Chalice Palls – Cotton Covers for Mass

What is a chalice pall?

A chalice pall is a square, stiffened cloth placed over the chalice during the celebration of Mass. It protects the Precious Blood from dust, insects and other impurities, and it marks the reverence due to the Eucharist. The pall is one of the chalice linens, together with the corporal, purificator and chalice veil.

Traditionally the pall is made of white linen. In our range, most palls are made of 100% cotton or cotton jacquard, with a stiffening panel that keeps the square flat on the chalice. Cotton is absorbent, durable and easy to care for; jacquard adds a textured surface and a richer look for solemn celebrations.

Chalice pall sizes and inserts

Our chalice palls come in two standard sizes: 18 x 18 cm (7.1 x 7.1 in) and 20 x 20 cm (7.9 x 7.9 in). Measure the outside rim of your chalice and choose a pall that covers the opening with a little overlap. A pall that is too small leaves the chalice exposed; one that is too large can overhang and crease.

Many designs have a stiffening panel or a removable insert that keeps the pall flat. Check the product description for the exact construction of each model. If you are replacing an insert, keep the old one as a template for size.

Cotton, jacquard and linen

Linen is the traditional fabric for altar linens and remains the reference material for many sacristies. Cotton is the practical alternative: it is soft, absorbent, less prone to creasing and easy to wash. Jacquard is a weave, usually in cotton, that gives the fabric a subtle pattern and a more ceremonial finish. Our range focuses on cotton and jacquard palls; selected designs use other fabrics. The product page states the material for each design.

Embroidery and liturgical colours

The pall is a small surface, so the motif should read clearly from the sanctuary. Our designs include the IHS monogram, the cross, the Lamb of God, wheat and grapes, the Alpha and Omega, the Sacred Heart and Marian emblems. Embroidery is worked in metallic and satin threads on white, ecru, gold, red, green, purple, black and pink grounds. Selected designs can be made in other liturgical colours on request.

How to choose a chalice pall

Start with the size: measure the chalice rim and choose 18 x 18 cm or 20 x 20 cm. Then match the colour to the liturgical season or to the parish's set. If you are buying for a parish, choose a design that is legible from a distance and durable enough for regular use. A pall is often bought with the corporal, purificator and chalice veil; a matching set looks coherent and simplifies storage. For personalization, ask about colour options before ordering.

Care and storage

Follow the care label of the individual pall. Cotton palls can generally be washed in mild detergent, rinsed well and ironed while slightly damp; jacquard and embroidered palls should be treated more gently. Iron on the reverse, avoid pressing sharp creases into the embroidery, and store the pall flat or rolled, away from humidity. If the pall has a removable insert, take it out before washing.

Chalice pall or funeral pall?

The word "pall" has two meanings in Christian liturgy. The chalice pall is the small square that covers the chalice at Mass. The funeral pall is the large cloth that covers a casket or coffin. They are different objects with different sizes and uses. This page is about the chalice pall; for the funeral pall and the other altar linens, read chalice pall vs funeral pall or see our altar linens guide.

Complete the chalice linen set

A pall is one piece of a larger set. Browse the matching corporal, purificator, chalice veil and lavabo towel, or see the full chalice linen sets. For care and storage, read our guides to removing wine stains and storing and ironing vestments.

FAQs About Chalice Palls

What is a chalice pall?

A chalice pall is a square, stiffened cloth placed over the chalice during Mass to protect the Precious Blood from dust and insects. It is one of the chalice linens, together with the corporal, purificator and chalice veil.

What size chalice pall do I need?

Our palls come in 18 x 18 cm (7.1 in) and 20 x 20 cm (7.9 in). Measure the outside rim of your chalice and choose a size that covers the opening with a little overlap.

Are your chalice palls linen or cotton?

Most of our palls are 100% cotton or cotton jacquard. Linen is the traditional material; cotton is softer, absorbent and easier to care for. The product page states the material for each design.

Do the palls have a stiff insert?

Many designs have a stiffening panel or a removable insert that keeps the pall flat. Check the individual product description for the exact construction.

How do I care for a chalice pall?

Follow the care label. Cotton palls can generally be washed in mild detergent and ironed while slightly damp. Remove the insert before washing, iron on the reverse and store the pall flat.

Can I order a custom chalice pall?

Selected designs can be made in other liturgical colours. Contact us with the size, colour and motif you need; we will confirm the options and lead time.

What is the difference between a chalice pall and a funeral pall?

The chalice pall is the small square that covers the chalice at Mass. The funeral pall is the large cloth that covers a casket or coffin. They are different objects; this page is about the chalice pall.