If you are ready to knit, here are the directions! 

Use size 10 1/2 to size 15 needles. 

Requires 3 skeins of Homespun. 

Cast on 63 stitches (or any multiple of three, like 54, 57 or 60). Knit three; purl three to the end of the row. Turn and knit the purl stitches and purl the knit stitches. Knot about 2 2/3 skeins in the pattern. Use the rest of the yarn for fringe, which can be from 3" to 9" long. Knot the end of the fringe to keep from frizzing. 

HAPPY KNITTING!
 

Weave prayers into the shawl as you knit. Begin with a prayer for blessing the shawl. Then pray for the person who will receive the shawl, as you are making the shawl.

Prayer for healing as you knit:

In the name of the Father, the Creator, the Giver of Life, the Holder of time: In the name of Jesus, the Savior, the Healer, and the Lifter of pain: In the name of the Spirit; the Comforter, the Consoler, the Sustainer of Life... I knit this shawl as a covering of caring, I knit a veil of protection. I knit a cloak of wholeness, I knit a layer of strength, and I knit a mantle of healing. I knit a blanket of patience; I knit a cloak to enfold you (Name the person). I knit a wrapper to encircle you (Name the person). I knit a covering to empower you (Name the person). May this prayer shawl warm and comfort you when you are weary.

O Christ, who healed the broken in body, mind and spirit, is with all who suffer today. Be with the doctors, nurses, technicians and all that care for those who are sick. May your gentle and strong arms reach out and hold (Name the person). Heal all who are broken and hurting in our world today.

I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen
 

Here are some suggestions that might help you begin this ministry.

1. Place something in the church bulletin, newsletter and make a brochure about the ministry.

2. Make a list of the women who knit in your congregation and are willing to make shawls.

3. Make a list of the women who would be willing to teach others how to knit.

4. Make a list of those who would deliver the shawls once they are completed.

5. Make a list of those who need a prayer shawl.

6. Select a coordinator responsible for giving the name of someone in need to the knitter, that when the shawl is completed, collecting and delivering the shawl.

7. Make a greeting card or letter from the congregation that has the prayer for the person receiving the shawl. 
   
   Suggested prayer:

“He who created you, O (Name the person) He who formed you. (Name the person) Fear not. (Name the person) for I have redeemed you: I have called you by name, (Name the person) you are mine. When you pass through the waters I will be with you. When your pass through the rivers they will not sweep you away, when you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, The Holy One of Israel your Savior. ”You of God created my inmost being and knit me together in my mother's womb. For so many marvels and blessings, I thank you, a wonder I am and all your works are wonders.”