Table of contents
Knitting is more than just a hobby. For many older people, knitting and crochet are familiar, enjoyable and meaningful activities. A ball of yarn, a pair of needles or a crochet hook can become a simple way to keep the hands active, concentrate, chat and enjoy some peaceful time.
In day centres, care homes, senior centres and occupational workshops, craft activities make a great deal of sense. They do not require extensive facilities, they can be adapted to different ability levels and they allow each person to progress at their own pace. What is more, the result can be seen and touched: a scarf, a blanket, a crochet square, a decorative flower or a small handmade piece.
In this article, we look at some of the main benefits of knitting for older people, particularly from a cognitive, motor, emotional and social perspective.
Knitting as a meaningful activity
One of the great advantages of knitting and crochet is that, for many older people, they are not completely new activities. In many cases, knitting connects with memories, skills learned years ago and moments shared with family or friends.
That connection is important. Taking part in an activity that is familiar, useful and enjoyable is very different from doing something that feels imposed. Knitting can bring back familiar movements, encourage conversations about past experiences and allow people to create something with their own hands.
In addition, not everyone has to make the same thing. Some people can work on simple, repetitive projects; others can follow patterns, combine colours or help those who are just getting started. This flexibility makes knitting and crochet easy to adapt to different abilities.
A study carried out in a day centre with people with mild to moderate dementia found that knitting could encourage conversation, social interaction, memory use and the solving of small problems within the group. In other words, it was not simply about “knitting”, but about taking part in a meaningful social activity.
For this reason, when we talk about knitting for older people, it is helpful to understand it as a manual, creative and social activity. It does not replace medical treatments or professional stimulation programmes, but it can form part of a well-planned activity routine.
Cognitive benefits of knitting and crochet
Knitting involves much more than moving the hands. Although it may seem like a calm activity, it also requires attention, memory and planning.
When knitting or crocheting, a person can work on aspects such as:
- Following a sequence of steps.
- Counting stitches or rows.
- Remembering the stitch being used.
- Maintaining attention on a task.
- Correcting small mistakes.
- Choosing colours or materials.
- Interpreting simple instructions.
In basic projects, such as a scarf or a blanket made from squares, repetition can feel enjoyable and easy to follow. In slightly more advanced projects, colour changes, increases, decreases or more elaborate patterns can be introduced.
Research into cognitively stimulating leisure activities for older people suggests that these types of activities may play a positive role in active ageing. Some reviews have examined activities such as art, reading, writing, games, crafts or learning new skills, finding promising results in different cognitive domains, although the authors themselves note that more high-quality studies are needed.
Therefore, it would not be accurate to say that knitting “prevents dementia” or “improves memory” in a guaranteed way. A more rigorous way of putting it is this: knitting and crochet can help exercise attention, procedural memory, concentration and active participation, particularly when the activity is adapted to each person's ability level.
Fine motor skills and coordination
Knitting and crochet can also help exercise fine motor skills. Holding the needles, handling a crochet hook, controlling yarn tension and guiding the yarn between the fingers require coordination and precision.
These types of movements can help keep the hands active in a natural way. It does not feel like meaningless repetitive exercise, but rather as part of a specific project. The person moves their hands because they are creating something.
Hand-eye coordination is also involved. The person needs to look at the stitch, insert the needle or crochet hook in the correct place, catch the yarn and continue the sequence. All of this can be done progressively and adapted according to each person's ability.
A pilot trial involving older women with hand osteoarthritis studied an 8-week knitting programme. The study concluded that the activity was safe, accessible, acceptable and enjoyable for participants, although it did not find clear clinical improvements in pain, stiffness or strength during that period. This distinction is important: knitting can be a viable and well-accepted manual activity, but it should not be presented as medical rehabilitation.
Choosing the right materials can make the activity easier. For older people, the following are often particularly suitable:
- Medium-weight or thicker yarns.
- Light colours or colours with good contrast.
- Soft yarns that feel pleasant to the touch.
- Knitting needles and crochet hooks that are comfortable to hold.
- Short projects that are easy to finish.
When the materials are suitable, the activity becomes more comfortable and less frustrating.
Emotional wellbeing and a sense of usefulness
Knitting can bring a sense of calm. The repetitive rhythm, the feel of the yarn and the focus on a specific task can help create a peaceful moment, particularly in settings where the daily routine may be monotonous.
Knitting also has one very clear advantage: progress is visible. Every row adds something. Each line brings the project a little closer to completion. For many people, seeing a project grow can strengthen self-esteem and a sense of capability.
This can be particularly important for older people who have lost some of their independence or who no longer carry out as many tasks as they once did. Making something with their own hands, finishing it and being able to show it to others has emotional value.
A knitted or crocheted piece can become a gift, a contribution to decorating the centre, part of a shared blanket or a small charity project. The person is not simply passing the time: they are participating, creating and contributing.
