What is Condo Knitting

Get the look of lace, without lace knitting!
Hello, Condo Knitting.

What is condo knitting?

Essentially, condo knitting is knitted using the garter stitch, when you knit every row, and switching between knitting with larger needles and then small needles. Knitting with different size needles gives you a larger lace stitch alternating with a standard sized stitch, giving you a light and airy project, with a relaxed drape.

Knitting with 2 different size needles, so you can mix and match any needle sizes with whatever yarn you want to use, starting with the recommended size on the label and up. Don’t use a smaller than recommended size because the yarn will be stiff and you won’t have that lovely drape.

Bonus, knitting with large needles makes your project go so much faster!

For example, you can knit a scarf with fingering weight yarn using size 3 and 13 knitting needles, which will give you a nice variance in the stitch sizes. If the needles are too close in size you won’t get the same effect, so I think having them at least 10 sizes apart is a good rule of thumb. Keep in mind, the larger the difference between the needle sizes the more dramatic the effect.

You would think that Condo knitting would be easiest when knit flat using circular knitting needles with interchangeable needles, using two different sized needles. So, you don’t have to remember to switch your needle size. However, after actually trying it out I learned that a size 3 needle is part of the small interchangeable set and a 13 is part of the large interchangeable set, and the tips aren’t interchangeable, so it doesn’t work for that pattern. 😢 I was very sad to learn this. (Wow, do I get an award for using interchangeable that many times in a sentence, maybe a Guinness world record? lol!)

The condo knitting technique looks similar to a drop stitch pattern, without having to drop stitches.

Condo knitting was popular in the 1970s – 1980s and named for it’s alikeness to condominiums. The technique looks similar to a drop stitch pattern, without having to drop stitches.

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What yarns work best for Condo Knitting Patterns?

Pretty much any yarn! It really depends on the use of your project. Thinner yarns are great for summer patterns and bulky yarns are great for fall & winter patterns.

• Linen is great for wicking water at the beach
• Cotton is light & breathable, plus hypoallergenic.
• Wool is warmer & durable, plus lots of brands & weights to choose from.

Knitting a swatch is a good idea too, so you know you’re going to get the end result that you’re looking for. Different yarn weights, colors and size of needles can make a drastic difference in your project. Using a solid color vs a flecked or variegated might make all the difference.

Materials

Choose your yarn
The small needle is a size that’s recommended on the yarn label
The large needle is at least 10 sizes larger than the small needle

Materials used in the photo

Worsted Weight Yarn
Cascade Yarns 220, Japanese Maple
Smaller Size Straight Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) Knitting Needles
Larger Size Straight Needles: US 17 (12 mm) Knitting Needles

I chose wooden needles because they grip more than metal needles. My swatch with metal needles was a bit messy and uneven. So, definitely play with different needle types too.

How to condo knit in the round?

When knitting in the round, you don’t turn your work, so you’re always knitting on the right side of your fabric. 

Condo Knit-in-the-Round Pattern Instructions:

With the smaller needle size, cast-on your desired number of stitches.

Round 1: Using the large needle, Knit all the stitches, slip the stitch marker.
Round 2: Using the small needle, Purl all the stitches, slip stitch marker.
Repeat rows 1 and 2 until desired length.

To end:
End on a Round 1 using smaller needles.
Bind-off loosely using the smaller needles.

Knitting in the round would be great to use for a lace top, beach tunic or a condo sweater.

Condo Knitting Video Tutorial

How to do Condo Knit when knitting flat?

This is knit using the garter stitch, so you’ll be knitting every row.  When knitting flat, you turn your work, so one side is the right side of your fabric and the other side is the wrong side of the fabric, but in this case, it’s reversible.

Condo Knit Flat Pattern Instructions:

With the smaller needle size, cast-on your desired number of stitches.
Row 1: Using the large needle, Knit all the stitches, slip the stitch marker.
Row 2: Using the small needle, Knit all the stitches, slip the stitch marker.
Repeat rows 1 and 2 until desired length.

To end:
End on a Row 1 using smaller needles.
Bind-off loosely using the smaller needles.

Best Condo Knitting Pattern Ideas:

• Scarf
• Shawl
• Shrug
• Poncho
• Cardigan
• Lace Top
• Beach Wrap
• Beach Tunic
• Cover-up Top
• Condo Sweater

Free Knitting Patterns Using the Condo Knitting Technique:

I only have one pattern, for now, the Lace Knit Poncho, but I’ll be making more of these, they’re so quick & easy to knit!

In conclusion

Condo Knitting offers a unique and interesting approach to the world of knitting. By using two different size needles, this simple technique allows for the creation of light & airy patterns. The combination of larger and smaller needles adds texture and depth to projects, making them stand out from traditionally knitted items.

Whether you are a seasoned knitter looking for a new challenge or a beginner seeking something simple, yet unique, Condo Knitting is definitely worth exploring. So grab your needles and get ready to embark on an exciting knitting adventure!