Knitting and Crochet Instructions

Materials:    Knitting Needle size 11 or 13 -OR- Crochet Hook size M, N or P

 

Amount of yarn needed:  (Knitted)  555 yards  (Crochet or larger shawls)  740 yards

 

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" © 2005 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.

All copied material should have the Shawl Ministry web address(www.shawlministry.com)

and credit given to its authors. © 2005

 

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 7 skeins of the same dye lot be purchased and crochet two shawls each using 3 1/2 skeins.  Another suggestion, if you are trying to obtain 3 skeins, is to integrate other yarn colors into the shawl.

 

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 tying on the third skein, then continue knitting to the end.  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.

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.

 

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