Prayer shawl

[Crochet Nanny]

I recieved a letter through a woman at my church for a group in our coumnity that is in need of prayer shawls. I have never made one and I was wondering if there is a special pattern or is it mostly the prayer and love put into the gift? And does anyone have any good patterns? Thanks

[Gran]

Any shawl you put love and prayer into is a prayer shawl. There is a current trend based on some recent successful marketing which has made the words "prayer shawl" fashionable (in certain circles). As far as I know, women (and some men) have been making things with thread and praying for as long as there's been thread to make something with. (Cf. quilting bees, Amish sewing circles, Shakers, to name a few well known examples in the US.)

http://www.crochetpatterncentral.com/directory/shawls_etc.php Here's a page full of links to free patterns for shawls. Crochet Pattern Central is run by RachelG who is a member here on Crochetville. Her site is really super, a big help to many of us.

[Chiscrochetcrazy]

I couldn't agree more Gran :) Any shawl or throw can be used as a prayer shawl I'm making a throw now for a man. I prayed before I started it to give comfort & healing.

[Empress Busy Bee]

I agree with what they said.
This triangle on is easy though:

http://cache.lionbrand.com/patterns/chs-triangleShawl.html

[terrybb]

Look at www.prayershawlministry.com (http://www.prayershawlministry.com) for more patterns and explanations. I belong to a group that has given 90 Prayer Shawls since January. We use any pattern we like in any color that feels right. We pray over the shawls as a group before giving and sometimes the shawls go on the alter on Sundays for the whole congregation to add prayers. If you know who you're making it for you pray for them while making. Ir's a very deeply moving experience to give a shawl. Once you start, you'll want to make more.

[bookermom]

I agree, it is addictive, it is rewarding. Our church has a huge basket of shawls and lapghans, and now we are looking for ways to give them out, because our crocheters love it. I enjoy the challenge of new stitches and combinations, but the prayer time while creating something is a wonderful time for me.