A cozy, handmade shawl wrapped tightly around the shoulders often feels like getting a hug when you need it the most. And knowing that it was thoughtfully made with tenderness and prayer makes it exponentially more comforting to its wearer.
Not only does gifting a prayer shawl to someone provide a source of solace for them, but it’s also a meditative and reflective process for the creator (you!).
Let’s face it: it’s easy to get distracted when you’re trying to focus on praying for someone, no matter how good your intentions are. But providing something for your hands to do while you pray and think (namely, crocheting your prayers into a shawl!) can be a major help.
What is a Prayer Shawl? (And Who Should You Give One To?)
A prayer shawl is simply a handmade shawl (usually crocheted or knit) that’s “infused” by the crafter with prayers and thoughtfulness for the intended recipient. Many simple crochet prayer shawl patterns are made using repeated rows and easy stitches so that the creator can better focus on praying while making it.
You can give a prayer shawl to anyone as a gesture of support and love. But they’re especially appropriate for those going through times of illness or grief.
Some churches and organizations also have prayer shawl ministries. Crafters will get together to make numerous prayer shawls and have them on hand for those who are hurting.
30 Free Crochet Prayer Shawl Patterns
Take a look at these free patterns for inspiration!
Comfort Shawl
This comforting shawl was designed in honor of Cancer Awareness Month. It’s a gentle companion for those going through treatments or through any difficult time. It’s created with an easy, two-row repeat and is quick to make.
Designer: Canoe Mtn Designs
Yarn weight: Aran
Suggested yarn: Paintbox Yarns Simply Aran
Caron Prayer Shawl Crochet Pattern
This delicate prayer shawl creates an airy fabric with elegant, lacy edges. Its graceful beauty reminds the wearer of the beauty of life around us, even when things feel difficult. Even beginners can make this lovely pattern!
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Caron Simply Soft
Ripple Crochet Prayer Shawl
Made with a variegated yarn, this ripple design provides lots of interest and dancing color throughout the shawl. The stitches are easy, but it is very important to make sure your stitches don’t get shifted, or the ripples won’t line up. This relaxing pattern creates a gentle look that’s perfect for wrapping up in.
Designer: Crafting Each Day
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Sirdar Jewelspun
Crochet Romantic Prayer Shawl Free Pattern
This simple pattern is created with a one-row repeat and a lovely, shell-stitch edging. Its simple stitches make it ideal for turning your thoughts to prayers for the wearer while you’re working. Don’t forget to check out the video tutorial!
Designer: Selina Veronique
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Ice Cream
Diamond Cable Prayer Shawl
This rectangle shawl is made with an interesting, textured fabric that’s just delightful to wrap up in! When finished, it measures about 18.5” x 61”. It’s best for advanced beginners or intermediates.
Designer: Kristen Stoltzfus
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: Cascade Yarns Sarasota
Bernat Crochet Prayer Shawl
Crocheted with the luxurious Bernat Satin, this silky shawl provides an extra level of comfort. Its triangle shape drapes gently over the shoulders, and it’s a good pattern for comfortable beginners. It measures approximately 31” x 61”.
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Bernat Satin
One Skein Crochet Shawl
Here’s a corner-to-corner shawl that you can make with just one skein of yarn (although it’s a good idea to have another on hand, just in case it gets too close toward the end!). It’s an easy pattern that measures 24” x 58” when finished. It’s made with the classic granny stitch.
Designer: B Hooked Crochet
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Date Nights
Next to You Shawl
This pattern creates a breezy fabric that’s ideal for wrapping up in on spring and fall days. It’s worked in rows as a rectangle. This pattern is best for comfortable beginners.
Designer: Lion Brand Yarn
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Coboo
South Amboy Shawl
This basic shawl features eye-catching edging. It’s perfect for draping over the shoulders and adding color and life to an outfit. This easy pattern is ideal for comfortable beginners who know basic stitches and crochet techniques.
Designer: Lion Brand Yarn
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Jeans
Halo Shawl
Here’s a beginner-friendly pattern that creates a lovely and light triangle finished off with relaxed tassels on each corner. It can be draped over the shoulders or around the neck. It’s made with double and treble crochets to make the airy, lace fabric.
Designer: Annie Design Crochet
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Coboo
Dewdrop Wrap
Here’s a romantic shawl that’s lovely for date nights or for springtime walks. It features a scalloped border and mesh arches throughout the rows. It’s made with simple stitches (chains, single, and double crochets) in a four-row repeat.
Designer: For the Frills
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Jeans
Ocean of Love Wrap
The creator of this pattern first designed it as a wedding wrap, and this pattern makes a dramatic, almost winged look that’s inspiring in any color combination! It’s made with beginner-friendly stitches, and the size can easily be adjusted by trying out different yarn weights.
