Cathy M

Hi- I've been interested in making a prayer shawl and need to pick your wise brains. The patterns I've come across are for knitting and crocheting, two talents I do not possess. I did see a book advertised for quilted ones and before I take the plunge on that - Are the knitted and crocheted shawls basically a rectangle that are draped across the shoulders? Seems to me that you could use the same dimensions for a quilted one and be as creative as you wanted. What are your thoughts on this?

crashnquilt

Prayer Shawls can be rectangle or triangle, doesn't really matter. They are usually longer than a scarf so it can wrap completely around the front so feel more like a hug.

As far as an actual pattern to follow, sky is the limit. According to "legend" the knitted or crocheted shawl was to have a prayer attached to each stitch for the recipient. You can do the same with a quilt but the prayer would be on each piece of fabric on the quilt.

Hope this helps. Basically if you are making it a quilt you could think of it as a very long table runner.

Cathy M

Bless you crashnquilt :) :) :)

Shemjo

I saw a book on quilted prayer shawls at Hobby Lobby. I believe the idea is to be in a prayerful attitude while working on the prayer shawls. I don't think the pattern matters as much as the intent.

grannypjb

I am at present knitting a prayer shawl. I have made two for gifts and, yes, you are to pray for the person that is receiving the shawl as it is made.

I would think that a quilted one would be quite heavy. The ones I have made take 3 skeins of homespun yarn. Also, knitting is very easy.

Do you have a place near you that offers classes in knitting, crocheting, etc? That might be the way to go.

bj

I was in the LQS the other day and there was a lady in there buying a Pashmina (sp) shawl that she was going to machine embroider. She said it would be a prayer shawl for her sister.

julia58

I have the Prayer Shawl Quilts Book, there are 9 patterns in it. Looks like the Leisure Arts Books, but is put out by DRG ,306 East Parr Road, Berne, IN 46711 Telephone 260-589-4000. Also has House of White Birches. All the patterns are nice. I bought mine at A.C.Moore, hope this helps you out.

julia58

I will check when I go tomorrow to see if there are anymore. With a 50%off coupon and my employee discount, I can get most everything dirt cheep!!!

mimisharon

I don't think a quilted one would be so heavy, depending on what you make it with. I think it would be of comfort, I know that if I were to receive one it would mean the world to me.

You've given me a wonderful idea for a gift for a dear friend that is going through a tough time, though.

Hugs,
Sharon

Cathy M

I'm thinking that a lightweight quilt might work out very well. I work in a hospital and thought maybe I would make a few to give to our pastoral office. The triangle shape just might be the ticket here. I have taken classes on crocheting to do rugs, but I'm soooo not good at it. My mother tried teaching me to knit and thought about poking me with the needles a few times hahaha..... what an incredible gift though, a physical sign of prayers- there is nothing stronger!