In the case of crochet, there are also studies reporting perceived benefits relating to wellbeing, mood, stress management and a personal sense of connection with the activity. Not all of these studies focus specifically on older people, but they do help explain why craft activities can have emotional value for many people.
Social participation: knitting in a group
Although knitting can also be enjoyed alone, it works particularly well as a group activity in centres for older people.
A knitting or crochet workshop allows people to talk while they work, share tips, teach others, ask for help and see how other people's projects are progressing. This social aspect is one of the reasons craft activities work so well in care homes, day centres and senior centres.
It also encourages interaction between people with different ability levels. Someone who already knows how to knit can help someone who is just starting. Someone who cannot follow a complex pattern can take part in a simpler task. And those who prefer to watch or simply keep others company can still be part of the group.
Social participation is an important aspect of active ageing. Some studies involving older people have linked participation in social and intellectual activities with cognitive functioning in later life. Again, this does not mean that any single activity has guaranteed effects, but it does support the idea that group craft activities can be a useful tool within a broad and well-organised programme.
Some ideas for group activities include:
- Blankets made from crochet squares.
- Simple scarves.
- Yarn flowers to decorate the centre.
- Coasters or small accessories.
- Projects to give to family members.
- Decorative pieces for special occasions.
- Charity projects.
The important thing is for the activity to be flexible, enjoyable and achievable for the group.
How to choose materials for workshops with older people
The choice of materials has a major influence on the experience. Yarn that is too fine, dark or difficult to handle can make the activity more complicated. By contrast, a soft, clearly visible yarn with a suitable weight can make learning easier and reduce frustration.
For workshops with older people, it is usually a good idea to begin with simple materials.
Medium-weight yarns
DK-weight yarns, Aran or similar weights are often comfortable to work with when learning and make the stitches easier to see. They also work up more quickly than finer yarns.
Light or contrasting colours
Very dark colours can make stitches more difficult to see. To begin with, light or medium shades, or colours with sufficient contrast, are often more practical.
Soft textures
Yarn that feels pleasant to the touch improves the experience. It is best to avoid yarns that split too easily, shed a lot of fibre or are difficult to unravel when a mistake needs to be corrected.
Comfortable knitting needles and crochet hooks
The size should suit the yarn, but also the person's comfort. For some workshops, medium or thicker yarn weights can be easier to handle.
Short projects
It is better to begin with small, achievable projects. Finishing a simple piece creates more satisfaction than leaving a large project unfinished.
Ideas for simple projects
There is no need to plan complicated projects to begin with. Some suitable options for workshops include:
- Straight scarves.
- Crochet squares.
- Group blankets.
- Simple flowers.
- Small covers.
- Coasters.
- Decorative bands.
- Stitch swatches.
- Small accessories to give as gifts.
The key is to adapt the project to the group. In some cases, the aim will be to learn or practise. In others, it may simply be to enjoy the process and spend a pleasant time together.
An activity that is easy to introduce in centres for older people
Knitting and crochet have a practical advantage: they do not require extensive resources. They can be done in a communal room, an occupational workshop or any quiet, well-lit space.
They are also activities that can be continued over time. Each session can pick up where the previous one left off. This helps create routine, anticipation and a sense of continuity. People can see how their project progresses from week to week.
For centres, it is also an easy activity to organise when the right materials are available. Preparing simple kits for each project, choosing yarns that are easy to work with and having knitting needles or crochet hooks in different sizes can make workshops much easier to run.
An important clarification
Talking about the benefits of knitting does not mean claiming that knitting or crochet can replace medical treatments, physiotherapy, occupational therapy or specific cognitive stimulation programmes.
The most responsible way to explain it is this: knitting can be a manual, creative and social activity that helps maintain participation, exercise attention, engage fine motor skills and promote wellbeing, particularly when it is adapted to each person's abilities and integrated into an appropriate programme.
Garmon Yarns: materials for knitting and crochet workshops
At Garmon Yarns, we are an online shop specialising in yarns, cotton yarns, knitting needles, crochet hooks and craft accessories.
We offer materials suitable for different types of projects, from simple projects for beginners to more complete projects for experienced crafters. We can also help select suitable yarns and accessories for activities in day centres, care homes, senior centres or occupational workshops.
We know that it is not always easy to find a specialist shop nearby, and that many centres end up buying materials from general shops or spending extra time travelling to find what they need. That is why we offer the option of having materials delivered directly to the centre, with quality products at affordable prices.
If you organise knitting, crochet or craft activities for older people, you can rely on Garmon Yarns to help you prepare the materials simply and in a way that suits the needs of the group.
Conclusion
Knitting is a simple activity, but one with great value. It can help exercise attention, procedural memory, fine motor skills, coordination, self-esteem and social participation.
There is no need to begin with difficult projects. Sometimes, a small project, a pleasant yarn and a well-supported group are enough to create a useful, calming and meaningful activity.
