Summer Colours in Cotton: King Cole Cottonsoft DK

July in Ledbury is doing its best impression of a proper summer this week — the kind where you want to sit in the garden with a cold drink and actually make something. And if that sounds like your ideal afternoon, we've got just the yarn for it. We've been stocking up on King Cole Cottonsoft DK in a gorgeous range of summer shades, and honestly, they've been flying out the door. Cotton yarn in high summer is such a good idea: it's breathable, washable, and the stitch definition is just beautiful.

Whether you're a seasoned knitter looking for a warm-weather project or a beginner thinking about casting on for the very first time, Cottonsoft DK is one of those yarns that really does deliver. It's soft, it's versatile, and at £5.50 a ball, it won't break the bank. Each 100g ball gives you around 210 metres — plenty for a baby hat, a dishcloth, or a good start on a lightweight summer top.

Here's a closer look at the four shades we're particularly excited about right now.

King Cole Cottonsoft DK — Clementine

There is something so cheerful about a good orange, and Clementine is exactly the right kind — warm and zingy without being overwhelming. It makes us think of citrus fruits and long evenings, which feels very fitting for July. This 100% cotton DK works beautifully on 4mm needles, and we think it would be absolutely gorgeous worked up into a simple summer bag or a set of market tote handles. It's also a brilliant choice for baby knits — cotton is kind to sensitive skin, and this shade would be lovely for a gender-neutral summer cardigan or blanket. Beginners, this one's for you: the smooth cotton construction means you can really see your stitches clearly, which makes learning so much easier.

King Cole Cottonsoft DK — Lemon

If Clementine is a July evening, Lemon is a sunny July morning — soft, bright, and genuinely lovely to work with. This subtle, cheerful shade sits beautifully alongside white or cream for striped projects, and it's also stunning on its own. We've been imagining it as a simple crocheted sun hat (it works on a size 6 US hook as well as 4mm needles), or a lightweight knitted baby blanket. There's something about Lemon that photographs really beautifully too, so if you're working on anything for social media or gifting, this is a winner. It has that same wonderful 210 metres per ball, so you'd only need two or three balls for a generous-sized baby blanket.

King Cole Cottonsoft DK — Hot Pink

This one has had quite the moment in the shop this week. Hot Pink is bold, joyful, and completely unapologetic — and we are here for it. Summer is the season to go for colour, and this shade is just the ticket for a statement project. Think amigurumi (the stitch definition in cotton is perfect for toy making), a crocheted granny square cushion cover, or even a punchy pair of knitted wristlets to finish off a summer outfit. It would also mix brilliantly with Lemon or Lime for a vibrant striped dishcloth set — a lovely make-and-gift idea for someone who appreciates a handmade touch in the kitchen.

King Cole Cottonsoft DK — Lime

Lime is that fresh, sharp green that just screams summer — it's the colour of garden parties and herb gardens and everything good about being outside in Herefordshire in July. On 4mm needles with a gauge of 28 rows and 22 stitches per 10cm, it knits up into a lovely firm fabric that's ideal for items that need a bit of structure, like bags or pouches. Crocheters, this is a wonderful yarn for textured stitches — the crisp cotton really shows off bobble stitch or shell stitch beautifully. We also think a Lime and Hot Pink stripe combination would be absolutely brilliant for a children's summer jumper.

What we're making this week

A couple of us in the shop have been quietly working on a set of crocheted dishcloths using all four shades — Clementine, Lemon, Hot Pink, and Lime together in one simple striped pattern. They're the perfect summer project: quick enough to finish in an evening, genuinely useful, and a really satisfying way to try out a new yarn without committing to a big project. If you're newer to crochet, a dishcloth or face cloth is honestly one of the best first makes there is. A ball of Cottonsoft DK, a 4mm hook, and about an hour is all you need.

We've also been thinking about combining these shades for a colour-blocked summer top — there are some lovely free patterns doing the rounds online at the moment that would suit a smooth DK cotton perfectly. Pop in and we can chat through which ones might suit your skill level.

Come and see us in Ledbury

All four Cottonsoft DK shades — Clementine, Lemon, Hot Pink, and Lime — are in the shop now, and you're very welcome to pop in for a look and a proper feel of the yarn before you decide. We're on the high street in Ledbury, Herefordshire, and we love nothing more than a good natter about what you're making. Whether you're looking for project ideas, need help picking needles or a hook to go with your cotton, or just want to browse on a sunny afternoon, the kettle is always on.