Guide for Giving a Prayer Shawl

Knitting a prayer shawl is a completely different experience than knitting just any old shawl. The process is unique due to the intentions of the knitter to infuse healing and good thoughts as well as prayers of protection into the shawl.

Prayer shawls are also commonly referred to as comfort shawls, peace shawls, mantles, etc. The shawl maker begins with prayers and blessings for the recipient and those intentions are continued throughout the creation of the shawl. Upon completion, a final blessing is offered before the shawl is given to the recipient. This can be done in a formal ceremony if the shawl is being given by a group affiliated with a church.

As knit and crochet designer Alnaar Jiwani Harnish from leeleeknits.com explains:

"Knitting a prayer shawl is a great way to deliberately set aside time to pray for the person you are creating the shawl for.  The calming effect of knitting will put you in the right state of mind for sending out healing energy."

Some recipients have continued the kindness by making a prayer shawl of their own and passing it on to someone in need. By doing so, the blessing and well wishes ripple from person to person, with both the giver and receiver feeling the embrace of love.

To make a shawl personal, the giver or the recipient may choose to adorn the shawl with beads, shells, feathers, and charms. When the gift is presented, a blessing or ritual may be offered in order to provide even more well wishes.

To make your experience easier and more enjoyable, there are certain tips and tricks to consider when making a prayer shawl. Most notably, it’s important to think about the wants and needs of the recipient. You should also consider the type of yarn when working up a knit shawl and include tips for how to launder and care for the finished piece.

Knit and crochet designer Heidi Gustad from handsoccupied.com shared this tidbit about how to make the best possible prayer shawl:

"Any shawl can be a prayer shawl, though if you're making one from scratch with a particular person and occasion in mind, you could be thoughtful about selecting a pattern to suit the situation. Does the recipient have a favorite color? Fiber? Lace pattern? Make this special gift that much more special by customizing it for them!"

See below for even more points to consider when knitting a prayer shawl.

One of the best parts about giving a prayer shawl is you don’t necessarily need a special reason to do so. Instead, you can simply work one up for a loved one you think could use an extra dose of encouragement.

Knit and crochet designer Heidi Gustad from handsoccupied.com also shared some thoughts on who would benefit from receiving a prayer shawl:

"Folks dealing with hospital stays, sick family members, or a tough medical diagnosis are those who you typically think of when giving prayer shawls. Other creative ideas to try are giving prayer shawls for special, happy occasions, like a pregnancy announcement, retirement, or before sending someone on a long trip."

In addition, knit and crochet designer Alnaar Jiwani Harnish from leeleeknits.com says:

"Anyone going through a difficult experience - health or otherwise, can benefit from the intentions sent out during the process of creating a prayer shawl."

Finally, our friend Marie Segares of undergroundcrafter.com, shares her insight:

"When it comes to knitting prayer shawls, if you plan to donate the finished project to a charity or other organization that distributes prayer shawls, my most important tip is to follow their guidelines. Otherwise, your donation may end up being discarded or costing the charity more money to clean or care for.

If you are giving the prayer shawl to your own friend or family member, think about how it will be used before you make it. For example, if it is for a friend who is undergoing medical treatment, it will probably be washed a lot between visits to the clinic, so an easy care yarn is best.

If it is for a family member going through a difficult time, choosing a yarn in a favorite color so it can be worn when s/he needs a little comfort is ideal."

There are even more instances, outlined below, when a prayer shawl can be an extra comforting symbol of compassion.

There is often a great deal of symbolism in prayer shawls and many religious organizations use these garments for prayer and healing.

In the article for The Spruce entitled, “What Makes a Prayer Shawl?” Sarah E. White explains:

“Prayer shawls are often knit with a symbolic pattern or use colors of yarn that are meaningful to the religion of the person giving or receiving the shawl. For instance, stitch patterns with multiples of three are common in prayer shawls knit by Christians because of the idea of the Trinity.”

Some stitch patterns that involve threes include 3x3 ribbing and Trinity Stitch, so these are popular techniques to use when knitting a prayer shawl. In addition, blocks of three stitches and three rows of knits and purls can also be alternated across the knit fabric for an easy and meaningful pattern.

In Judaism, a prayer shawl called a tallit is very common. There are certain rules regarding the design and construction of a tallit. However, knitted versions are acceptable. A tallit is usually made in blue and white and can include short phrases of inspiration.

Every tallit includes fringes, or knots, tied in a specific manner in each of the four corners. The corner fringes on this ritual garment remind the wearer of all the commandments in the Torah.

Many religions also use some type of prayer shawl during wedding ceremonies as a symbol garment uniting the bride and groom in holy matrimony.

Keep in mind knit prayer shawls can extend beyond religious boundaries. The true meaning of a prayer shawl is centered on the intention of love, compassion, and comfort stitched into the garment – universal truths for most people.

There are many wonderful reasons as to why you should knit a prayer shawl for charity. Perhaps most importantly, you will experience the positive thoughts and feelings associated with completing a kind gesture for someone in need. Using your knitting skills to help others through difficult situations will leave you feeling fulfilled and grateful.

Are you interested in knitting your own prayer shawl? Check out this free pattern from our friend Jessica Anderson. Use the different stitch sections to “weave” in a new prayer and in no time at all, you’ll see a finished shawl.

Using a self-striping yarn adds interest and beauty, and the recipient will look radiant with the shawl draped around his or her shoulders. The triangle shape helps keep it on the shoulders and can also be laid across a lap if needed.

Regardless of whether you choose to use this pattern to knit a prayer shawl or select another shawl knitting pattern, knit and crochet designer Alnaar Jiwani Harnish from leeleeknits.com offers these suggestions:

"Look for patterns that are at your level of knitting so that you are not frustrated during the process of creating the shawl.  Also, work in a quiet, comfortable, and tidy place without distractions so that you are in a peaceful state of mind."

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ON THE WINGS OF A PRAYER SHAWL PATTERN

SKILL: Intermediate

MEASUREMENTS: Approximately 58” [147.5 cm] wide and 25” [63.5 cm] long, blocked

MATERIALS:  
* Red Heart, Boutique Unforgettable Yarn, 100% Acrylic, 3.5 oz  (100 g ball), 269 yards (246 m) 2 balls, Dragonfly
* Size US 8 (5 mm), 32” circular needle (to accommodate the large number of stitches)

GAUGE: 20 sts/24 rows = 4” [10 cm] in Stockinette Stitch