One thing fun about knitting is that, with just a few different stitches and some counting, you can make something that looks ly complicated. Here are the simplified instructions for the traditional prayer shawl. If you want to see the complete official instructions, follow the link below.

While this pattern is the preferred one, you can use any knitting stitch that will make a pretty, interesting shawl. Just remember work prayerfully.

Simple shawl instructions

Select three skeins of "worsted weight" yarn. Caron brand is softer than Red Heart. Other brands are available. Lion Brand Homespun is also nice.

For size 11 needles, cast on 63 stitches. For size 13 needles, cast on 57 stitches. The secret is to cast on an odd number of threes.

Before beginning, say a prayer for the recipient. If you know who will receive it, you can pray for the specific needs. If you don't know, pray for wholeness, comfort, and love.

The pattern is knit 3, purl 3 (that's k3, p3 in knit talk). Start every row with k3.

Important: Always remember to move the yarn to the front before you start to purl and to the back before you start to knit. If you don't, you will get extra stitches.

When you get to the end, cast off.


For information on making a prayer shawl:
This is the site tells the history of the shawl ministry.
http://www.shawlministry.com/

For instructions on knitting or crocheting a shawl:
These are the "official" instructions.
http://www.shawlministry.com/instructions.html

For instructions on how to knit:
http://www.vogueknitting.com/200703/how-knit.shtml
http://www.theyarnco.com/instruction.php