Free knitting patterns for prayer shawls to comfort others by sending prayers and thoughts in a warm wrap. Many of the patterns are free. Updated 11/16/24
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These patterns are not my designs but links to other designers who have generously shared their patterns. If you have questions about how to knit a specific pattern, please contact the designer directly.
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Free Patterns
Mary’s Prayer Shawl
Cable and lace rectangular shawl that features an 8 row repeat design of lacy leaves surrounding a center trellis. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Kerri Williams
Gutsy Prayer Shawl
Easy rectangular shawl with a 4 row repeat cable pattern. Perfect for prayer shawls for men and women. There's also a blanket version. Knit with 2 strands of worsted or one strand of chunky yarn. Rated easy by Ravelrers. You can donate knitted shawls to Alice's Embrace who provides them to people with Alzheimer's and others. Pictured projects by designer and Stalkerknitter
- Get the free knitting pattern - download is on right side of page
- See the Ravelry page
- How to donate a shawl to Alice's Embrace
Safe Haven Shawl
Easy shawl knit with a meditative relaxing 4 row repeat to create a sense of well-being as you knit a cozy prayer shawl or everyday wrap. Designed by Sandi Rosner for Red Heart. Worsted weight yarn.
Group Hug Prayer Shawl
This garter stitch prayer shawl is designed to be knit by a group for someone in need of extra love and comfort, though it could also be knit by one person. Each knitter knits a strip of garter stitch and attaches a ribbon written with prayers or encouraging words. The completed shawl carries not just the love that goes into the knitting but also a fringe of blessings for the recipient. Great stash buster and easy knit. One big fibery hug designed by Amanda Cathleen Morgan. Worsted weight yarn.
Chakra Prayer Shawl
Everything about this shawl is thoughtfully designed to evoke peace for the recipient and knitter. The colors of the stripes on this shawl represent the chakras. The stitches of the shawl are chosen thoughtfully with a 2 row 7x1 rib because 7 is a significant number for many different faiths. The white border is representative of God’s light, present in all of us, knit with a Trinity stitch in multiples of threes. Designed by Sarah Drabant. Worsted weight yarn. Pictured projects by SweetBamboo and scrubwallaby.
Rosary Prayer Shawl
A cozy shawl that doubles as a prayer aid. The structure of the shawl follows the structure of the rosary with a cable for the Our Father followed by 10 knit ridges for the Hail Mary Decade. The shawl starts and ends with the sign of the cross and the short strand, followed by the 5 decades repeating from a single pattern block. Designed by Amber V. Worsted weight yarn.
Walkin' The Halls Prayer Shawl
2 row repeat rectangular prayer shawl from Alice's Embrace. Looks great in self-striping or multicolor yarn so it's perfect for a more colorful shawl. Knit with 2 strands of worsted or one strand of chunky yarn. Rated easy by Ravelrers. You can donate knitted shawls to Alice's Embrace who provides them to people with Alzheimer's and others.
- Get the free knitting pattern - download is on right side of page
- See the Ravelry page
- How to donate a shawl to Alice's Embrace
Spirit of a Dove Prayer Shawl
This prayer / contemplation shawl sits on the shoulders naturally so that you don't need a pin or button if you don't want. It's an easy pattern to knit while praying or contemplating. Mindful knitting instructions are also offered, as well as a brief contemplation, and additional resources. DK weight yarn. Designed by Anne Grenchus. Pictured project by mmacgregor
Endometriosis Shawl
This crescent shaped shawl is an easy meditative knitting project for life’s tough days and a soft and comforting wrap for days when even knitting is too hard. Knit top down in one piece,each section of the shawl is easily memorized and customizable, enabling you to pick up and put down your knitting with ease. You can knit this shawl as large or as small as you like. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Caitlin Shepherd to help raise awareness for endometriosis.
St. Martin Prayer Shawl
Rectangular shawl knit 18 row repeat lattice design. Inspired by the story of Martin of Tours, who divided his cloak with his sword and gave half to a beggar. Some knitters have made into a baby blanket. The pattern is both in written form and charted. Designed by Kerstin Geiger. DK weight yarn. Pictured projects by sfdcnj and the designer
Labyrinth Shawl / Shrug
Labyrinths have been used for centuries for prayer and meditation. This rectangle shaped shawl with armholes features a design based on the labyrinth of the cathedral of Amien (France). I think you could also knit without the sleeve holes and use as blanket or decorative piece. Designed by Edith "dieDita" Frank. Fingering weight yarn. Pictured project by landkind. Available in English and German
Lacy Prayer Shawl
Rectangular shawl knit in a 10 row lace repeat. The shawl is knit on the long side. Designed for self-striping or gradient yarn for the striping effect, you can also use with a solid color or mini skeins. DK weight yarn. Designed by Joan Horton for Cascade Yarns.
Lacy Comfort Prayer Shawl
Easy rectangular prayer shawl knit with a 6 row repeat lace pattern. Designed by Susie Bonell. Quick knit in Bulky weight yarn.
More Free Patterns
Star City Crescent Shawl
A-line, crescent, wrap around shawl sits comfortably over the shoulders and wraps loosely across the chest. This shawl has been designed especially for hospitalized patients and invalids. Created with stripes of different textures, it's perfect for stashbusting. Designed by Diane Stavola. Worsted or bulky weight yarn.
