DESCRIPTION: The Tintype Potholder brings architectural sophistication to a kitchen essential. This compact design features the collection’s distinctive elongated hexagonal shapes arranged in asymmetric composition, creating visual depth through dimensional short-row techniques. Part of my Tintype Collection’s exploration of geometric motifs, this versatile pattern can be worked two ways: knit with two strands of yarn for a heat-protective potholder, or use a single strand to create an elegant table coaster. Modern design meets practical function in this timeless piece.

INSPIRATION: The Tintype Collection evolved from my fascination with architectural minimalism, particularly the geometric wall composition in Nader Tehrani’s Newton House (https://www.nadaaa.com/portfolio/newton-house/). This Boston-area structure features elongated hexagonal openings that transform a simple wall into a dynamic frame for viewing the world beyond. The intentional asymmetry and interplay of solid and void captivated me: principles that translate powerfully into textile design. Each hexagonal shape in this pattern functions as its own small window, creating moments of visual pause where color and texture converge.

Tintype: also known as a melanotype or ferrotype, is a photographic process creating direct positives on dark-lacquered metal, introduced in Paris in 1853 by Adolphe Alexandre Martin. These photographs are known for their remarkable tonal depth and permanence. The name for this collection emerges from the knitting construction: garter stitch rows create raised “walls” while stockinette short-row shapes fall behind the surface plane, generating dimensional windows that appear to recede into the work. Like tintypes that preserve moments in layers of shadow and light, these geometric windows become portals: each one a focused view where solid colors interact to create depth, memory, and timeless beauty.

TECHNIQUES: This pattern employs garter and stockinette stitch (knitting and purling) with the double stitch technique for short-row shaping. A continuous i-cord edge provides a finished frame.

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

SIZE:
Width: 21 cm (8.3”)
Length: 21cm (8.3”)

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 Potholder (using 2-strands of each color):
MC: 129m/141yds (0.86 skeins)
CC: 42m/46yds (0.28 skeins)

Total Yardage for Coaster (using 1-strand of each color):
MC: 57m/63yds (0.39 skeins)
CC: 18m/20yds (0.12 skeins)

Available from Maker’s Mercantile: https://www.makersmercantile.com/shop/c/p/Twisp-by-HiKoo-...

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

VERSATILITY: Knit with two strands for a heat-protective potholder. Knit with one strand for an elegant table coaster.