Prayer Shawl Patterns

There are two Prayer Shawl Patterns on this page, one is knitted and one is crocheted. With each pattern there is a link to a Microsoft Word document of the pattern.

We suggest using the Word document if you want to print out the pattern.

Knitted Prayer Shawl

Click here to access the Word version of this Pattern.

NOTE: These directions include instructions on using a fur stitch to make the fringe, an adaptation of the pattern created by Pamela Fox Obed.

Yarn: Use 3 skeins of Lion Brand Homespun.
The texture and feel of this yarn makes the shawl soft and warm. Since it is 90% acrylic it is washable. The yarn may be found at Michaels, JoAnn Fabrics and other craft stores.

Needles: Use size 13 or 15 which provide a loose fabric and a quick product.

Pattern: *Knit 3, purl 3, repeat * to the last three stitches, Knit 3.

To begin, cast on 63 stitches loosely. Before you begin your 3rd skein, set aside yarn to make a fringe for both ends of the shawl.

You can knit on the fringe. Cast on 63 sts. Complete one row of the Fur Stitch. Complete the body of the shawl. Work one row of the Fur Stitch. Bind off. Weave in the ends.

Pattern for Knitted in fringe: The fur stitch
Row 1 (RS): K1, *K1 but do not drop stitch off left needle, bring yarn forward between needles to make the fringe (you may wind over a piece of cardboard for fringe of a uniform length), take yarn between needles to the back and K in the same stitch again, pass the first stitch over the second and drop it off the left needle*. Repeat *.* on remaining 60 stitches, K1.
Fur stitch modified from Mitchell, The Country Diary Book of Knitting, p 147.

This pattern makes a shawl good for wrapping around shoulders or around knees. Afghan sized shawls could be made by starting with 99 stitches or any number of stitches divisible by six plus three stitches. You will need more skeins of Homespun yarn.

For those who want to minister with this craft here’s a prayer for beginning your work.

Creator God, I ask a blessing from all who have come before me, whose hands have been instruments of creation and beauty; who have picked up humble tools and homespun wool in order to provide cover and warmth for themselves and those they loved; who have felt, as I will feel, the yarn in their fingers; who have seen, as I will see, the growth of the fabric; who have heard, as I will hear, the click of the needles.
Bless this yarn and these needles. May this shawl be a sign of your healing presence: May it warm those who are weary, surround those who suffer and encircle those who are in pain. May your gentle touch reach out to heal in the light of Christ. Amen.

(Prayer adapted from "Beginning to Knit Meditation" by Janet Bristow)

Crocheted Prayer Shawl

Click here to access the Word version of this Pattern.

Simple directions for crocheting a shawl from Knitting into the Mystery by Susan S. Jorgensen and Susan S. Izard. This book has many ideas and prayers for this ministry.

Yarn: Use 4 skeins of Lion Brand Homespun.
The texture and feel of this yarn makes the shawl soft and warm. Since it is 90% acrylic it is washable. The yarn may be found at Michaels, JoAnn Fabrics and other craft stores.
Before you begin your last skein, set aside yarn to make a fringe for both ends of the shawl.

Hooks: Use size M or one which provides a loose fabric and a quick product.

Pattern: Chain 1, turn, single crochet in each of the stitches to the end. Chain 3 and turn. Double crochet in top of each single crochet. Repeat this row two more times. Chain 1 and make 1 row of single crochet to end. Chain 3 and turn. Do 3 rows of double crochet.
This pattern was developed by Rita Glod

To begin the shawl, chain 54 stitches loosely or chain stitches for the desired width of the shawl. Begin the first row of the pattern. Repeat the pattern (1 row single, 3 rows double) to the end. Finish with one row of single crochet. Weave in loose threads from joining skeins.

Fringe: The length of fringe is an individual decision. You can fringe every stitch or skip several stitches. You can tie beads on the fringe, knot it, or be creative in any way.
Decide the length of the fringe. It is doubled, so cut the fringe twice the desired length. Loosely wrap the yarn for the fringe around a piece of stiff cardboard as many times as you want pieces of fringe. Cut the yarn along one edge of the cardboard.
Double the fringe piece and, using a small crochet hook, pull the loop through the stitch; insert the ends of the fringe through the loop and pull tight. Knot the ends of any yarn that frays easily.
Alternate fringe: With the uncut reserved yarn, crochet loops of yarn on to the end rows of the shawl using a single crochet stitch to catch to strands of the loops to make them stable. No cut ends, no fraying.

This pattern makes a shawl good for wrapping around shoulders or around knees. Make afghan sized shawls starting with more stitches. You will need more skeins of Homespun yarn.

For those who want to minister with this craft here’s a prayer for beginning your work.

Creator God, I ask a blessing from all who have come before me, whose hands have been instruments of creation and beauty; who have picked up humble tools and homespun wool in order to provide cover and warmth for themselves and those they loved; who have felt, as I will feel, the yarn in their fingers; who have seen, as I will see, the growth of the fabric; who have heard, as I will hear, the yarn sliding over the hook.
Bless this yarn and these hooks. May this shawl be a sign of your healing presence: May it warm those who are weary, surround those who suffer and encircle those who are in pain. May your gentle touch reach out to heal in the light of Christ. Amen.

(Prayer adapted from "Beginning to Knit Meditation" by Janet Bristow)

Phone: (269) 668-7600

E-Mail: pineislandchurch@verizon.net