How To Crochet A Prayer Shawl

A prayer shawl is, quite simply, a shawl that was prayed over while it was being made. (Additionally, the recipient could wear it while praying).
You could pray for a specific need for the person, or you could pray for them in general.

A Prayer shawl could be crocheted, knit, or quilted. You can also choose to make prayer blankets (for children, for example).

Anybody, really, but here are some examples of people that I feel called to make them for:

- Someone battling cancer or some other form of illness.
- Someone who is grieving over a child, a spouse, or another loved one.
- Someone who could use comforting.
- Prayer blankets could be given to children for any of the above reasons. You could even make one for the birth of a baby.

There's a comfort in knowing that you are being prayed for. Sometimes the physical reminder found when you wrap the shawl around you is enough to lift your spirits and heal your hurts.

You'll want to pick out a soft, thick yarn for your shawl. The yarn that I prefer to use is Lion Brand's Homespun Yarn. It comes in a variety of beautiful colors, and your finished product is really cuddly.

So here is what I use when making my prayer shawls:

- 3 skeins of Lion Brand Homespun yarn
- Size "N" (10 mm) hook.
- Yarn Needle
- Scissors
- Quiet time to pray

I put the yarn in this module so you could see it, but if you wait until it goes on sale at Joann Fabrics (Joann.com), you can get it for just under $5/skein.

I've found that if you cut the fringe beforehand, then you'll be able to crochet the rest of the shawl until your yarn runs out.

The Fringe:
Wrap yarn around an empty toilet paper tube. Cut the yarn along the bottom edge of the tube. For this pattern, I used 2 pieces of yarn for each space along both of the short sides. It worked out to about 102 pieces. You can make your fringe longer of course, but you would have to adjust either the length of the shawl, the amount of fringe that you put on, or add another skein to your supply list.

Chain 52 (ch 52)

Row 1: Starting in 3rd chain from hook, Half-double crochet (hdc) in each chain.
Chain 2 & turn.

Row 2: 1 HDC in each HDC.

Repeat row two until the 3 skeins of yarn (minus the fringe) has been used up. Sew in your ends.

Tie two pieces of yarn into each space along the short side of the shawl. (you can use the crochet hook to pull the yarn through).

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I pray before I start my project initially and while I'm crocheting.

I ask the Lord to bless my tools and my hands to make the product that he has led me to make. I also pray for the recipient, that He would heal them (I sometimes go into specifics), and that they would come to know Him in a deeper, more personal way.

There is no set prayer that you need to use of course - pray the way that the Spirit leads you to!

Here are a few ways you can work your ministry:

- Make and donate prayer shawls to specific individuals.
- Make prayer shawls (or blankets) and donate them to charities/hospitals.
- Start a group at your church to make shawls as needed and distribute them amongst your church community. Other parishioners can donate yarn or money for yarn in this instance.

Shawls and blankets should be made in a smoke-free, pet-free environment whenever possible (especially if giving them to people with life-threatening illnesses).

Here is a great site that I found. They have sample prayers on there that you can use, as well as crochet and knit patterns:

Waiting Room Ministry

Here is another great site that lists prayer ideas and places where you can donate prayer shawls that you have made:
Shawl Ministry

These prayer shawls can bless others.....more than you can even anticipate!

A sweet bloggy friend of mine wrote this post after receiving a handmade hug. How sweet!

Did you know that you yourself can be blessed while making the shawl? Yup, it's true!