HOME Basic Knitting Instructions
Knitting Instructions
These knitting instructions assume you know how to knit already. If you need a refresher course or are a beginner and wish to learn this basic K3, P3 pattern, the Prayer Shawl Ministry members at the First United Methodist Church in Searcy, AR will be glad to assist you. Please contact the church office at 501-268-5896 for meeting times and location.
1. Decide what size needle you will use. Size11 needles create a slightly denser shawl andthe K3, P3 pattern will be more noticeable. Conversely, size 13 needles create a slightly looser, less definable pattern. Approximate finished sizes, not counting fringe, are 26”x 60” on size 11 needles and 30”x 64” on 13 needles. You may use smaller or larger needles as well, depending on the yarn that you have chosen; knit up a sample and do the math so that your shawl is the size you desire. The smaller the needle, the more stitches you will need; the larger the needle, the fewer.
2. Select you yarn. You might pick a yarn for its color, for its name, or for its texture. A standard shawl requires three skeins of yarn that are six ounces net weight and 185 yards each. The Prayer Shawl Ministry at The First United Methodist Church has a selection of yarn available for use by those interested in knitting for the Prayer Shawl Ministry. However, you are welcome to select your own yarn keeping in mind it should be washable and feel soft to the touch.
3. Cast on. Cast on 57 stitches for size 13 needles, 63 for size 11. The pattern is K3, P3 every row. This means that you will always begin each row with K3 and end each row with K3. The pattern is a modified seed or moss stitch. Any odd multiple of three will work for your shawl, depending on how wide you want to make it: 57, 63, 69, 75, 81, and so on. Follow this pattern until you achieve the desired length. You may also decide to knit every row, which is called a garter stitch. Before you begin the third skein, cut your fringe pieces.
An alternative for men: If the gift is going to a man, making a lap blanket may be a good alternative to the shawl. In this case, cast on 87 stitches (size 13). This gives you a blanket approximately 45” wide. Use four skeins for this project. Rather than fringe, consider creating a selvage edge by crocheting a single crochet around the entire blanket. If you decide to do this, make sure you reserve yarn for that.
4. Selvages. You may want to create a selvage edge for your shawl. This creates a smoother finish for the sides of your shawl. At the beginning of each row, slip the first stitch purlwise; the yarn will be in front of your work. Carry the yarn to the back K2 , and continue with the pattern to the end of the row.
5. Make fringe. The length of the fringe is an individual decision. It can be long or short. You can put a piece of fringe through every stitch, or you can skip several stitches. Some people tie or sew beads to fringe, especially if the shawl is for a child. Whatever your preference, here is what you do. Decide how long you want the fringe. Because the fringe is doubled when you fasten it to the shawl, you must cut the fringe twice the desired length for 6” fringe, each piece must be 12” long; for 12” fringe, cut 24” and so on. A stiff piece of cardboard cut to the finished length of the fringe helps with this process. Wrap the yarn around the cardboard as many times as you want pieces of fringe, and cut only one end. For standard fringe cut 57 lengths for each end of the shawl, or 114 total. Reserve fringe until you have finished knitting the shawl. I tie each bundle with a slipknot to keep from losing them and getting them tangled, and put them in a sealed plastic bag for safekeeping.
6. Finish the shawl. Attach the inside end of the third skein of yarn to your shawl and continue knitting until all the yarn is used up, or until you have achieved the desired length.
7. Attach the fringe. Double the yarn and, using a small crochet hook, pull the loop through the stitch; insert the ends of the fringe through the loop and pull tight, creating a knot. You can create a fringe with a tassel effect by using two strands of yarn that you double and insert in every third stitch where the trough or ridge is created when you change from knit to purl and vice versa. This creates fringe that is eight strands thick, spaced every third stitch.
8. Giving away your shawl. If you are making the shawl for a particular person, you may want to include the history of the shawl-knitting ministry and a prayer. Many people wrap the shawl in tissue paper and tie it with a left over piece of yarn.
The word “shawl” comes into the English language in 1662, from the Persian word shAl.
Shawls have been made for centuries;
they are universal and embracing;
they comfort and enfold; wrap and warm;
mother and hug; shelter and beauty.
those who knit and receive shawls are loved and blessed.
