Looking for a meaningful crochet project with a heartfelt purpose? The XO Prayer Shawl pattern is a beautiful way to create a cozy, comforting wrap filled with love and intention. With its gentle โhugs and kissesโ design, this pattern makes a perfect gift for anyone in need of warmth, encouragement, or a little extra care. This pattern is a simple, lovely way to share compassion one stitch at a time.
Related: Curious about prayer shawls and the heartwarming ministry behind them? Learn how it all began and check out more beautiful crochet patterns (free knitting patterns too). I even share a free printable prayer shawl poem card.
XO Crochet Prayer Shawl Free Pattern
This is an easy pattern with a repeating stitch pattern that works up quickly.
Supplies Needed:
- Worsted Weight Yarn
- K/6.5mm hook
- Yarn needle
- scissors
Skill Level: I think beginners with a little experience can make this crochet shawl.
For this beautiful shawl, I used 2 1/1 balls of Lion Brand Yarn Skein Tones. Each ball of this yarn weighs 3.5 oz. (100 g) and is 185 yds. (170 m) long
Stitch abbreviations:
- Chainโch-
- Single crochetโsc
- Double crochetโdc
- Treble crochetโtr
- Yarn overโyo
- Back loop onlyโblo
- Chain x spaceโchx-sp-
- Skipโsk
Important Notes:
- โงIncrease/decrease width: Using ch61, the shawl width will measure approx. 16โ, to increase/decrease the width add/subtract pairs of cross sts (10chs), e.g. ch51, ch71, ch81, and so on.
- โงโงCross st (worked into 5sts across): skip 4sts, yo twice and tr in the 5th st, ch1, yo twice, (now we are working backward) do the 2nd tr by inserting the hook through the back of the 3rd st (thatโs the 2nd st going backward from the first tr), then ch2. You have completed your first cross st.
- โงโงโงEdging: On both sides, we work in each ch3-sp/ ch5-sp and dc/tr alike – using each dc as a ch3-sp and each tr as a ch5-sp. At end 1, sc into each back loop of the beginning ch61 (58sts), and at end 2, sc into the top of each dc (58sts).
Switching it up/creating a different look:
- You can use a bigger or smaller hook, as well as thicker or thinner yarn.
- Add 2 extra dc rows following rows 1 and 3.
- Use hdcs instead of dcs.
- You can speed up the pattern by changing row 3 slightly – simply work 3hdcs into each ch2-sp and 2hdc into each ch1-sp, instead of using ch bls. With this variation, you can also switch colors in each row.
- Use scallop or picot edging or any you like.
How to Make the Shawl
Start with ch61โง.
Row 1 (right side): start in 4th ch from the hook, dc58, ch5, turn (58 sts).
Row 2โงโง (wrong side): *sk4, tr in 5th st, ch1, tr in 3rd st, ch2* repeat 11 times; sk2, tr in last st, ch3, turn.
Row 3 (right side): dc58 – dc in the top of each tr blo and each ch blo (56sts), dc two times into ch5-sp from round 2 – ch5, turn (58sts).
Repeat rows 2-3 until your work reaches the desired length. On your last row, instead of ending with ch5, just ch1 and continue with the edging right away.
Edging
Work once around the shawl.
Round 1โงโงโง: side 1 – *sc, ch2, sc* one time in each dc, *sc, ch2, sc* two times in each ch5-sp; repeat across till you reach the edge, sc, ch2, sc, ch2;
End 1 – *sc, ch2, sc* across (29 times), ch2;
Side 2 – *sc, ch2, sc* one time in each ch3-sp, *sc, ch2, sc* two times in each tr; repeat across till you reach the edge, sc, ch2, sc, ch2;
End 2 – *sc, ch2, sc* across (29 times), join. Fasten off and weave in the ends.
Hugs and Kisses XO
Take a look at these close-up pictures of this simple shawl! The fun pattern of Xs and Os represents hugs and kisses, adding a sweet touch to every stitch. Itโs like wrapping the recipient in extra love.
The XO Prayer Shawl is a meaningful gift for someone special who needs emotional support and a little extra love.
Making and Giving a Prayer Shawl
As you crochet each stitch of the shawl, take a moment to speak your prayers, blessings, and good wishes into your work. The recipient will truly feel the love, prayers, hugs, and kisses infused into this warm and comforting gift.
For me, making a prayer shawl is a deeply cherished experience. Each stitch represents a moment to pray for my friend and to celebrate the blessing of our friendship. I pray for their comfort, strength, and healing, hoping to wrap them in warmth and peace. As I crochet, I also lift up those supporting them, asking that they always be surrounded by care and love. A prayer shawl is a heartfelt way to show my support and express my love.
Related: If you have a heart for caring for and praying for others, learn about the powerful act of intercessory prayer and the profound impact it can have on others.
Prayer Shawl Gift Tag
To make the shawl even more meaningful, I like to include a gift tag with a special prayer shawl poem, which adds a special touch and shares the significance of the shawl with the recipient.
Creating a prayer shawl is a wonderful way to provide comfort to someone in need, especially during a difficult time. This rectangular shawl, with its lovely texture, not only serves as a cozy wrap but also embodies your heartfelt prayers and intentions. As you work on this spiritual practice, remember that each stitch carries the love and support you wish to share. The work of your hands becomes a powerful gift, whether youโre making it for a friend or someone in your community. A prayer shawl is a beautiful gesture that can bring warmth and peace to those who need it most. XO
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My Favorite Crochet Tools
- If you are like me and like to crochet on the go this tote is a stylish way to keep everything you need at your fingertips!
- My MOST FAVORITE tool is these portable scissors that always make it through security and fit perfectly in my hook case.
- A๏ธ yarn bowl is a beautiful way to wrangle yarn while crocheting
- Keep organized with this crochet hooks kit with a case. This 85-piece kit has over 2,500 โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ five-star reviews.
- Crochet Stitch Dictionary: 200 Essential Stitches with Step-by-Step Photos is the most helpful resource to keep handy!
Thanks for this shawl pattern. I will be using my worsted weight stash yarn and create a shawl for the meditation room at my local cancer center.