Designer: Buttonnose Crochet
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Mandala
Such Simple Shawl
This simple shawl is worked from the top down using double crochets. It’s a relaxing, repeating pattern that makes it the perfect prayer shawl. Add tassels or fringe or leave them off - it’s up to you to personalize this shawl exactly how you’d like.
Designer: Wilmade
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Mandala
Durable Friendship Shawl
This beginner-friendly pattern is made with chains, double crochets, and puff stitches. It creates a cozy, oversized shawl with an elegant border. This design is perfect for wearing with dresses or anytime you want to create a fancier look.
Designer: Wilmade
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Coboo
Half Circle Crochet Scarf - Beginner Friendly Pattern
This half-circle pattern can be worn as either a scarf or a wrapped shawl. It’s worked from the center outward in rows. The only stitches you’ll need to know are the chain, single crochet, and double crochet, so this pattern is great for beginners!
Designer: Salena Baca Crochet
Yarn weight: Lace + Fingering
Suggested yarn: Shibui Silk Cloud + Madelinetosh Merino Light
Wishing Well Crochet Wrap
This deliciously cozy wrap can be worn in multiple ways, and there are so many options for customization. It’s made with simple stitches and is easy to work on without having to be totally concentrated on your crocheting. It creates a lacy design that embodies both beauty and comfort.
Designer: Sewrilla
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Mandala Baby
Simple Crochet Shawl for Beginners
This super simple, beginner-friendly shawl is made with a one-row repeat using just one simple stitch - the double crochet. Make it solid, or choose a self-striping yarn to give this triangle design effortless color changes. It’s made with two strands of lace-weight yarn held together to create a light, delicate fabric.
Designer: Nana’s Crafty Home
Yarn weight: Lace
Suggested yarn: Yarn Bee Rainbow Wrapsody
Ferne Shawl
Here’s an asymmetrical shawl that fits the mood for any season. It’s worked flat, starting at the tip and increasing toward the other side. This gentle and beautiful piece would make a lovely, comforting companion.
Designer: Truly Crochet
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: King Cole Luxury Merino DK
Red Heart Kaleidoscope Shawl
Using Red Heart Boutique Unforgettable, or any self-striping yarn, you can make this kaleidoscope design easily! It creates an interesting, eye-catching fabric that pairs beautifully with your favorite neutral pieces. This pattern is best for comfortable beginners.
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Boutique Unforgettable
Wheelchair Wrap
This thoughtful design is created specifically for loved ones who are wheelchair-bound. While traditional shawls often tend to get caught in wheelchairs, this one is designed with a neck space, and the shawl tucks gently behind the back - out of the way of the chair’s moving parts.
Designer: Susan A. Coes
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Caron Simply Soft
Classical Attitude Shawl
Looking for something classic, with a little bit of flair? This elegant shawl is simple to make and beautiful to wrap up in. It’s a beginner-level pattern that creates a gorgeous, eyelet fabric.
Designer: Tine Sommer Hansen
Yarn weight: Sport
Suggested yarn: Hobbii Twister
Crochet Cake Yarn Shawl
This gradient shawl is quick, beginner-friendly, and perfect for giving as a gift. It creates an asymmetrical, boomerang shape that can be wrapped around like a shawl or a scarf. It’s made using basic stitches in a two-row repeat.
Designer: Annie Design Crochet
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: King Cole Curiosity DK
Timeless Shawl Twister
This timeless design will be well-loved for years (maybe even decades!) to come. It’s created with a cake yarn for simple, flowing color changes. This pattern is best for intermediates.
Designer: Tine Sommer Hansen
Yarn weight: Sport
Suggested yarn: Hobbii Twister
Forget Me Not Shawl
This springtime shawl is inspired by the beautiful Irish wildflower, Forget-Me-Not. It’s a gentle design that will be like a breath of fresh, spring air to its receiver. It’s made with a two-row repeat and finished off with relaxed tassels.
Designer: Ned and Mimi
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK
Agape Wrap
Agape - meaning love - is the perfect name for this chunky, squishy wrap. This pattern creates an airy fabric that can be worn in the fall and spring, and it works up quickly! It’s made with the classic granny stitch to form a large triangle.
Designer: Mama in a Stitch
Yarn weight: Bulky
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Billow Bulky Weight
Caron It Shawl for You
This vintage-looking shawl is made mainly with chains and double crochets, and it features an elegant border. This pattern embodies grace and dignity, and would be a touching way to bring a sense of beauty to someone who is struggling. This design is best for intermediate crocheters.
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Caron Simply Soft
Caron Crochet Comfort Shawl
This comforting shawl is designed with layers of elegant beauty. You can create your ideal color combinations to make this shawl represent its recipient just right. This pattern is best for intermediates.
