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" © 2007 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 (www.shawlministry.com)
and credit given to its authors. ©
2007
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 K3
Crochet 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.
|
The making of a prayer shawl is a spiritual practice which embodies our thoughts and
prayers for the receiver. It is a gift freely given with no strings attached. Made in prayer, as prayer, for prayer, the shawls
are passed on hand-to-hand and heart-to-heart. Putting a price on a shawl defeats the purpose of this ministry. May we suggest
a better alternative? But, if someone offers to "buy" a shawl, you can state that; "although the shawls
aren't sold, a donation to our ministry is gratefully accepted in whatever dollar amount you feel comfortable in giving".
These donations will allow your ministry to purchase more yarn and continue the 'ripple effect' of unconditional love!
Blessings, Janet
and Vicky |
Click here for our "Tip Sheet"
for further
tips, further tassel directions and pattern links!
