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Home > Women's Ministries > Prayer Shawls
Prayer Shawls
pattern and prayers
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Knitters and crocheters all over the world are busy making Prayer Shawls. They are simple, yet powerful; to quote Janet Bristow and Victoria Galo who started a Shawl Ministry: “Whether they are called ‘Prayer Shawls’, ‘Comfort Shawls’, ‘Peace Shawls’ or ‘Mantles’ just to name a few, the creator of each shawl begins with prayers and blessings for the recipient. Intentions are continued throughout the creation of the shawl. When the shawl is completed it is offered a final ritual before being sent along its way. Some recipients have continued the kindness by making one themselves and passing it on to someone in need. Thus, the blessing is rippled from person to person, with both the giver and receiver feeling the unconditional embrace of a sheltering, mothering God!”
There are many websites for this ministry; among them are Baptists, Mennonites, United Methodists Women, and Catholics as well as non-denominational and secular. The most comprehensive site, and the one from which I am including the knitting and crocheting patterns is http://www.shawlministry.com.
Materials:
Knitting: Knitting Needle size 11 or 13 -OR- Crochet: Size 'M', 'N' or 'P' crochet hook (Based on U. S. sizes - click here for conversion table)
Amount of yarn needed: Knitted: 555 yards in the yarn of your choice. Crochet and larger shawls:740 yards for longer shawls and 60+ stitches. The cost of yarn is rising, be creative and use yarns that appeal to you and your price range.
Before You Begin:
Because this is a spiritual practice, before one begins the knitting (crochet) process, a blessing, prayer or wish can be said, dedicating the work of your hands and the intentions of the receiver. You may want to light a candle and play soft music to enhance your knitting time, remembering that this is a prayerful time. When working in a group, you may want to pass the work-in-progress around the circle, asking each person to add some stitches to the shawl, or to just hold it for a while to add their prayers, energy and good wishes.
"Prayer Shawl - Knitting Pattern"
© 2006 All rights reserved.
1998 - Written & Developed by Victoria Galo and Janet Bristow
It is important to us that the origins of this ministry be honored. The information on this site is provided freely for your personal use. If you would like to duplicate, distribute, or display any part of this material you must contact the Shawl Ministry first. For personal use only - all copied material should be as is and have the Shawl Ministry web address (http://www.shawlministry.com/) and credit given to its authors. © 2006
Cast on stitches in multiples of three - 54, 57, or 60. For example, if you use size 11 needles and cast on 54 stitches, 3 skeins of yarn is enough. Some yarns vary in elasticity which will affect your outcome, as will your knitting tension. If the yarn you have chosen has a multicolored stripe, be careful when tying on a new skein. Make sure the color sequence is correct. Also, tie on the new skein in the body of the shawl, instead of an edge, as the ends tend to show.
* First Row: k3, p3, to end
* Second Row:
Always start the next row with the opposite stitch of what you see. For instance, if the first stitch on the needle is a knit, then start with a purl.
KNIT THE PURLS AND PURL THE KNITS!!!
It should NOT look like ribbing.
Note: If you cast on 57 stitches you will always start with K3Crochet Directions
Chain 54 stitches or desired width of shawl.
Chain 1, turn, single crochet in each of the stitches to end. Chain 3 and turn. Double crochet in top of each single crochet. Repeat this row 2 more times.
Chain 1 and do 1 row of single crochet to end. Chain 3 and turn. Do 3 rows of double crochet. Repeat pattern to end (1 row single, 3 rows double). End with 1 row of single. Finish with fringe. Developed by Rita Glod
*Note: that crocheting typically uses more yarn than knitting, so you might have to adjust the width and size of hook or use another 1/2 skein. It has been suggested that skeins of the same dye lot be purchased.
To complete the shawl:
Knit (crochet) until the piece measures from wrist to wrist, or approximately 57-58" long. (Knitting: bind off with a knit row). Use what you have left to cut *fringe. Suggestion for fringe: you can also do this before using the last skein. Divide the pile in half and slip knot them to the ends, evenly spaced.
If the yarn is manufactured loosely wound, you might have to knot the ends of the fringe to keep it from unraveling. For detailed tassel instructions click here. Now that the shawl is completed:
You may want to add beads and/or charms to the fringe. They can be new or parts of old pieces of jewelry. They not only add beauty, but also can be used to inspire or aid meditation. Before you give it away, say a blessing, prayer or wish over the shawl, keeping the receiver in mind. Another nice touch is enclosing a potpourri sachet scented with lavender oil, a calming aroma, or any essential oil that you like. It is also good to enclose an explanation and/or a blessing, prayer or wish for the receiver. For instance, if you choose a certain symbolic color for the yarn, beads or charms it's interesting and helpful to explain your reason.
Here is a sheet of prayers to say with your prayer shawl. 
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About this page
Posted: November 28, 2007
Expires: never
category: Women's Ministries
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