How to Make an Easy Prayer Shawl

July 30, 2022 Post a Comment

As a mommy, I am constantly doing research for craft ideas as well as ways I can help others.

Learn all about prayer shawls, including how to make one yourself.

Aine, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Flickr

If you're looking for an easy prayer shawl crochet pattern (or if you're wondering what a prayer shawl is), you've come to the right place! In this article, we'll look at:

The definition of a prayer shawl
The items needed to make one
How to do a half-double crochet stitch
The pattern (with helpful step-by-step tips)
The prayer
Possible recipients
Ideas for your shawl ministry
Additional resources

Sending someone a crocheted prayer shawl is like sending a friend a homemade hug. Let's get started!

What Is 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 can pray for a specific need for the person, or you can pray for them in general. A prayer shawl can be crocheted, knitted, or quilted. You can also choose to make prayer blankets (for children, for example).

Supplies and Items Needed

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 (if you wait until it goes on sale at Joann Fabrics, you can get it for just under $5/skein). It comes in a variety of beautiful colors, and your finished product will be really cuddly.

What I Use When Making My Prayer Shawls

3 skeins of Lion Brand Homespun yarn
Size "N" (10 mm) hook
Yarn needle
Scissors

I also make sure to find a quiet time to crochet, so that I can pray while making the shawl.

Learn How to Do a Half-Double Crochet Stitch

This pattern utilizes a half-double crochet stitch. It's very easy to do, and you can move through it pretty quickly. The half-double crochet is easy like the single crochet, but it gives you a height closer to the double crochet.

This great instructional video will get you started.

The Pattern

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.

How to Cut 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 either adjust the length of the shawl or the amount of fringe that you put on, or add another skein to your supply list.

How to Crochet the Shawl

Chain 52.

Scroll to Continue

The Prayer

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!

Who Would Be a Recipient of a Prayer Shawl?

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 the loss of a child, a spouse, or another loved one
Someone who could use comfort

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 comfort in knowing that you are being prayed for. Sometimes the physical reminder of wrapping the shawl around you is enough to lift your spirits and heal your hurt. And did you know that you yourself can be blessed while making the shawl? Yup, it's true!

For this project, you can pray before you begin and while you're crocheting, too.

Free-Photos, Public Domain, via Pixabay

Prayer Shawl Ministry Suggestions

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.

What About You?

Does your church have a prayer shawl ministry or did this inspire you to start one? Let me know—I'd love to hear more!

You can also post any questions that you have here. Thanks!

Additional Resources

Shawl Ministry lists prayer ideas and places where you can donate prayer shawls that you have made.

Questions & Answers

Question: What's the best width for a crochet prayer shawl?

Answer: It depends on how you want it to wrap around yourself (or the person who you are making it for). I like for it to cover my whole back, and as for length, I like the two ends to have some overlap.

Question: Can you use a k hook to make this shawl?

Answer: Sure, you could. I've found that when I use the Lion Brand homespun yarn, the thicker hooks are easier to use. If you use a smaller hook, you may need more stitches in your starting chain to get the width that you want.

Question: Is a N/15 a 10mm crochet hook?

Answer: Yes, 10 mm. (some hooks have the letter stamped on it as well as the mm)

Question: I started a baby blanket ministry at my church and now I'm making prayer shawls for ladies in my church who aren't able to attend anymore. Then I might start making shawls or ponchos for children and possibly baby ponchos. Could I make this prayer shawl with 2 skeins of yarn?

Answer: What a great idea for a ministry! If you did 2 skeins it would be much smaller, which would work if you were making it for a child. I would also probably make the fringe shorter or leave it off for children. You can certainly play with the fringe size.

Question: How many stitches do I need using a size large crochet hook so the work will be 30 inches wide?

Answer: This largely depends on the size the hook and how tight/loose you stitch. You can keep adding chains to your foundation chain until you like the width.

Question: What is the best width for a prayer shawl?

Answer: It really varies, depending on who you are making it for. I've played with the width in different shawls (you can just add more stitches to your starting chain), and I like it to touch my shoulders and hit toward my lower back. Try it and see what's comfortable for you! I take the starting chain and hold it around my shoulders, and let it drape down to get an idea of how wide it will be. (The starting chain is your width, and you build onto the length of it)

Question: I know of a 2-year old that is chronically ill. Is she too young for a prayer shawl?

