Monday, June 23, 2014

Crochet Prayer Shawls

Prayer shawls provide comfort, warmth and spiritual healing to the recipient.  They are always given to someone who is going or has gone through some rough times, be it physical, emotional or spiritual.    

For more information on prayer shawls go to this link

I had been working diligently on these prayer shawls last year and then put them aside for some time.   Last month, I decided that it was time to put the hook back to good use and finished them.    I like these because they are very warm but not bulky.   This particular stitch gives the shawl a very nice texture.  As you can tell from the photos, there's some open work on the stitches, but not so much as to make it a lacy shawl.








The pattern used to make these shawls is a very simple one and one which I used to make a baby blanket and an afghan.   I like this pattern because it uses the V-stitch (dc, dc) and it just keeps on repeating itself.   No complicated rows to memorize ... after you set up your foundation chain and first row ... it just repeats itself.     You can also use this same stitch to make a nice warm scarf.

The finished shawls in these photos measure 18" X 64"

Skill level:  easy-intermediate

abbreviations:

dc - double crochet
ch - chain
st(s) - stitch(es)
2dc grp - 2 double crochet group
rep - repeat
*  * - when indicated in the instructions, repeat the action given between * and *
gauge:  6 v-stitches = 4in.
            9rows =  4in.
however, for this project, I don't think gauge would be that important.

hook size = 5.5 mm, I #9  or size needed to obtain gauge

materials = worsted weight yarn #4 (remember to use the recommended hook size for the yarn that you will be using)
for each shawl, I used 2 skeins of Red Heart Super Saver medium weight

chain loosely 50 chains

Row 1 - 2dc in 4th ch. from hook * skip 1 ch, 2dc in next ch(this will create the V-stitch or 2dc group)*, rep from * to last 2 ch., skip 1 ch, 1dc in last ch,  ch 3 & turn.

Row 2 - * 2dc in center of 2dc grp*, rep from * to end of row, 1dc in the 1st ch (from your foundation chain below), ch3 & turn.

Row 3 - * 2dc in center of 2dc grp*, rep from * to end of row, 1dc in 3rd ch of turning chain, ch3 & turn.

Repeat Rows 2 & 3 to the desired length.  Fasten off and weave in ends.
Optional:  Add Fringe if desired on ends of shawl.
Note:  there are several variations of V-stitch, including putting 1 chain between the 2 DC's, you can modify this pattern according to your preference.   Have fun making the shawl !!

As always, I thank you for stopping by ... 

The HookDude



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