One of my favorite things to do when knitting for small dolls is splitting down knitting worsted weight yarn to 1-ply and using much smaller needles to knit.
Yes, it works. The strength of yarn relies on ‘twist’ and 1 ply of 4-ply knitting worsted weight yarn has been twisted sufficiently to retain its strength while working with it.
As long as you maintain that twist while sewing seams, the yarn will retain its strength.
The yarn weight ends up being approximately lace weight.
When you do this, you end up with an almost unlimited supply of textures and colors.
To untwist a skein of knitting worsted weight yarn:
- Roll it into a round ball;
- Wrap a couple of heavy-duty rubber bands tight around the ball;
- Let the ball of yarn dangle in the air while untwisting it, 1 ply at a time.
- Use one hand for re-balling one ply, the other for re-balling remaining plies.
- Each time you run out of yarn, unwrap the rubber bands, play out a length of yarn; wrap the ball again and go through the same process of untwisting the yarn with the ball dangling in the air.
My favorite yarns have a slightly heavier weight; beautiful texture; and tons of colors. They are Caron One Pound; A.C. Moore Nicole Standard and regular; Red Heart; Knit Picks Brava; Lion Brand Vanna White; Hobby Lobby I Love This Yarn.
I’ve tested a lot of other yarns, and they fell short. They don’t untwist well.
Shinier yarns tend to split way too easily while working with them. If you don’t mind that, go for it. It certainly opens up a whole new world of texture and appearance.