Knitting A Prayer Shawl
1. Decide the size needle you will use. Size 11 (8) will create a slightly denser shawl and the K3 Pattern will be more noticeable. Conversely, size 13 (9) will create a slightly looser, less definable pattern. Approximate finished sizes, not counting fringe, are 26” x 60” on size 11 (66 cm x 15 cm on 8) needles and 30” x 64” on 13 (76 cm x 162 cm on 9) needles.
2. Select your yarn. You might pick a yarn for its color, for its texture, or for its name. Most shawls can be knit with three skeins of yarn that are six ounces (170g) and 185 yards (166.5 m) each. If you prefer a larger shawl, you will need more yarn.
3. Cast on. Cast on 57 stitches for size 13 (9) needles, 63 for size 11 (8). The pattern is K3, P3 every row. This means that you will always begin with K3 and end with K3. Any odd multiple of three will work for your shawl, depending on how wide you want to make it: 57, 63, 69, 75, 81, and so on. Follow this pattern until you achieve the desired length. You may also decide to knit every row in what is called a garter stitch. Before you begin the third skein, make your fringe.
A lap blanket for men is an alternative. In this case, you will cast on 87 stitches for size 13 (9) needles. This will give you a blanket that is approximately 45 inches (114cm) wide. You need to use four skeins for this project.
4. Make fringe. Fringe is an individual thing. It can be long or short. You can put a piece of fringe through every stitch, or you can skip several stitches. Some people tie or sew beads to fringe, especially if the shawl is for a child. Whatever you decide, here is what you do:
Decide how long you want the fringe. Because the fringe is doubled when you fasten it to the shawl, you must cut the fringe twice the desired length. For six inch fringe, each strand must be 12 inches; for 12 inch fringe, cut pieces 24 inches long, and so on.
For standard fringe, cut as many lengths as you have stitches on your needles. Reserve fringe until you have finished knitting the shawl.
5. Finish the shawl. Attach the inside end of the yarn to your shawl and continue knitting until all the yarn is used up, or until you have achieved the desired length.
6. Attach the fringe. Double the yarn and, using a small crochet hook, pull the loop through the stitch; insert the ends of the fringe through the loop and pull tight, creating a knot.
7. Knot the ends of the fringe. If you are using a yarn that frays easily, consider knotting the ends of the fringe.
8. Give away your shawl. If you are making the shawl for a particular person, you may want to include the history of the shawl ministry and a prayer. Many people wrap the shawl in tissue with a written blessing, and tie it with a leftover piece of yarn. It can also be put in a gift bag and easily carried to the recipient.
This text is adapted from Susan S. Jorgensen from the original by Victoria A. Cole-Galo and Janet Bristow ©2002. All rights reserved.
Lion Brand Prayer Shawl
Skill Level: Beginner
Size: 20 x 60 inches
MATERIALS
Four balls (skeins) Lion Brand Homespun in any color.
Needles 10.5 (6.5 mm) or size 11 also works well.
Large-eyed blunt needle
GAUGE
12 stitches + 4 inches (10 cm) in Garter stitch (knit every row).
SHAWL
Cast on 60 stitches. Work in Garter stitch for 60 inches. Bind off.
FINISHING
Weave in ends.
For each fringe, cut 4 strands of yarn, each 13 inches (3 strands also work for heavy yarn). Hold strands together and fold in half. With crochet hook draw fold through edge of piece, forming a loop. Pull ends of fringe through loop and tighten. Make fringes evenly along short ends of Shawl. Trim fringe ends evenly. Knot ends to prevent them from unraveling.