Answer: I would probably say it's a blanket, rather than a shawl and possibly change the dimensions as this is longer than it is wide.

I'd Love to Hear Your Feedback!

Patricia R. on November 21, 2018:

I was going to make a poncho but came across your site. I also am a crocheter and happy to find this pattern. Thanks.

Patrice Bunney on June 28, 2018:

Thank you for this pattern of a crocheted prayer shawl. I think I was somehow drawn to this pattern as my just lost my husband to cancer 5 days ago. Upon reading your kind words about a prayer shawl I felt like I have to make this 1 for myself. I do a lot of charity crocheting but this 1 is mine.

I live in Melbourne Australia.. I thank you ever so much. God bless you. Regards Patrice

sdakin (author) on May 16, 2018:

I love her books! I'm not a knitter either, so I'm glad this is helpful!

Marion sage on May 04, 2018:

There are a couple of prayer shawls in Debbie mcomber books,(all knit patterns) I had never heard of one till I read one of her books, I only crochet, so this will give me some ideas...thanks

I on October 19, 2017:

I just started crocheting Prayer shawls last month after receiving a crochet square that was prayed over to give me relief from my migraines. It really touched me and provided comfort. So, I started the shawls for family and friends.

Thank you for another easy and fast pattern I can teach others

Kimberly on January 22, 2017:

My mother was given a prayer shawl by wonderful Sister Pam when my father was dying in the hospital. It has given her such comfort. It is almost the one year anniversary of his passing and I was looking for paterns yesterday so I can make them for others to keep the comfort and compassion flowing. Her shawl is just like your design. I havent crocheted in years but in less than 8 hours my first one is almost complete. Thank you so much for the inspiration.

Harriet on May 24, 2016:

I have been making prayer wraps and shawls for almost 2 years. I never know at the start who will get the wrap or shawl. The Lord always leads me to the "right" person or couple. It is truly a great blessing.

helen bhual on May 17, 2016:

I love prayer shawls,thankyou so much for the pattern,God bless you

Bobbi on April 24, 2016:

Thank you for such a wonderful story along with your pattern. I love it and wish I would have thought about this years ago. I am going to start as soon as I'm done here. sdakin, you are truly a wonderful person. May God wrap his loving arms around you. Many blessings to you.

Hugs

Lucy on February 22, 2015:

I have been making prayer shawls for about 8 yrs. I find people thatwith needs thru church and in the community. It has been so rewarding and such a blessing. When the person get the prayer shawl it is given by anonymous, I want the glory to go to the Lord. Thanks for the pattern, I am always looking for something different and new.

sdakin (author) on January 18, 2014:

@anonymous: It sounds like you aren't doing a half double-crochet in each of the previous stitches. It might help you to count your stitches as you go across until you feel that you've gotten the hang of it. Please let me know if that helps!

anonymous on August 22, 2013:

I recently quit going to the church we (my family) went to for almost 20 years. I feel I still need to do something in the Lord's name. I do a lot of crafting and have sold a lot of the crafts. I don't make a lot, but the Lord always provides me with enough money to make more things! Can't wait to make some and pass them out to nursing homes and rehab centers! Thank you for sending out the first prayer shawl! I will also be looking at other patterns. Marsha

anonymous on July 06, 2013:

I would just like to leave a friendly fyi out here for anyone trying the waiting room ministry website, it is currently for sale and does not currently exist w/anything but other websites on it. Sorry to burst anyone's crocheting bubble but I tried it thinking it had some cool stuff on there and it does not. Have a wonderful rest of your fourth holiday weekend.

anonymous on April 30, 2013:

I want to thank you for this site, the women at my church are making (crocheting or knitting) shaws for the Arora group (Arkansas Regional Organ Recovery Agency) and I have been looking for some simple but beautifu; patterns to crochet............ thanks again.

anonymous on April 29, 2013:

Prayer shawls are wonderful, but I now give them to people who are far away, unless it's for a tangible purpose like chemo, dialysis, etc. Why? Because after giving away several shawls to people who were hurting, I received one once from a well-meaning gal who apparently did not realize that what I needed was friendship and companionship, not a shawl. I wondered jow many of the people to whom i gave these shawls felt the same way. Now I give them only in situations where they are practical, like mentioned above, or to someone far away. This gesture should NEVER take the place of face to face serving.

