Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Condo Knitting

Condo knitting is a nifty technique popular in the 1970's.  It is very simple - all you need is a small needle and a larger sized needle.  While there really is no set rule, a good place to start is the size needle called for on the ball band of your yarn, and then whatever larger size you like.  Depending on the size of the needles and yarn you decide to use, you will get very different effects.  In the sample below, I used a size 17 needle, and a size 50 needle with Cascade 220.  This created a loose, drapey fabric that would be great for a spring scarf or shawl.

Cast on however many stitches you like, using the smaller needle.
Knit 1 row with the smaller needles.
Knit 1 row with the larger needles.

Continue working in this manner;  when you are ready to bind off, work a row with the smaller needles, and then bind of as you normally would.

Experiment with different yarns and needle sizes to find what effect you like best.  Have fun!



Here is a video on this knitting technique.  In the video I use Sugar n Cream cotton with a US Size 10 and 15 needle.  I basically just repeat the info here in the post. 




7 comments:

Red said...

Oh that's really neat! I'm going to have to try that soon. =) Hmmm, but what to make? And I'll need to get a few larger sizes of needles too. Maybe. I have to get all my stuff organized first and go from there.

Grtgrams said...

in the *70-s, at work girls all made sweaters with broomstick lace needle and a size 3. Sweaters like this now selling for $100 and up. Have been looking and cant find the pattern. Fast and easy - either done all in one pce or if not, only 2. Help appreciated....mm (mar.rob@shaw.ca)

Sapphires-N-Purls said...

Your best bet is to check Ravelry.

Unknown said...

I am finding it impossible to find any condo sweater patterns, even on Raverly

Any suggestions?

Sapphires-N-Purls said...

Kimmy, here is something http://www.marymaxim.com/casual-condos-pullover-or-slipover-pattern.html and you may find something useful here http://www.knittingparadise.com/t-27075-1.html

Lady Fuschia said...

Hi is there a pattern for the pretty orange poncho in the picture above...I would love to try it
Cheers and thanks kindly
Marie

Sapphires-N-Purls said...

Lady Fuschia the pattern info can be found here: http://www.sapphiresnpurls.com/2014/05/calypso-shawl-free-pattern.html