Also called odd pins knitting, this retro style of knitting will give an almost lace-like feel to your knits!
By: Toby Kuhnke, Editor, AllFreeKnitting.com
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If you've been a knitter since the 70s and 80s, then you might remember when condo knitting was in its heyday. This retro knitting style is a really simple way to "hack" the garter stitch to get a more lace-like appearance.
And as with all things retro and old-fashioned, it's bound to make a comeback!
Whether you're knitting scarves for gifts or you're just getting tired of doing the same old stitches over and over again, give condo knitting a try. It's easy, stylish, and fun!
So What Is Condo Knitting?
Condo knitting is simply knitting with one needle that is the right size for the yarn that you are working with and one needle that's larger. Because of the different needle sizes, you get an easy-to-make fabric that almost feels like lace.
The larger needle creates gaps in the knitting that make the fabric more breathable but still warm and cozy. The smaller needle, on the other hand, creates the tighter rows in between that give the fabric a sort of structure. It's basically like knitting lace that doesn't droop as much and is way easier.Plus, the extra space in the alternating rows gives condo knitted fabric a certain stretchiness.
Watch and Learn
What You Will Need
- Any weight yarn
- One needle appropriate for the yarn's weight
- One needle larger than appropriate for the yarn's weight
How to Condo Knit
Step 1: Using any cast on method, cast on any number of stitches onto the smaller needle.
You can cast on with either needle, but we recommend using the smaller needle in order to get stronger, more secure edging.
Step 2: Using the larger needle, knit across, off the smaller needle.
Step 3: Turn your work and knit across, off the larger needle.
Step 4: Repeat steps 2 and 3 until your project is complete. Bind off.
Note: We recommend binding off with the smaller needle, although it's not necessary. Using the smaller needle will give you a tighter edge, but your best choice is probably to bind off with whichever needle you used to cast on.
There are certain patterns out there that are specifically made for condo knitting, but you can also convert pretty much any pattern for this. Just bear in mind that the size of the finished product will be noticeably larger than what the pattern describes because of the extra space in the rows that are knit with the larger needle.
Condo Knitting in the Round
If you're more of a fan of knitting in the round and don't feel like picking up the straight knitting needles for this one, condo knitting will be a little bit more complicated.
You can accomplish knitting in the round condo-style with either two differently-sized sets of circular knitting needles (of the same length) or a set of interchangeable knitting needles. Below are the instructions for knitting a garter stitch tube condo-style in the round. You may cast on whatever number of stitches you would like for your pattern or practice.
Round 1: Using smaller needles, k around.
Round 2: Switch to larger needles (or exchange your smaller needle tips for larger ones if using interchangeable needles). P around.
Round 3: Switch to smaller needles (or exchange your larger needle tips for smaller ones if using interchangeable needles). K around.
Rep rounds 2 and 3.
Double-Pointed Knitting Needles
The same concept applies here: you need one set of four or more smaller DPNs, and one set of four or more larger DPNs. Below are the instructions for knitting a garter stitch tube condo-style in the round. You may cast on whatever number of stitches you would like for your pattern or practice.
Round 1: Using your smaller set of DPNs, K around.
Round 2: Switch to larger set of DPNs. P around.
Round 3: Switch to smaller set of DPNs. K around.
Rep rounds 2 and 3.
Make sure that when you move on to the second needle in round 2, you're putting to the side the smaller needle that you just knit off of, rather than simply using it to purl the next needle. You must use the second of your larger needles to knit off the second smaller needle and set aside all of the used smaller needles for the third round. If all of your DPNs are the same color, this can get a bit complicated (especially with mindless knitting), so we highly recommend that your first set of DPNs be a very different color than your second set to help you keep track.
Have you tried condo knitting before?
Give us your tips and tricks on this retro knitting style in the comments below!
I'm an avid knitting enthusiast with a wealth of experience in various knitting styles and techniques. Over the years, I've delved into the intricacies of both traditional and unconventional knitting methods, exploring their nuances and experimenting with different needle sizes, yarn weights, and stitch patterns. My expertise extends to retro knitting styles, including the fascinating world of condo knitting.
Condo knitting, also known as odd pins knitting, is a vintage knitting technique that gained popularity in the 70s and 80s and is now making a comeback. This method involves using two needles of different sizes to create a fabric that mimics the appearance of lace. I've personally explored and mastered condo knitting, and I can attest to its simplicity, stylish results, and the fun it brings to the knitting process.
The core concept of condo knitting lies in the strategic use of needle sizes. By employing one needle that is appropriately sized for the yarn and another needle that is larger, the knitter achieves a fabric with breathable gaps while maintaining warmth and coziness. The larger needle creates open spaces in the knitting, giving the fabric a lace-like feel, while the smaller needle ensures a structured pattern with tighter rows.
In terms of materials, condo knitting requires any weight yarn, one needle suitable for the yarn's weight, and one needle larger than the appropriate size for the yarn. This combination results in a unique and stretchy fabric that sets condo knitting apart from traditional lace knitting.
The step-by-step instructions for condo knitting provided in the article are comprehensive and clear. The process involves casting on stitches with the smaller needle, knitting across with the larger needle, turning the work, and repeating these steps until the project is complete. The recommendation to bind off with the smaller needle ensures a tighter edge for the finished piece.
The article also touches on condo knitting in the round, offering guidance for those who prefer circular knitting needles or double-pointed needles. The instructions provide a seamless transition for adapting traditional patterns to the condo knitting technique, with a note on the expected increase in size due to the larger needle's influence on the fabric.
To further illustrate my expertise, I can share additional tips and tricks for condo knitting in the comments section. My deep understanding of this retro knitting style allows me to provide valuable insights and advice for knitters looking to explore condo knitting for the first time or enhance their skills in this unique technique.
