DESCRIPTION: The Tintype Placemat brings architectural elegance to your table setting with its signature elongated hexagonal shapes positioned in asymmetric composition. These recessed “windows” create visual depth and textural interest, transforming a functional piece into a work of art. Part of the Tintype Collection, this pattern continues my exploration of short-row pattern motifs, showcasing how solid color pairings create bold geometric statements. The result is both modern and timeless: a piece that elevates everyday dining.

INSPIRATION: The Tintype Collection draws from minimalist architectural design, specifically the elongated hexagonal cut-outs in Nader Tehrani’s Newton House (https://www.nadaaa.com/portfolio/newton-house/), located in a Boston suburb. What captivates me about this architectural wall is how the cut-outs frame the landscape beyond, creating windows that invite you to see familiar spaces in new ways. The asymmetric placement and subtle material variations translate beautifully into textile design, where each hexagonal shape becomes an aperture: a moment of focus within the larger composition.

Tintype: also known as a melanotype or ferrotype, is a photograph made by creating a direct positive on a thin sheet of metal coated with dark lacquer or enamel. Introduced in 1853 by Adolphe Alexandre Martin in Paris, these photographs captured moments with striking tonal depth. The collection’s name reflects the knitting technique: garter stitch rows create the raised framework while stockinette short-row shapes recede behind, appearing to fall into shadow. Like viewing an old tintype photograph, these “windows” invite you to look through layers, where memories hide within shifting tones and each shape focuses attention on the present moment.

TECHNIQUES: This pattern uses garter and stockinette stitch (knitting and purling) along with the double stitch technique for short-row shaping. A continuous i-cord edge frames the finished piece.

DIAGRAMS: Pattern includes written instructions with detailed vector diagrams for both color placement and knitting order progression.

SIZE:
Width: 49 cm (19.3”)
Length: 35.5 cm (14”)

YARN + YARDAGE: Twisp by HiKoo, generously supplied by Skacel Collection https://www.skacelknitting.com/twisp
Fiber Content: 70% Pima Cotton, 20% Bamboo Viscose, 10% Hemp
Weight: Sport; 50g/1.76oz. - 150m/164yds

Total Yardage (For 1 Placemat):
MC: 251m/274yds (1.67 skeins)
CC: 64m/70yds (.42 skeins)

FIBER CONTENT: 70% Pima Cotton, 20% Bamboo Viscose, 10% Hemp