Laraine Sims from Lake Country, B.C. on April 22, 2013:

Hi Stephanie, I was searching for a very simple pattern to crochet for my mother-in-law. We just found out that she has cancer and I just know that this will be the perfect gift. Thank you so very much for passing this on to us.

LaraineRose

anonymous on April 12, 2013:

yes my church has a prayer shawl ministry. 8 years ago I had cancer and our Pastor of our church came to visit and explained the Prayer shawl and presented one to me. when I have anxiety days, I wrap it around me and pray .It helps me stop and take the time to count my blessings. Iam making a shawl now,and will be giving it to someone that would enjoy.

anonymous on April 08, 2013:

I thank you for offering this prayer shawl site on the internet. I'm sure it will give many the opportunity to use their crocheting (knitting) talents to reach out to those in need of prayers and the comfort these shawls bring. I am a recipient of two prayer/comfort shawls. I can't tell you how many times they helped me through radiation and chemotherapy for breast cancer. and all the side effects I have made a few myself and have hoped they were of comfort to whomever received them. May all, who contribute to those no matter their need, be blest for their efforts.

anonymous on April 08, 2013:

I am so happy to have seen this site. Thank you for the instructional video on the half-double crochet. I found that I am doing this correctly. I will be starting a prayer shawl for my niece to help her through the tragedy of the death of her 23-month-old grandson. So many prayers have been said, but maybe this will be the extra special one she needs to help.

anonymous on April 06, 2013:

I loved your comments re: starting prayer shawls and your thoughtfulness. I too am overseeing a beginning prayer shawl ministry at our church in Federal Way, WA. We have 6 regulars and 3 or 4 more that come and go. We have been so blessed to be able to share these with others in need. It is encouraging to see so many other groups reaching out. Our church has a ministry in Russia. On one of the trips for a women's conference another church knitted little angles for each if them-they were so appreciative. The men were disappointed so our group is making "Pocket Prayers", (4" squares with a tassel) to sent to Russia in June. What a privilege to help in this way. Thanks so much

anonymous on March 30, 2013:

I am overseeing the Prayer Shawl Ministry at Oak Grove United Methodist Church in Chesapeake, VA. It is a wonderful ministry. We have given out 48 prayer shawls this year. Plus we made and purchased 70 hats, 70 shawls, 85 gloves for men and women that are homeless in the Chesapeake and Norfolk area that came to stay at our church. It is great to see this posting and a pattern for the prayer shawl. Thank you.

anonymous on March 29, 2013:

I do Prayer Cowls

anonymous on January 16, 2013:

@sdakin: thanks a ton! now i know why my shawl became round :) i'll start again

thanks

sdakin (author) on January 16, 2013:

@anonymous: No, you definitely want to do a hdc in every single stitch. The video shows that at the end of the row you chain 2 times and then start the new row in the 3rd stitch from the hook. I do a chain 1 at the end at start in the 2nd stitch from the hook ~ either way works fine. That's JUST for the start of the new row, though, Make sure you get every stitch from that point to the end of the row,

Hope that helps!

anonymous on January 16, 2013:

@sdakin: but isn't hdc to be done in every 3rd stitch? (that's what i understood from d video attached)

sdakin (author) on January 15, 2013:

@anonymous: hmm, if your shawl is decreasing per row, it means that you're not doing a hdc in every single stitch all the way to the end. (It's happened to me before, too). It definitely shouldn't look round....(the end result it a rectangle). Make sure that you're getting 52 stitches in each row, and see if that gets rid of your roundness. Good luck!

anonymous on January 15, 2013:

@sdakin: Hi Sdakin,

I started with d shawl today but just after couple of rows...it has started to look roundish, and d no. of stctches seem to be decreasing as i proceed with each row...m i doing something wrong in here? do reply

anonymous on January 15, 2013:

@sdakin: Hi Sdakin,

sdakin (author) on December 30, 2012:

@anonymous: What a fantastic ministry, Patsy! I had wanted to start a Prayer Shawl ministry in our church a few years ago, but the timing wasn't right. I'll keep praying on it. =)

