For those who are beginning the Prayer Shawl ministry I have printed prayers and patterns but as we are not able to meet in person at the moment I am sending you this info from the web site I am using.
Consider who may be the recipient of your completed shawl before you begin or as you are working. There is a prayer on this page to pray before you begin and a blessing for the finished project.
Please let me know who is taking on this ministry so I can pray for you.
Prayer Shawl Instructions
Knitting and Crochet
Amount of yarn needed:
Knitted: 555 yards (slightly bulky) in the yarn of your choice.
adjusting pattern to obtain the desired width.
The cost of yarn is rising, be creative and use yarns that
appeal to you and your price range.
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 'slightly bulky' 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
The same can be said if you make the pattern in multiples of 6's + 3 (add) stitches
The Original Prayer Shawl Crochet Pattern © 2020 All rights reserved.
Developed by Rita Glod
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.
*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 inclusion of a scented sachet is not recommended if the receiver of the shawl is
sensitive to fragrances, is pregnant, undergoing chemotherapy, has emphysema or chronic respiratory issues.
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? 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
Beginning To Knit Dedication © 2020 All Rights Reserved
By: Janet Severi Bristow - 2000
www.shawlministry.com
Mantle of Love, Healer of Hearts,
I light this candle as a reminder of Your presence as I begin.
I ask a blessing from all who have come before me;
whose hands have been instruments of creation and beauty;
who have used humble tools and hand-spun 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.
Guide my attention to stay on course.
Hold me close and ground me.
Bless, also, this yarn and these knitting needles.
May any negative energy connected to them be cast away as I cast on;
and all positive energy bound in as I bind off.
In their simplicity, may I find comfort and solace.
Bless my hands...
Often just appendages at the end of my arms...
workers doing their job without appreciation...looked at, yet not really seen.
These instruments of love have done mundane tasks, yet also create beauty.
They reach out, touch, stroke, scrub, lift, grasp, gesture and guide.
These hands, my hands, gifts of great importance,
Blessings be on them and in them as I begin.
May the fruits of their labor be good!
Prayer Of Blessing (blessing for a completed shawl)
© 2020 All rights reserved.
By: Janet Severi Bristow - 2000
www.shawlministry.com
May God's grace be upon this shawl...
warming, comforting, enfolding and embracing.
May this mantle be a safe haven... a sacred place of security and well-being...
sustaining and embracing in good times as well as difficult ones.
May the one who receives this shawl be cradled in hope, kept in joy, graced with peace,
and wrapped in love.
Blessed Be!