Knitting and crochet still have a great deal to offer, especially when they are understood not simply as crafts, but as ways to create, share and stay active.
Sources consulted
Studies and reviews on knitting, craft activities, social participation, creative leisure and active ageing were consulted when preparing this article. These sources should not be interpreted as proof that knitting prevents or treats illnesses, but rather as support for the idea that knitting and crochet can form part of meaningful, social and cognitively stimulating activities for older people.
- Gjernes, T. (2017). Knitters in a Day Center: The Significance of Social Participation for People With Mild to Moderate Dementia. Qualitative Health Research, 27(14), 2233-2243.
A study carried out in a day centre in Norway with people with mild to moderate dementia, focusing on knitting as a social activity. It describes how the knitting group encouraged conversation, memory, the solving of small problems, maintenance of skills and sociability.
Link: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1049732317723890 - Fernández, I., García-Mollá, A., Oliver, A., Sansó, N. and Tomás, J. M. (2023). The role of social and intellectual activity participation in older adults’ cognitive function. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 107, 104891.
A study involving 45,475 older people participating in SHARE, the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe. It analyses the relationship between social and intellectual participation and cognitive functioning in later life.
Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167494322002783 - Tomini, F., Tomini, S. M. and Groot, W. (2016). Social networks and social activities promote cognitive functioning in both concurrent and prospective time: evidence from the SHARE survey. European Journal of Ageing, 13, 145-154.
A European study based on SHARE data linking social networks, participation in activities and cognitive functioning in older people. It is useful for reinforcing the importance of group activities and social participation.
Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6509309/ - Fancourt, D. and Finn, S. (2019). What is the evidence on the role of the arts in improving health and well-being? A scoping review. WHO Regional Office for Europe.
A WHO Europe review on the role of arts and creative activities in health and wellbeing. It brings together international evidence, with a specific focus on the European region, concerning the relationship between participation in the arts, wellbeing, health and ageing.
Link: https://www.who.int/europe/publications/i/item/9789289054553 - Ruiz-Pascual, A. M. and Ruiz-Hidalgo, J. F. (2025). El ocio creativo y artístico como motor de bienestar de las personas mayores: análisis de las actividades de un Centro de Participación Activa. Arteterapia. Papeles de arteterapia y educación artística para la inclusión social.
An article in Spanish about creative and artistic leisure activities at an Active Participation Centre in Bailén, Jaén. It provides relevant local context on the usefulness of creative activities in centres for older people in Spain.
Link: https://revistas.ucm.es/index.php/ARTE/es/article/view/101476 - Brosseau, L. et al. (2021). The effects of an 8-week knitting program on osteoarthritis symptoms in elderly women: A pilot randomized controlled trial. Musculoskeletal Care.
A pilot trial on an 8-week knitting programme involving older women with hand osteoarthritis. The study concluded that the activity was feasible, safe, accessible and well accepted, although it did not find clear clinical improvements in pain, stiffness or strength. It is useful when discussing fine motor skills with appropriate caution, without presenting knitting as medical rehabilitation.
Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1360859221000759
Frequently asked questions about knitting for older people
Is knitting good for older people?
Yes, knitting can be a very suitable activity for older people because it combines hand movement, concentration, creativity and social participation. It should not be understood as a medical treatment, but rather as a meaningful manual activity that can form part of occupational workshops, leisure activities or active ageing programmes.
What cognitive benefits can knitting or crochet have?
Knitting and crochet can help exercise attention, procedural memory, planning and the ability to follow sequences. By counting stitches, repeating patterns, choosing colours or correcting small mistakes, the person remains actively engaged in the task.
Can knitting help maintain fine motor skills?
Knitting can help keep the hands active and exercise hand-eye coordination. Holding knitting needles or a crochet hook, controlling yarn tension and handling the yarn require precision and fine movement. However, if there is pain, stiffness or a specific medical condition, the activity should be adapted and discussed with the appropriate healthcare professional.
Are knitting and crochet suitable for people with cognitive impairment?
It depends on the degree of impairment and each person's previous experience. In some cases, simple and repetitive crafts can be an enjoyable and familiar activity. The most advisable approach is to adapt the level of difficulty, use materials that are easy to handle and provide support during the activity.
What materials are best for knitting and crochet workshops with older people?
For workshops with older people, soft yarns in medium or thicker weights, in light colours or colours with good contrast, usually work best. It is also advisable to use knitting needles and crochet hooks that are comfortable to hold and to prepare simple projects that progress quickly and provide a sense of achievement.
Which knitting or crochet projects are recommended for beginners?
To begin with, it is best to choose short and easy projects: straight scarves, crochet squares, simple flowers, coasters, group blankets or small decorative pieces. Group projects work particularly well in centres for older people because they encourage conversation, sharing progress and creating something together.
Artículos relacionados
BC Garn – Hilos y lanas orgánicos de alta calidad
