Red Heart Gumdrop Yarn was a favorite among crafters due to its bright, candy-colored palette and smooth, soft acrylic texture. It was especially popular for creating vibrant hats, scarves, baby clothes, and accessories. However, since its discontinuation, many knitters and crocheters have been searching for a suitable Red Heart Gumdrop Yarn substitute that matches both its look and feel. Thankfully, several alternatives on the market offer similar qualities softness, rich color variations, and easy-care acrylic composition. Choosing the right substitute can help you achieve similar results without compromising your creative vision or project quality.
Why Red Heart Gumdrop Was Popular
Before discussing the best Red Heart Gumdrop Yarn substitutes, it’s important to understand what made this yarn unique. Gumdrop featured a soft, silky texture and a playful range of variegated colors that appealed to both adults and children. It was categorized as a worsted weight (medium #4) yarn, making it suitable for a wide array of projects from garments to home décor.
Key Characteristics
- 100% acrylic fiber
- Worsted weight (#4)
- Vibrant variegated colorways
- Soft, smooth texture
- Machine washable and easy to care for
These traits made Gumdrop both practical and fun to work with. When the yarn was discontinued, it left a noticeable gap for crafters who relied on its cheerful aesthetic and versatility.
What to Look for in a Substitute
To find a good Red Heart Gumdrop Yarn substitute, consider the following aspects:
- Fiber content: Look for 100% acrylic yarns that offer the same softness and hypoallergenic qualities.
- Yarn weight: Worsted weight (#4) yarns are ideal matches for existing patterns that called for Gumdrop.
- Color options: Variegated or self-striping yarns with bright color combinations are essential for a similar visual effect.
- Texture: A smooth finish ensures comfort, especially for garments and items that touch the skin.
- Washability: Choose machine-washable yarns for durability and convenience.
With these factors in mind, several yarn brands offer excellent alternatives for replacing Red Heart Gumdrop in any project.
Top Red Heart Gumdrop Yarn Substitutes
1. Premier Sweet Roll
Premier Sweet Roll is a worsted weight acrylic yarn with beautiful self-striping colors. Although its transitions are more uniform than Gumdrop’s variegated bursts, it still provides a fun and colorful finish. The yarn is soft and durable, making it ideal for baby items, blankets, and accessories.
- Fiber: 100% acrylic
- Weight: Worsted (#4)
- Yardage: Approx. 245 yards per ball
- Machine washable
Premier Sweet Roll offers a reliable texture and vibrant hues, making it a strong substitute option.
2. Red Heart Soft Essentials Stripes
If you want to stay within the Red Heart brand, Soft Essentials Stripes is a great replacement. It features a silky-smooth finish and comes in a variety of self-striping colors. While the color blending may be slightly different, it maintains the spirit of Gumdrop’s lively palette.
- Fiber: 100% acrylic
- Weight: Bulky (#5) slightly thicker than Gumdrop
- Yardage: Around 110 yards per skein
- Very soft and plush
Though it’s a bit heavier, adjusting your pattern for gauge can make it work wonderfully.
3. Bernat Pop!
Bernat Pop! offers bold colors and long color changes that resemble the energetic vibe of Gumdrop. It’s also an acrylic worsted weight yarn and comes in cakes, making it easy to manage for large projects.
- Fiber: 100% acrylic
- Weight: Worsted (#4)
- Yardage: Approx. 280 yards per cake
- Bright and trendy colorways
Bernat Pop! is an excellent Gumdrop alternative for accessories like shawls, hats, and colorful blankets.
4. Lion Brand Mandala
For a lightweight feel with rich color transitions, Lion Brand Mandala is a standout. Although classified as a lightweight (#3) yarn, it can be used in Gumdrop patterns with minor gauge adjustments. The colorways are gradient and artistic, making projects look professional and modern.
- Fiber: 100% acrylic
- Weight: Light (#3)
- Yardage: Approx. 590 yards per cake
- Machine washable
This yarn is especially appealing for garments, shawls, and baby items where color flow matters.
5. Big Twist Value Variegated
Available at Joann stores, Big Twist Value Variegated offers a soft feel and fun color blends that mirror the playful charm of Gumdrop. It’s a budget-friendly worsted weight acrylic yarn that’s perfect for everyday use.
- Fiber: 100% acrylic
- Weight: Worsted (#4)
- Yardage: Approx. 380 yards per skein
- Variegated color selections
Big Twist is easy to work with and provides a close match in terms of color vibrancy and texture.
Tips for Swapping Yarn in Your Projects
When replacing Red Heart Gumdrop Yarn with a substitute, follow these tips to ensure success:
- Check gauge: Always swatch to match your pattern’s tension. Use a smaller or larger hook or needle if necessary.
- Review yardage: Different yarns offer varying yardage per skein. Adjust your purchase amount accordingly.
- Compare fiber: If you’re allergic or sensitive to certain fibers, ensure the substitute is comfortable for wearables.
- Test for drape: Some yarns may feel stiffer or looser. Create a swatch to see how the fabric moves and feels.
- Match color tone: While not exact, try to choose a substitute that matches the tone and brightness of your original Gumdrop colorway.
These precautions help maintain the integrity and appearance of your final project.
Projects That Work Well with Substitutes
With the right Red Heart Gumdrop Yarn substitute, you can confidently continue a variety of projects. Some excellent options include:
- Colorful baby hats and booties
- Striped scarves and cowls
- Crochet amigurumi toys
- Children’s sweaters and cardigans
- Afghans and lap throws
- Decorative pillow covers
Each of these projects benefits from bright, cheerful yarns that mimic the original Gumdrop look and feel.
Although Red Heart Gumdrop Yarn is no longer in production, plenty of excellent substitutes provide similar color vibrancy, softness, and usability. Premier Sweet Roll, Bernat Pop!, Lion Brand Mandala, and other acrylic yarns offer strong alternatives that work well across all your knitting and crochet projects. When selecting your substitute, focus on matching the yarn weight, fiber content, and aesthetic to preserve your project’s intended appearance. With a thoughtful approach and the right tools, you can continue creating beautiful, joyful pieces that capture the essence of Red Heart Gumdrop even after it’s gone from store shelves.