THank you for sharing what you do ~ do you have links to the patterns that you use?

sdakin (author) on December 30, 2012:

@anonymous: Hi Teresa,

I'm sorry ~ I thought I had updated the pattern to minimize the confusion. I just did it now ~ a true hdc is chain 2 at the end of the row and start in the 3rd chain from hook. I accidentally modified that as I went along, and the way I mentioned in the pattern is the way that I do it now. You're welcome to do it either way, as long as you pick one way and stick with it.

anonymous on December 30, 2012:

On the direction for a hdc it says to hdc in the "3rd chain"...but on your pattern it says to in the 2nd? And also in my "learn to crochet" book it says to ch 2 at the end of the row? I'm confused???

anonymous on November 18, 2012:

Yes, our church has a prayer shawl ministry! What a blessing for the recipients and the crocherer!! We are just under "one year old" and have been able to minister to so many individuals and families. Each crocherer prays for the individual and the physical, medical, or emotiional things they are going through as they crochet the project. Lots of prayers for peace, comfort, & healing (if God's Will) are spoken. We have made shawls, afghans, lapgans, etc. We also just finished a project for the Children's Home in our state by making "child-size" afghans for each child there. We made them no slmaller than 40" x 55". We included a few baby size blankets and a few hooded capes for the babies. We also made two round "play mats" for a child to sit on (the floor) while playing games, reading, etc. We crocheted 45 (or so) afghans. When we began the ministry, we each donated our scrap skeins of yarn and used this (along w/ a few purchases of colors we didn't have) to make the afghans for the Children's Home. Our church also provides funds in the budget to help purchase yarn for our special projects. We also recognized our pastors and their wives during Pastor Appreciation Month by crocheting them each an afghan and the wives received a filet crochet wall hanging with the family name on it.

What better way to use a talent God has given, than to bless others. Patsy

anonymous on November 14, 2012:

Hobby Lobby has it on sale this week for 3.33.

anonymous on November 09, 2012:

Am looking for a prayer shawl pattern that is probably60 inches long with fringe, about 24 - 30 inches wide. But instead of beginning with a chain to work across the width, the one I saw began with a long chain, then single crochet the length of the chain and was worked in that manner (two colors) across the width. A long piece of the darker of the two colors was "woven" lengthwise through the lighter color so that it was part of the fringe which was of the dark color. Think I can duplicate it but have no idea how much yarn to buy! It was a simple, easy yet lovely shawl and looked to be something that could be crocheted in a relatively short time.

sdakin (author) on November 05, 2012:

@anonymous: I actually don't have a gauge for the pattern. My biggest concern is how it sits around a person's shoulders....I want them to be able to wrap it around themselves and still have it go down their back quite a bit.

The chain 52 is the part that goes down their back. (from their shoulders to their waist area).

Each row that you build on that is the part that goes across their back and around their shoulders. I hope that makes sense!

sdakin (author) on November 05, 2012:

@anonymous: You are so welcome. Good luck with your shawls!

sdakin (author) on November 05, 2012:

@anonymous: You're very welcome! I'm glad that this helped/inspired you to make one of your own. =)

sdakin (author) on November 05, 2012:

@anonymous: FANTASTIC, thanks for the heads up! I'm heading out to pick up yarn for 2 prayer shawls today, and it's currently full price at Joann's (over $6). The Micheal's in my area has it for $3.99, but that is still a fantastic price. =)

anonymous on November 05, 2012:

Is there a "gauge" for the pattern? Also, is the chain of 52 the width or length of the shawl?

anonymous on November 05, 2012:

Heads up: I found this yarn at Michaels.........on sale this week for 2.99/skein!

anonymous on November 04, 2012:

Hello, I just stumbled on to your site and am so thrilled I did! This is an amazing thing to do for people in need of a prayer and a hug! Thank you for sharing and I'm getting started on one for a friend as soon as I finish typing :-)

sdakin (author) on November 03, 2012:

@anonymous: Oh, what a sweet story! Thanks for your ministry!

sdakin (author) on November 03, 2012:

@anonymous: That sounds like a beautiful idea, Cathy! Thank you for your ministry!

sdakin (author) on November 03, 2012:

@anonymous: Billie, when I do my chain I measure it across my back to the length that I want it to sit when someone wraps it around themselves.

