The Prayer Shawl Knitters meet monthly on the 2nd Monday at 1:30 for fellowship and knitting (or crocheting). Many of our knitters are never able to come to our meetings, but they knit and deliver shawls when they finish.

Since its inception in 2005, the Prayer Shawl Knitters have given away 136 shawls to people near and far away; in sickness, mourning, pain; and in joy and celebration. The shawls are given as a tangible reminder of the love, care and prayers coming from our church community. We knit them full of prayers and attention. Anyone may join us for our gatherings, or simply deliver their shawls to us.

We ask that prayer shawls be approximately 30 inches wide by 60 inches long. The simplest pattern is to cast 60 stitches on a 10.5 or 11 needle and knit until the piece is 60 inches long; then bind off. If you are not doing a pattern that will cause the piece to lay flat, then it is recommended you knit all rows. Knitting a row then purling the next will result in curling and be difficult to use.

If you choose to use Lion Brand Homespun yarn, we ask that you please NOT add fringe. The yarn is inclined to shred when a cut end is left exposed and deteriorates when laundered. A crocheted edge with this type of yarn is fine and if you'd don't know how to crochet, you may bring it to the church and have someone finish it for you.

For information, or to learn more about joining the Prayer Shawl Ministry, please contact Cynthia Donahey at the First Presbyterian Church of Harbor Springs at 231-526-7332, or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .