Comfort Shawls Needed for Hospice Patients

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Handmade shawls and lap blankets donated by the community are very comforting to hospice patients.

If you can knit or crochet a simple pattern, you can bring warmth and comfort to Silverado Hospice patients receiving end-of-life care.

Silverado Hospice Los Angeles welcomes hand-made shawls and lap blankets that have been knit or crocheted and donated by members of the community. Volunteer Services then dedicates each one and distributes them to patients. These soft, colorful shawls give comfort to our patients year-round, and they will continue to comfort patients’ families as a memorial of their loved one’s care from Silverado.

Comfort Shawl Directions

Supplies:

• 4 skeins of Lion Homespun yarn or about 600+yards of other soft, machine-washable bulky-weight yarn
• Size M crochet hook

Chain 54 stitches or desired width of shawl. Chain 1, turn, single crochet in each of the stitches at the end. Chain 3 and turn. Double crochet in top of each single crochet. Repeat this row two more times. Chain 1 and do 1 row of single crochet to the end. Chain three and turn. Do 3 rows of double crochet. Repeat pattern to end (1 row single, 3 rows double). End with 1 row of single. Finish with fringe or crochet chain. With Homespun yarn, it is important to tie a knot at the end of the fringe pieces as this yarn frays badly. Some people crochet an edging rather than make a fringe.

Knit Instructions

Supplies:

• 4 skeins of Lion Homespun yarn or about 600+yards of other soft, machine-washable bulky-weight yarn
• Size 11 or 13 needles. Some knitters prefer circular needles (knit back and forth, not in the round) and some prefer size 15, although they can be harder to hold. The idea is to get a loose, comfortable weave.

Cast on 57 or 63 stitches. All rows are knit 3, purl 3, and all rows begin with knit stitches. A weave pattern will develop. Knit about 2 and 2/3 skeins of the pattern. Use the rest of the yarn for a fringe. With Homespun yarn, it is important to tie a knot at the end of the fringe pieces as this yarn frays badly! Some people crochet an edging rather than make a fringe.

Lap Blanket (an alternative to a shawl)

Cast on 87 stitches. This will give you a blanket that is approximately 45"wide.

Completed comforts shawls and lap blankets can be delivered to Silverado Hospice Los Angeles, 15821 Ventura Blvd, Suite 515, Encino, CA 91436.
Please contact Juliet Laschiazza, Volunteer Coordinator, at jlaschiazza@silverado.com with any questions about making or donating a comfort shawl or lap blanket.