If you're making it for really young children I would recommend either a different yarn and a smaller hook, or maybe the same yarn and an "L" hook? I've made a couple of lap blankets using this yarn and an "L" hook, and the "holes" are a lot smaller.

I hope that helps!

sdakin (author) on November 03, 2012:

@anonymous: And His blessings to YOU, Nancy! Thank you for sharing your fantastic story.

Hmmm. According to the video, you chain 2 at the end of your row and then start in the 3rd chain from the hook.

I must have modified my way of doing it, because I chain 1 at the end of the row and work into the 2nd chain from the hook. {It still works really well, and comes out looking great, though}.

You can choose to do it either way, as long as you pick one and stick with it throughout the entire pattern.

Good luck with your shawls ~ I'd love to hear how they come out!

Whichever one you choose to do, be sure to do it consistently throughout the project and it will come out great.

anonymous on November 03, 2012:

I'm thankful to have found your site! I was the recipient of a prayer shawl way back in 2006 while recovering from cancer surgery. It is my most precious piece to this day and my daughters and teenage granddaughters always enjoy wrapping up in it when they are here. So, I've decided its time they each have their own! I watched your video and read your instructions and am a bit confused. In the video, you say to do the half double stitch in the THIRD stitch of the row. But in the written instructions it says to make it in the SECOND stitch of the row. Could you please clarify? God's blessings to you.....Nancy

anonymous on November 02, 2012:

I have had a personal prayer shawl ministry for over a year and have been truly blessed by it and the recipients. It is a good way to keep your prayer life alive and to serve other's needs. One that really touched me was one I made for our retiring 78-year-old pastor. He actually began to cry when I wrapped it around his shoulders and would not take it off. I'm trying to start a Prayer Shawl Ladies' Ministry at our new church and am receiving great feedback. Praying Hands work for the Lord. Blessings, ladies. :-)

I like the idea of multi-colored ones and will begin making some with my scraps. Thanks for the idea.

anonymous on October 30, 2012:

I would love to make a prayer shawl.

anonymous on September 20, 2012:

We have a prayer shawl ministry in our chuch and I am now wanting to make crocheted shawls for small children,What size should they be on the average?Thannk you!

anonymous on September 08, 2012:

Thanks so much for the explanation and the pattern! I have seen "Prayer Shawls" but this is the first I have seen them explained! I LOVE the idea!!! I already pray for whoever I am making something for so this is a perfect project for me!

anonymous on September 04, 2012:

@anonymous: I also do cross-stitch projects as "Prayer Shawls". I pray for the person as I stitch and then frame & gift the finished project to them.

It's the physical gift that represents the time you held them up in prayer that counts. You could even give a calendar or a bookmark marked to show time spent in prayer. Let the Spirit move you & God bless you.

anonymous on September 01, 2012:

@anonymous: Hi Teresa: I saw the mistake and after reading your post realized it was just that. I got a bit confused thinking there was one dc in the way to make this, but now I know it was a boo boo...Thank you.

sdakin (author) on August 30, 2012:

@anonymous: There is is "Pin It" button on the left hand side of this page (under the squidoo like, facebook like, tweet, and google +1 button) as well as a few "pin it" link under the main pattern. Thank you!

sdakin (author) on August 30, 2012:

@anonymous: I love the idea of multi-colored shawls! I hadn't thought to use "scrap" yarn, but that's definitely something to keep in mind.

I've also done one prayer hat for a chemo patient, and I've done lap blankets as well....you can definitely vary this for men and women. Thank you for your ministry!

sdakin (author) on August 30, 2012:

@anonymous: I've seen people make them out of fleece, as well - usually two pieces with fringed edges that are tied together. For every knot made, another prayer was said.