Cabled Cross Shawl
Triangular prayer shawl knit with cable crosses on the front and back and cable border. Designed by Renate Haeckler. Worsted weight yarn. Pictured project by tropicalfun
Cable Hearts Stole
Wrap them in your love with this rectangular shawl with cable hearts bordered by chain of hearts cables. DK yarn. Queen of Hearts Stole Designed by Bonny Bonafilla
Zen Mandala Shawl
Circular lace shawl. The designer says the design is inspired by the mandala, the spiritual and ritual symbol in the Indian religions of Hinduism, Buddhism representing the universe. Mandalas may be employed for helping us to focus as a spiritual guidance tool, for establishing a sacred space and for mediating and looking for inner peace." Designed by Crazy Clare who designed this in support of her home of Hong Kong. DK weight yarn.
Family Dinner Night Prayer Shawl
4 row repeat rectangular prayer shawl from Alice's Embrace. Knit with 2 strands of worsted or one strand of chunky yarn. Rated easy by Ravelrers. You can donate knitted shawls to Alice's Embrace who provides them to people with Alzheimer's and others.
- Get the free knitting pattern - download is on right side of page
- See the Ravelry page
- How to donate a shawl to Alice's Embrace
Wings of a Prayer
Lace half circle shawl with feather motif lace and a scalloped edge.Designed by Kristi Holaas who knit the original in deep thought and prayer for a very dear friend. Lace weight yarn. Pictured projectS by designer and Jayashreemadan. May only be free for a limited time.
Annie Payson Shawl
Rectangular prayer shawl with lace crosses and tulips (which look like hearts to me). Designed by Renate Haeckler. Worsted weight yarn.
Comfort Shawl
Triangular prayer shawl knit in 3 colors with garter stitch and a lace border. Designed Yarnspirations Design Studio. Aran weight yarn.
Joylin Prayer Shawl
Triangular shawl knit in garter stitch with striped eyelet border. 3 sizes 50 x 24 (58 x 28, 62 x 30)”. Designed Emily Johannes for Chronic Joy Ministries. Knit for personal use or donate to Chronic Joy Ministries. Aran weight yarn.
Sing The Song Prayer Shawl
Easy 2 row repeat rectangular prayer shawl from Alice's Embrace. Knit with 2 strands of worsted or one strand of chunky yarn. Rated easy by Ravelrers. You can donate knitted shawls to Alice's Embrace who provides them to people with Alzheimer's and others. They ask you consider a donation if you use the pattern for another purpose.
- Get the free knitting pattern - download is on right side of page
- See the Ravelry page
- How to donate a shawl to Alice's Embrace
The Original Prayer Shawl
This easy shawl is offered by the Prayer Shawl Ministry. The designers Victoria Galo & Janet Bristow say, “The making of a prayer shawl is a spiritual practice which embodies our thoughts and prayers for the receiver… Made in prayer, as prayer, for prayer, the shawls are passed on hand-to-hand and heart-to-heart.” Pictured project by saskknitter who added meditation beads.
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Consider donating prayer shawls to those in need
- Get The New Prayer Shawl Companion by the Shawl Ministry at Amazon
Soothing Comfort Shawl
This easy rectangular shawl by Christine Marie Chen features a slip stitch texture pattern in tubular bulky yarn.
Heart Lace Shawl
Wrap them in your love with this triangle shaped shawl knit from the top-down in garter stitch with a lace heart motif. DK weight yarn. Be Mine Shawl Designed by Rachel Brockman for Universal Yarn.
Hugs and Prayers Knit Shawl
Cascade Yarns also designed this lovely knit shawl in a lace pattern that is perfect to knit for yourself or for a donation to organizations who provide prayer shawls to people who need something warm and uplifting.
Patterns for Purchase
Celtic Wrap
Cable shawl with panels of Celtic cables and xoxo hugs and kisses cables. Because of the hugs and kisses cables I think this would make a wonderful prayer shawl to comfort someone and let them know they are loved. Designed by Penny Ollman of knitpurlconstruction
All Wrapped Up in Love and Prayer
Shawl with lace hearts. Directions are both charted and row-by-row. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Mary Gildersleeve
The New Prayer Shawl Companion
35 knitting patterns for prayer shawls knit to give sense of warmth, love, and support to the wearer, especially during hard times. Patterns include Haiku Blessings Shawl, Sojourner's Shawl, Pax Shawlette, Max's Tallit, Recycled Sweater Shawl, Candle of Hope Shawl, My Heart Is With You Shawl, Caregiver's Shawl, Pearls of Wisdom Shawl, Loaves and Fishes Shawl, Marriage Shawl, Baptismal Shawl, Devotion Shawl, and more.
15 Knit Prayer Shawls E-Book
Prayer shawls are the most heartfelt of gifts. They convey the knitter's best wishes for the happiness and health of friends and family, as well as strangers in need. 15 designs: Southwest Color, Just-Right Wrap, Sunny Days Ahead, Comfort Abides, Light & Airy, Colors of Joy, Celtic Spirit, Wishing You Well, Swaying Cables & Lace, Tranquil Waves, Nature's Peace, Sweet Solace, Restful Ruana, Because I Care, and The Picture of Health.
Hugs & Cables Wrap
Send your hugs and love with this shawl generous built-in pockets and a collar, knit in moss stitch and hugs (o's) cables with DK yarn in one seamless piece.
Gradient Prayer Shawl
Easy wavy striped shawl features a four repeat lace pattern.
