The Gentle Solace Prayer Shawl: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Heirloom-Quality Wrap
The Gentle Solace Prayer Shawl: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Heirloom-Quality Wrap
Wrap yourself in comfort with this deeply textured prayer shawl, featuring a soothing combination of garter stitch and delicate lace panels. The gentle drape and soft, heathered yarn make it a cherished companion for meditation and quiet reflection. This pattern is designed for beginners who are ready to try simple lace techniques, and the result is a stunning, heirloom-quality piece you'll treasure for years.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) yarn, 100% superwash merino wool in a heathered grey-blue (approx. 800-900 yards). Shown in 'Stonewashed Blue'.
- Needles: US Size 8 (5.0 mm) circular needles, 32-inch or longer (to accommodate the large number of stitches).
- Other: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, stitch markers (optional, for lace repeats), blocking pins and mats.
Gauge & Finished Size
- Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in Garter Stitch (knit every row), after blocking.
- Finished Measurements: Approximately 28 inches wide by 70 inches long (after blocking).
Abbreviations
- CO: Cast on
- K: Knit
- P: Purl
- K2tog: Knit two stitches together (decrease)
- YO: Yarn over (increase, creates an eyelet)
- SSK: Slip, slip, knit (slip two stitches knitwise, one at a time, then knit them together through the back loop – a left-leaning decrease)
- St(s): Stitch(es)
- Rep: Repeat
Pattern Notes
- The shawl is worked flat from the top down (or bottom up, as you prefer). The lace panels are separated by wide garter stitch bands.
- The lace pattern is a simple 8-row repeat that creates a delicate, openwork diamond motif.
- Blocking is essential to open up the lace and achieve the finished dimensions. Do not skip this step!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cast On & Bottom Border
CO 126 stitches loosely. (If you tend to cast on tightly, use a larger needle for the cast-on row only.)
Rows 1-6 (Garter Border): Knit all stitches. This creates a neat, non-curling edge.
Main Body – Section 1: Garter Band
Rows 7-10: Knit all stitches. (4 rows total)
Main Body – Section 2: Lace Panel (8-row repeat)
Now you will work the lace pattern. The first 4 and last 4 stitches of every row are always knit (garter stitch border). The lace pattern is worked between these borders.
Row 11 (RS): K4, *YO, SSK, K6, K2tog, YO, K1; rep from * to last 4 sts, K4.
Row 12 (WS): K4, purl to last 4 sts, K4.
Row 13: K4, *K1, YO, SSK, K4, K2tog, YO, K1; rep from * to last 4 sts, K4.
Row 14: K4, purl to last 4 sts, K4.
Row 15: K4, *K2, YO, SSK, K2, K2tog, YO, K2; rep from * to last 4 sts, K4.
Row 16: K4, purl to last 4 sts, K4.
Row 17: K4, *K3, YO, SSK, K2tog, YO, K3; rep from * to last 4 sts, K4.
Row 18: K4, purl to last 4 sts, K4.
Row 19: K4, *K4, YO, K2tog, K4; rep from * to last 4 sts, K4.
Row 20: K4, purl to last 4 sts, K4.
Repeat Rows 11-20 for the lace panel until the shawl measures approximately 66 inches from the cast-on edge, ending after a Row 20 (WS).
Main Body – Section 3: Garter Band
Rows 21-24: Knit all stitches. (4 rows total)
Top Border & Bind Off
Rows 25-30: Knit all stitches. (6 rows total)
Bind off loosely (use a larger needle if needed to keep the edge stretchy).
Finishing
Weave in all ends with a tapestry needle. Soak the shawl in lukewarm water with a gentle wool wash for 20 minutes. Gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring). Roll in a towel to remove moisture. Lay flat to dry, gently stretching to the finished dimensions and opening up the lace diamonds. Pin the edges if desired for a crisp finish. Once dry, your Gentle Solace Prayer Shawl is ready to bring comfort and beauty to your quiet moments.
