DESCRIPTION: The Tintype Trivet offers beautiful versatility in a compact design. Featuring the collection’s signature elongated hexagonal shapes in asymmetric composition, this piece creates architectural interest through its repeated short-row shape motif. Part of my Tintype Collection exploring geometric patterning, this design can be knit two ways: use two strands of yarn for a dense, heat-protective trivet, or knit with a single strand to create a textured washcloth. The resulting work is both modern and practical: timeless design that serves multiple purposes in your home.

INSPIRATION: The geometric language of the Tintype Collection originates from Nader Tehrani’s Newton House (https://www.nadaaa.com/portfolio/newton-house/), an architectural composition featuring elongated hexagonal cut-outs that create windows into the landscape. The asymmetric placement of these apertures and the natural material variations spoke to my interest in Japanese design aesthetics: finding balance through intentional imbalance, creating harmony through contrast. In translating this architectural concept to kitchen textiles, each hexagonal window becomes a focal point, a framed moment that brings thoughtful design into everyday rituals.

Tintype: also known as a melanotype or ferrotype, refers to photographs created on dark-enameled metal, a technique introduced in 1853 by Adolphe Alexandre Martin. These images captured moments with distinctive depth and tonal quality. The collection’s name reflects how the design is constructed: garter stitch rows build the raised structural framework while stockinette short-row shapes recede into shadow, creating the appearance of windows or apertures. Like looking at a tintype photograph, these dimensional windows invite contemplation: each recessed shape a glimpse into memory, where solid colors shift and interact to create something both familiar and new.

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

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

SIZE:
Width: 25.5 cm (10”)
Length: 25.5cm (10”)

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 Trivet (using 2-strands of each color):
MC: 168m/184yds (1.12 skeins)
CC: 54m/60yds (.36 skeins)

Total Yardage for Washcloth (using 1-strand of each color):
MC: 70m/76yds (0.46 skeins)
CC: 27m/30yds (0.18 skeins)

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

VERSATILITY: Knit with two strands for a thick, heat-protective trivet. Knit with one strand for a textured washcloth.