This lens was specifically to show people how *I* make prayer shawls. You can do this anyway you feel led to do so, of course. =) Blessings!

anonymous on August 29, 2012:

Why do they have to be knitted or crocheted why can't they be made out of soft fleece like the blankets but rectangle. Some people are not blessed with the talent of crocheting or knitting but may want to participate. Just putting it out there.

anonymous on August 11, 2012:

I have been crocheting prayer shawls for about a year or two. The recipients love them. I just started a prayer shawl ministry at my church. I have one maybe two people who are interested. I did get my Aunt involved as hse has all different skeins and bits of yarn. Her prayer shawls are always colorful and seem to come to life and brightens the day. We are not telling the recipients who made the shawls, I have a mentor from church who gives the prayer shawls out. she just tells them they are a gift from God. This is the way I want my prayer shawl ministry to work. I found out once people know who is making the shawls everyone seems to want one and that is not how I wish my ministry to work. We use our own money for the wool and we do ask people at work if they have any wool laying around they are not using to donate it to us. We don't care that if may not be a whole skein. half skeins, quarter skiens or just little bits of wool make beautiful and wonderful prayer shawls. I do pray before and during the making of a prayer shawl. I also pray every time I pick it up the next day to continue. The prayer shawls are making a difference to some people and they cannot believe that someone made it for them let alone prayed for them. Prayer shawls ministry;s are wonderful. I just wish more people from my church would help out. We make them for men and women.

anonymous on August 09, 2012:

how do u put this on pinterest?

anonymous on August 09, 2012:

We have a Prayer Shawl ministry at our church. We have had it for about 5 years.

anonymous on July 14, 2012:

thanks so much for your information---I am anxious to start a Prayer Shawl Ministry in our church

anonymous on May 18, 2012:

QzSioux - I started by making them myself, asking the congregation to bless them, and we eventually got enough interest to start a group who now makes prayer shawls, chemo caps, baby layettes and articles to send overseas. It took about a year of my dedication to working and making about 20 prayer shawls before people realized the need and how we could ALL benefit from prayer!

anonymous on April 30, 2012:

I wish I could encourage my church to start up a prayer shawl ministry. Unfortunately, no one seems to be interested in helping me out to get it started. I am now making prayer shawls for my aunt's church since they DO have a ministry, and the women can't keep up with the demand. I'm so glad that I'm able to help, and I sure wish more churches would get involved. Keep up the good work you do, it really is inspiring!

anonymous on April 23, 2012:

thanks for this great article. I viewed the video on how to make half-double crochet stitches and saw that the demonstrator made a mistake in making one of the stitches. Watch closely and you will see that she actually made a double crochet stitch for one of the stitches when she intended to make a half-double. I just wanted to call attention to it so the video can be corrected or re-shot and then re-posted.

anonymous on April 09, 2012:

I have been crocheting prayer shawls for a few months - have given 4 of them already and am working on my 5th one to give to a neighbor who is facing open heart surgery. My next project is for an infant who will be undergoing heart surgery this week,. How can I modify the pattern for an infant and should I use the same type of yarn as I have for the adults? My pattern is a little different than yours, but I'm sure there are many patterns. I might try this one for the baby's shawl. Thank you. Peg

anonymous on March 07, 2012:

Will it still work out ok if you chain more then 52 chains? That way it could be for maybe a bigger person around? Thanks ahead of time for your answer. Hugs aand God Bless You, Sharon

anonymous on March 04, 2012:

i will start making pray shawl's to have on hand and when i hear about people sick i will make a visit and gave them one. there are so many that have no family any longer and that will gave me a peace ful heart to help the needed in this way may God bless all of the caring and loving people that come in to our lives showing that we care and the blessing in the hand made shawl etc.

anonymous on February 23, 2012:

My church started a prayer shawl ministry a little over 2 years ago with 8 knitters & 2 of us that crocheted. We have grown to over 50 of us & all ages plus we met on Monday night or Wednesday morning. Ladies have be taught how to do it & we have great fellowship sharing patterns & concerns. We also do white shawls for weddings per requests from our pasters. I think we are as blessed as who we give the to. They go where ever there is a need. Blessing to all.

sdakin (author) on February 22, 2012:

@anonymous: Thanks! For the size, my goal is to have it wrap comfortably around a person, and to go down to about their waist. I've never actually measured a completed shawl, but I do "test" it on myself when I'm making it. Hope that helps!

sdakin (author) on February 22, 2012:

@anonymous: I'm glad that you enjoyed the pattern!

Many times I tell the person that God put their name on my heart to pray for them. I would tell her what you said here ~ that you feel the loss of her son deeply, and that your son was on a similar path.

