on Amazon. People with Amazon "stores" have bought it up and they are selling it at a pretty hefty mark-up.
    Reply

  17. Vida says

    If you want a real treat, try Ice Yarns Cakes. They come in various weights, from fine to worsted, in different fibers from cotton/acrylic blends to fur types to cotton/acrylic with lurex mixed in. The color changes are more subtle and the yarn itself is a joy to work with.
    Reply

  18. Maggie says

    I am curious as to which ones have the shorter color runs. I have knit with the Caron cakes and the color run seems very long. Great review!
    Reply

  19. Dee says

    I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the color, particularly the wool blend of the Caron. Would love to try the Mandala; however, we don't choose to shop at WalMart, so the limitation of one vendor to fulfill the frenzy, is a bit frustrating. One thing people may or may not know - there are more colors of Caron available through Michaels.com than through the stores or even the app!
    Reply

  21. Judy says

    Got some Pop yarn at Wal-Mart and I need more. I was told that it had been discontinued. Where can I get more? I have been to stores in all The county's around my hometown. Please help.
    Reply

  22. Di Carlson says

    Super review! Thanks. Now I REALLY need thos Pops & Mandalas! I'm calling on of the southern Walmarts & getting some shipped.
    Reply

      • Lee Deal says

        Can you post a picture of the color or the label? Or email me. I live in Suffolk Va, not too far from South Hill. I would be willing to check my local stores and send you some if I can find it. jldeal60@aol.com
        Reply

  23. hansfish says

    Thank you for your insight here -- I don't have anywhere near me I can actually get my hands on two of these yarns (sad face). You updated that you were able to get some of the Mandala and work with it, and those gloves are super-gorgeous, but you didn't mention how you thought the yarn felt in comparison to the other three; do you have any thoughts? (Also, any thoughts on how these yarns feel in comparison to Caron Simply Soft?)
    Reply

    • Ginger Malphrus says

      You can also order it from Knitting Warehouse. Their shipping is pretty fast. https://www.knitting-warehouse.com/products/bernat-pop-yarn-violet-vision?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=googlepla&variant=35445612301&gclid=CjsKDwjw6qnJBRDpoonDwLSeZhIkAIpTR8IXF27Vt4TazB_GJFNd2ym49BWyPt96uLZU_ruc08ZIGgKggfD_BwE
      Reply

  25. Vanessa Odonovan says

    Oh I do wish we could get these in the U.K. I can buy them online but the postage costs more than the yarn
    Reply

  26. Debbie Woodruff says

    Do you know if the Bernat Pop yarn will be available in all Walmart stores? I've not been able to find it at any of the four Walmart stores that are near me. Apparently the Mandala is only going to be in 500 stores. Only one near me has had it and I only found two cakes.
    Reply

  27. Brandy says

    I bought two sets of the Mandala at the Walmart nearest my home. The other Walmart's either never stocked them, or by the time I looked, did not have all of them. I couldn't make myself buy an incomplete set! Now the Bernet Pop! I found today by accident, at a Walmart I don't always shop at, and only found 9 which I though was weird. So, I went to two other Walmart's, and found nothing! I know the one by my house doesn't have them, just a few remaining Mandalas have two more Walmart's I can check out, with in an hour from my home, so this crazy yarn lady is on a mission! I tried to look for a complete list of Bernet Pop! online, and had trouble even finding a picture. Any know where I can find a list, and possibly purchase more, if Walmart does not have them?
    Reply

    • Ashlea says

      Hi Brandy! It is so aggravating! I can't find the Mandala so I've been trading with a friend of mine in Washington state. (I send her Pops in return) I don't know if you'll be able to buy them online. I can hardly find them in my stores from week to week. I did hear that the official release date wasn't until March, so maybe after then we'll find them at every Walmart?
      Reply

  28. Jen says

    I bought a couple of Caron Cakes when they first came out, and was horrified by the dye spots! I contacted Yarnspirations, they are NOT intentional, they are a design flaw. They were nice enough to send me a $20 coupon off their online site, but unfortunately, I didn't have my original receipt from Michaels so I couldn't return them. I went back to Michaels when they got their re-shipments in and the cakes are still covered in the spots, some more than others. Not surprised that the Bernat Pop! cakes are also spot covered, Yarnspirations owns both, so likely made at the same site and exclusive to either Michaels or Walmart. P.S. LOVE the gloves!!!
    Reply

  29. Debbie says

    I actually love the abrupt color changes in Caron cakes, IMO makes it appear that I've actually changed colors especially on C2C pattern. That being said, I've never paid full price. Michaels almost always has on sale or coupon, depending which approximately $5 or $6 each. I've made 5 baby & 2 lapghans this year. Look forward to trying Lion Brand mandala.
    Reply

  30. Diana M Jamerson says

    I really appreciate your review on these "cakes". I had not heard of 2 of them and now I want to try them all. Your gloves turned out really pretty.
    Reply

