[For Seniors] Ideal for Finger Rehabilitation: A Collection of Simple Ideas Made with Yarn
Craft activities using yarn might seem difficult at first glance.
Did you know there are yarn projects you can make by simply gluing pieces together or finishing them with finger knitting?
In this article, we introduce simple yarn crafts suitable for older adults.
Thinking through the steps and envisioning the finished piece helps stimulate the brain, making these activities recommended for seniors.
They also involve many fine-motor tasks, which can support hand rehabilitation.
Please read this article and use it as a reference for your craft activities.
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[For Seniors] Ideal for finger rehabilitation. A collection of simple ideas made with yarn (21–30)
A fluffy, cozy pouch woven from cardboard
A fluffy, fuzzy pouch you can use for cosmetics or quick outings.
You’d never guess it was woven with cardboard.
Cut slits into both ends of a piece of cardboard and glue chopsticks to it.
Thread yarn through the slits and wrap it around the cardboard.
Using yarn attached to the chopsticks, weave over-under, over-under along the threaded yarn—similar to how you’d use a loom.
Once you’ve woven a sufficient length, cut it free from the cardboard.
Make two woven panels and tie the yarn at the ends to join them.
Turn it inside out, insert an inner pouch, add decorations, and you’re done.
Try making one with fluffy yarn!
Butterfly and flower decorations woven with a cardboard Y-shaped knitting spool
Lillian, which was popular in the Showa era, has made a comeback during the self-isolation of the COVID period.
Some of you may remember the cylindrical knitting tool, but there’s also a wooden Y-shaped Lillian knitting tool.
The cylindrical one uses a knitting needle, while the wooden one is worked with your fingers.
Even small children can use their hands to make projects.
You can even make a Y-shaped Lillian tool out of cardboard, so why not give it a try? By wrapping yarn around the Y-shaped part, you can create simple decorations like butterflies and flowers.
With their rustic look, these handmade pieces bring a warm, handcrafted feel when displayed indoors.
[For Seniors] Ideal for finger rehabilitation. A collection of simple yarn craft ideas (31–40)
Flower keychain
Let’s weave the yarn threaded through the keychain part and shape it into a flower.
Using not only yarn but also thicker materials like colored cords is recommended, as they offer different design possibilities and make your hands easier to see while working.
It’s a simple process: layer yarn of a different color over the yarn threaded through the part’s hole and braid it while paying attention to the order.
Be particular about your choices of colors and materials and how you layer them, and create your own unique design.
The way you tighten the layered yarn will also change the overall look, so it could be fun to try various patterns.
bracelet
Are you familiar with kumihimo? Some of you might know it from the film “Your Name.” Kumihimo are braids made by interlacing fine silk or cotton threads, and they’re considered a traditional Japanese craft.
Although they may look complicated in person, there’s a simple way to make them.
Prepare a round piece of cardboard with eight notches around the edge and a hole in the center.
Thread seven strands of yarn in different colors through the center hole.
Place one strand in each notch, leaving one notch empty, and then braid by moving the strands one by one into the empty notch.
The finished cord can be used as a bracelet, or reshaped into a strap.
The steps are easy to follow, so it’s said to be a craft that older adults can comfortably enjoy making.
Flower
This is a flower-shaped ornament made by wrapping yarn around a fork.
It’s important to pay attention to the shape as you wrap, how tightly you pull the yarn, and to weave it in firmly.
A fork isn’t just a sturdy tool for wrapping; it also makes it easy to see exactly where to pass the yarn, which is a big usability plus.
Wrapping to an even length contributes to the beauty of the finished flower, so be mindful of each step as you go.
By experimenting with how you spread the loops and how you choose colors, you can create your own unique flowers.
Disney-style candy strap
Here’s how to make Disney-style candy straps using felt and yarn.
First, create a template for the silhouette of a Disney character.
Use the template to cut the shape out of felt, then apply glue.
Attach the end of the yarn to the felt and wind it around in a spiral.
Wrap yarn on both sides, attach the strap hardware, and you’re done.
Decorating with a ribbon or necktie adds extra charm and makes it even cuter.
It’s safe and easy to make, so it’s also recommended as a recreational activity in senior care facilities.
Medicine, coin purse
A small pouch that can hold medicine or coins is highly practical and makes a useful gift.
Fuse interfacing to the fabric and create the handle and body pieces.
Securely sew the handle to a ring placed in the center with a sewing machine, then fold the corners to add dimension.
Finish by attaching a button.
Although you’ll use a sewing machine, it’s mostly straight stitching, so it’s approachable even for beginners.
Choosing fabric patterns to match the season or personal taste adds an extra touch of originality.
For older adults, it’s not only convenient for keeping essentials close at hand; the thoughtfulness of making something just for them is an added delight.
It’s a gift that combines practicality and warmth, reminding the recipient of the giver each time it’s used.