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Caron Simply Soft
Tranquil Comfort Shawl
This soothing shawl is made with bulky weight yarn to provide maximum comfort and softness. It works up quickly and can be made by experienced beginners. When finished, it measures about 21” x 66”.
Designer: Lion Brand Yarn
Yarn weight: Bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Homespun
Soulful Comfort Shawl
This comfort shawl is cozy without being too thick or hot to wear. It matches nearly everything, making it an ideal gift that will be worn over and over. This pattern is best for comfortable beginners.
Designer: Lion Brand Yarn
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Fisherman’s Wool
Big Sky Shawl
Made with beautiful blues and gray, this shawl is a reminder that the blue skies will come again, even if today is gray. It can be worn as a shawl or scarf and features optional tassels. This bulky pattern works up quickly and is sure to be a source of comfort and love to its wearer.
Designer: Tamara Kelly
Yarn weight: Bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Homespun
Necessary Supplies
Here are some items you’ll need to make your prayer shawl.
- Yarn. Soft, comforting yarns are ideal for making a prayer shawl. In addition, consider hypoallergenic materials for sensitive skin. Our favorite yarns for prayer shawls include Caron Simply Soft, Lion Brand Mandala, and Lion Brand Homespun.
- Crochet hook(s). Check your yarn label to find out which hook size it recommends. Matching the yarn with the correct hook size will give you the best drape and comfort.
- Additional tools include scissors, a yarn needle for weaving in ends, and a measuring tape.
Techniques to Know
The list below includes crochet prayer shawl patterns for beginners and intermediates. It’s always a good idea to read through your pattern before getting started to ensure you’re comfortable with all the required stitches and techniques.
Popular techniques used in crochet prayer shawls include:
- Reading a crochet pattern
- Basic stitches: chain (ch), slip stitch (sl st), single crochet (sc), half double crochet (hdc), double crochet (dc)
- Other stitches: Shell stitch, granny stitch, puff stitch
- Shaping: Basic increases and decreases
- Edging techniques: Adding decorative borders or fringes
- Blocking. Blocking your shawl helps you achieve the desired size and shape and gives it a professional look.
Tips and Tricks
Choosing colors
Choosing the right color is one (important) way that you can create a comforting piece for your shawl’s recipient. If you know the recipient well, think about what colors they enjoy or wear often. Or just use soothing, relaxing tones like grays, blues, beige, lavender, peach, or a gentle green.
Bright or “loud” shades like hot pink, yellow, orange, and red can sometimes take away from the peaceful nature of a prayer shawl.
Consider size
One benefit of prayer shawls (or any shawls, for that matter!) is that they’re pretty versatile when it comes to size. However, you can still tailor the size to the wearer to help achieve a better fit.
For smaller recipients, you may want to shorten the length of the shawl so that it’s not dragging. And for taller wearers, adding that extra length allows them to wrap the shawl around themselves more fully.
Add personal touches
There are many ways to personalize your prayer shawl, which is just another way to infuse it with care and thoughtfulness!
You can add tassels, a lacy border, or special stitches that might have extra meaning to the wearer.
Incorporating different color choices, like in the Big Sky Shawl (#30), can also tell a story or communicate a sense of understanding to the receiver.
Practice mindful crafting
Don’t forget to keep the recipient in mind during the creation process. Focus on positive thoughts or prayers for the recipient as you work.
This is not only a blessing for them but becomes a relaxing, inspiring, and uplifting process for you, too!
More Free Crochet Patterns
Here are a few more crochet patterns you may be interested in.
- 25 Free Crochet Shawl and Wrap Patterns
- 25 Free Crochet Hat and Beanie Patterns
- 25 Free Easy Crochet Scarf Patterns for Beginners
- 25 Free Crochet Poncho Patterns You’ll Love
- 35 Free Crochet Sweater and Cardigan Patterns
- 17 Free Hexagon Cardigan Crochet Patterns for Beginners
- 17+ of the Coziest Free Crochet Hoodie Patterns
What’s Next?
Pin this post: Save this tutorial to your Pinterest boards so that you can come back to it later.
Leave a comment: We love to hear your feedback. Tell me in the comments below!
Share on Instagram or Facebook: When you make this project, share it on social media and tag me @sarahmaker_. We love to see what you make!
Have questions? Join the Facebook Group!
We hope this article was useful for you! If you have any additional questions, feel free to join my Facebook Group. We created this group for you to share pictures, ask questions, and help each other out.
Similar Posts
Easy Crochet Can Cozy – Free Pattern
How to Crochet Ear Savers for Face Masks – Free Pattern
How to Crochet a Flower – Free Pattern
How to Change Colors in Crochet (Rows and Rounds)
25 Free Crochet Bandana Patterns for All Skill Levels
25 Free Crochet Table Runner Patterns