  31. Toni Dodough says

    Thank you so much for your insight on these lovely cakes. I've not yet had the pleasure of working with Bernat Pop but I did find Lion Brand's Mandala and I have to say I'm in love! Oh the colors, the feel etc......lol!!!Yes the color change is as abrupt as the Caron Cakes but I can live with that, oh well can't have everything. Since it has only been about a week or two since we discovered these new cakes not everyone in our knit and crochet group has gotten there hands on them and unfortunately not all Walmart's here in Albuquerque carry them yet so I'm going to be sharing your very informative article on my FB page.
    Reply

  32. Taunya Childers says

    Just a quick question...on the Mandala cakes is the color change as abrupt? I noticed you specified it on the others. I'm just wondering?
    Reply

    • Ashlea says

      Hi Diann! I don't have them with me at the moment but I can check into that for you! It is not #10 crochet thread, much thicker than that. Most of these are worsted weight, except the Mandala is more like a DK.
      Reply

  34. Abby says

    I love the Mandala yarn the colors are amazing as so is the Yardage - my gosh 590 yards! Also I find the yarn to be much softer and higher quality than the Pops, Cakes or SR - Lion Brand is selling Mandala on their website http://www.lionbrand.com/yarn/mandala-yarn.html as of now and I found some at my local WalMart
    Reply

  35. Heather says

    I just used the Caron cakes for the first time and I love the softness of it. It did have a lot of color pops with this yarn but I think it added to the project I was making. I made a virus blanket for a baby with it and it had a tie dye effect with all the speckles and the way the color changes fell. I want to make a hat and some booties to match but there won't be much color change because each color goes on for so long. I am excited to try the Mandala. I like that there are so many yards and that it is more affordable. I am also drawn to the colors of the Bernat Pop.
    Reply

  36. Brenda says

    For fans of the Sweet Rolls..... Herrschner's has them for $3.99 each when you buy 3 or more. Best price I've found! And if you join their savings club you get an extra 10% off all your orders, which can be stacked with one other online coupon.
    Reply

  37. Christina says

    I created a daily yarn deals group on Facebook called Yarn Siren. Today I posted a deal for Sweet Rolls!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2044180145808697/
    Reply

  38. Pamela says

    The Sweet Rolls are also available at AC Moore. They had two different sizes originally, though maybe they have discontinued the larger size? I only know this because I work at AC Moore and would have to straighten the yarn every so often and I remember specifically we had two different sizes of the sweet rolls. Now we just have the smaller size though :/
    Reply

  39. Jen says

    I personally love PSR the best. It's a little disappointing that they are so small, but that's beside the point IMO ... I think they are very soft (been making myself a blanket out of it) and it's always readily available to me (whereas I don't live anywhere near any store that sells yarn, I'm 15 miles away from any/all yarn stores and have only my 2 feet to get me there). I actually like it more than CC ... with the Mandala, I wish it wasn't so costly because I'd like to give one or two cakes a try myself.
    Reply

    • Ashlea says

      Good point! I am lucky that I have all major craft stores (with exception to AC Moore) within a few minutes from me. I'm getting a Manadala in today (swapped with a crafter in another state) and I can't wait to see what its all about.
      Reply

    • Ashlea says

      Hi Janae! That is third loop half double crochet. I have a tutorial here, and a pattern as well! http://hearthookhome.com/third-loop-half-double-crochet-video-tutorial/ http://hearthookhome.com/from-here-to-infinity-scarf-crochet-pattern/
      Reply

      • Georgia says

        to me the little pops of color kind of pull the colors together, it doesn't look like the crocheter made an abrupt color change, it shows it's all the same yarn and helps blend the colors
        Reply

  42. Lesley icenhour says

    I love reading all about everyone's projects they are working on and seeing all the projects they have, had and will do with all this beautiful yarn. I would love to try toe pop cake, rolls and whatever else I can get my hands on. I love to crochet new things and old things...
    Reply

  43. Marissa FH says

    I've only worked with the Caron Cakes, and that's only because I haven't been able to make it out to the stores to get the others ;) Having said that, from just reading about the others since they came out, the Sweet Roll and the Pop! did not give me the same urgent reaction to rush out and get them. Couldn't really say why - maybe Im partial to the 20% wool of the Caron Cakes. The Lion Brand Mandala is sort of pulling at me - because I've been drawing mandalas so the name alone attracts me. Also, that yardage looks good ... I'm thinking afghans and maybe ponchos, and lots of hats and other winter wearables for my cause. Maybe this weekend I can make it out - all this snow and ice should have melted by then! Thanks for the reviews!
    Reply

  45. Ruby says

    I enjoy and meeting people that I to crochet as much as I do! Getting to see other ladies work is amazing. I enjoy this Crocheting community very much!!
    Reply

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