I also like to tell people when they're wearing the shawl that it's like a hug from you....and from God. It may sound cheesy, but for the people that I did not say that to, they ended up telling me that that's how they felt wearing the shawl. =)

Blessings to you!

anonymous on February 22, 2012:

Thank you SO much. I crocheted my first prayer shawl using your web site. It turned out to be beautiful and soft. I am now at a loss for what to put on the card I want to send along. The shawl is for the mom of one of my 18 years old son's friends. Her son died overdosing on drugs. It was not a suicide, he just went too far without realizing it. I have felt her pain so deeply because my son was involved in all the same things until recently. In fact her son's death has been one of th things that has opened his eyes, along with God's loving hand. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

anonymous on February 20, 2012:

@anonymous: Julie, I have the opposite problem. My chain row is smaller than the rest of the project I am working on. I crochet tight. So what I found out to work for mewas to use a larger needle for the chain and then use the suggested needle for the rest of my project. So if an H needle is suggested I use an "I" for the chain row. So maybe you need to use a smaller needle for your chain row and then use the suggested needle for the rest of your project. If there is a gauge to follow I would try that also, but if there isn't I would try the suggest above!

anonymous on January 03, 2012:

Great pattern. Gave it a "test run" today. How big should the completted shawl be? Thanks!

anonymous on January 03, 2012:

I used to belong to a church several years ago that had a prayer shawl ministry. Unfortunately it has been dropped. So, I decided today after I saw your article to start my own. Just after Thanksgiving a friend of my son's died. He was 17 and overdosed on drugs. I don't know his mom personally, but have felt her grief so strongly. I wanted to do something for her, and I know this is what I'm supposed to do. Thank you for making it so easy to get started.

anonymous on January 03, 2012:

Hello, my pastor gave me a book to make prayer shawls and he told me that he want one. so I'm looking to see what kind and can make for him. I love this prayers shawls. I will be doing a few for my friend. Thank you so much.

pianolessongirl on December 06, 2011:

I love making prayer shawls, they are so fun. I usually knit them.....I do 3 knit, 3 purl, 3 knit, 3 purl...on and on and on. I do 54 or 57 stitches across, and just keep going till I run out of one skein of homespun yard. Love it! :)

pianolessongirl on December 06, 2011:

anonymous on November 09, 2011:

Love the post I have always wanted a prayer shawl and now I have a lady at my church who is making one for me...

anonymous on November 09, 2011:

NO, but thanks for such a wonderful lens about the prayer shawl.

anonymous on November 09, 2011:

NO, but thanks for such a wonderful lens about the prayer shawl.

jays23 lm on November 09, 2011:

lovely and unique lens you got here!

sdakin (author) on October 28, 2011:

@anonymous: Hi Julie! Thanks so much for taking the time to comment here.

When I first started out (and even now, sometimes), I found that I had to count my stitches. It could just be that you're missing the very last chain before you do your chain 2 and turn....(I've done that a lot!). Hope that helps - feel free to shoot me any questions if you get stuck. =)

anonymous on October 28, 2011:

Hello, and thank you for this pattern and your advice....I'm a BEGINNER in crochet, & I'm trying to make a prayer shawl ....the chain & bottom rows seem wider than my subsequent ones....any ideas what I'm doing wrong?

Thank you so much for your ministry.

Julie Frank

anonymous on September 22, 2011:

This sounds so awesome. I would love to be able to make one. But, I am not an artsy craftsy person. Don't kow how to crochet!! not a smidgeon

!!!!

anonymous on September 03, 2011:

I AM TRYING TO START A PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY AT MY CHURCH, I USED TO BELONG TO ONE IN MY OLD CHURCH, AND I LOVED THE IDEA OF MAKING THEM AND GIVING THEM TO PEOPLE AND COMFORTING THEM, COULD YOU GIVE ME SOME POINTERS, THANKS

SerenityPrayerG on July 24, 2011:

Lovely!

anonymous on July 08, 2011:

@anonymous: There are several but here is the one I use.

Guided by Godâs love for us, this shawl is made for you.

Healing, strength and peace to bless upon your spirit true.

Wrap yourself in warmth and love, entwined in every stitch.

Prayers said to God above - please heal, mend and enrich.

Father, Son and Holy Spirit, intoned throughout the shawl

Triune blessings knit within it, best wishes from us all.

anonymous on July 04, 2011:

I once saw a prayer that was to be sent with the prayer shawl, would you know where I could find it?

sdakin (author) on June 23, 2011:

@anonymous: Hi Amanda,

I always use the Lion Brand Homespun (pictured above). Good luck!

anonymous on June 23, 2011:

need some advice on this pattern.. what size of yarn do i need ? plz e-mail.me ms.a.esler@gmail.com thank you

anonymous on June 23, 2011:

@anonymous: Anyone Know what size of Yarn you need to do this one.. I got the hook.. just not sure on the yarn size! plz help e-mail me ms.a.esler@gmail.com

anonymous on June 18, 2011:

I love this I have never hear of it so I'm going to suggest it to our church ladies. Thank you so much I really really Love it.

anonymous on June 02, 2011:

You have such an interesting lens, I have enjoyed learning about the prayer shawl.

anonymous on May 29, 2011:

I had belonged to a church group that made prayer shawls and afghans for babies. I had optes to make the afghans because I could make them "without thinking" and thus had made many. But, I've always wanted to make a prayer shawl. We moved and I am going to make a prayer shawl for the wife of a friend who is in a rest home. Thank you for the patterns and I feel bold enough to try making this.

anonymous on May 15, 2011:

I just heard about a prayer shawl ministry at church today and I'm very excited. I haven't, until today, found anything that moved me like this. I'm going to start a shawl this afternoon. I love your pattern and your thoughts. Thank you very much for sharing.

Cynthia Sylvestermouse from United States on April 15, 2011:

I found this awesome lens a few days ago, but I have returned today to leave my blessings and to let you know this lens is now featured on Squid Angel Mouse Tracks in Crochet.

Lemming13 on March 09, 2011:

Actually I thought this might be a how-to for Jewish prayer shawls, but this is just as good; lovely lens and a lovely idea.

sdakin (author) on March 03, 2011:

@anonymous: Hi Althea, thanks for stopping by!

Sorry about the confusion. I fold the toilet paper tube in half, wrap the yarn around it, and then cut the bottom edge of the tube all the way across (the fringe is maybe 4 inches?). Then each time I wrap around to make more fringe, I cut the yarn along the "slit" that I made through the tube the first time. I take two pieces of fringe together and pull them halfway through the space between stitches. Take the two ends together on either side of the shawl and tie them in half (does that make sense). I like to knot them twice so they stay on. The yarn itself unravels a little, but it makes the fringe look a little fluffier.

Of course you can do this part however you like - this is just the way I do it. =)

anonymous on March 01, 2011:

@sdakin: I like that idea. We all need a hug every now and then. I'm a little confused on how to apply the fringe. After wrapping 2 strands around a bathroom tissue roll, how long do you cut the pieces that actually go into the shawl. Your pattern has inspired me to make prayer shawls for some nursing homes, hospitals, or whoever is interested in them. Everyone in these faciilties could use a hug. ; ) Thank you.

Althea Lee-Morris

sdakin (author) on February 17, 2011:

@blessedmomto7: Thank you! I have been thinking lately about crocheting some newborn prayer blankets for a pregnancy care facility nearby... It's so much fun and soothing - especially when you pick an easy pattern that you don't have to concentrate too much on! =)

blessedmomto7 on February 17, 2011:

Very neat lens. I received a prayer blanket when one of my babies was born. I had not heard of this idea until then. I am just learning to crochet, so hopefully I can pass on another prayer shawl.

monroeinctiary94.blogspot.com

Source: https://feltmagnet.com/textiles-sewing/How-To-Crochet-A-Prayer-Shawl

Monroe Inctiary94

How to Make an Easy Prayer Shawl

What Is a Prayer Shawl?

Supplies and Items Needed

What I Use When Making My Prayer Shawls

Learn How to Do a Half-Double Crochet Stitch

The Pattern

How to Cut the Fringe

How to Crochet the Shawl

Read More From Feltmagnet

The Prayer

Who Would Be a Recipient of a Prayer Shawl?

Prayer Shawl Ministry Suggestions

What About You?

Additional Resources

Questions & Answers

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