I have a new neighbour that wants to learn how to knit. She is in here late 60’s or early 70’s, so I would like to give here something interesting, but simple to start with. Any ideas would be welcome!
I noticed a post not long ago where the lady cast on and knit a few rows to start the new knitter on the way, which I think is a great idea. I thought a dish cloth might be good but when I mentioned this to her, I got the idea that this would not be a choice she would like.
It’s very good and very neighborly of you to do this.
Ask her what she would like to knit. There are simple patterns for just about everything excluding a few specialized techniques like brioche, entrelac and complicated lace.
Scarves, fingerless mitts, cowls, hats, headbands, easy sweaters are all possible but the best way to hold her interest is something she has thought to knit herself.
Thank you for your reply.
To be honest a dish cloth wouldn’t float my boat either when i started knitting. I’d think why put in all that effort for a cloth that gets ruined and anyway i like my dish brush i already have… and yet 30+ years later and after a few sweaters I thoroughly enjoyed making a bunch of dish cloths in different stitch patterns. I used dish cloth cotton though which is hard going on knitting hands.
I agree that it is best for it to be something she would like to make as that’s where the motivation to continue comes from. Having your help and support is marvelous and such a gift to give someone.
Just to add to the ideas already given, a lap blanket can be made with a bunch of squares in different stitch patterns, or a bunch of strips (scarves) in different stitch patterns, and squares and scarves are obviously a bit easier as they are narrower so it’s just a smaller piece to cope with. A small shawl or neckerchief would be nice if she likes wearing those. There are some simply shaped slip overs too. I always want some arm or wrist warmers in the winter and haven’t manged to make these yet, my son has some i made him which he wears for reading in bed when his arms are out of the covers. Or maybe an armchair pocket (armchair caddy) to keep remote control, glasses, phone etc in…perhaps matching cushion cover? I made a bunch of plant pot/jar/recycled can covers for my son to plant up for teacher gifts, just a flat rectangle seamed, again different stitch patterns or changing colours to add a stripe they are good for learning, they looked great in his play room all bright colours. She might prefer to knit for someone else, a grandchild or a pet.
Well, good luck. If you need help finding some patern ideas when you know what she’d like to make, I’m sure we could help.
I was just going to say, not a dishcloth because cotton is hard to work with, but you already know that’s not a winner anyhow. I agree, ask what interests her.
I am similar in age to your neighbor and only started knitting about a year ago. If she doesn’t mind spending a bit, I highly recommend the Craftsy class that I learned from, Startup Library: Knitting by Susan B Anderson. Startup Library: Knitting | Craftsy I thought it was an ideal introduction. In it, Ms. Anderson teaches you the basics of knitting by making a pair of fingerless “Practice Mitts”. Each mitt is a rectangle, knit flat that, when finished, is folded in half and seamed to leave a thumb hole. You start at the wrist, alternating between two blocks each of garter stitch and stockinette, then end with ribbing at the fingers. Along the way you learn to cast on and bind off. I happily wore my mitts all winter long. She also teaches you about yarn, how to knit in both English and Continental style, and two other projects, a cowl and a striped hat. The class includes a PDF download with information about yarn, common abbreviations, a glossary, and written patterns for all three projects. Ms. Anderson is an excellent teacher, very encouraging and calming. I must sound like I work for Craftsy, but I’m just a fan. I also really loved Lorilee Beltman’s Craftsy class on continental knitting. Knit Faster With Continental Knitting | Craftsy These two classes really got me off on the right foot.
As of now, July 2025, the Startup class is available through a Craftsy membership or by purchasing it as a standalone. I bought a Craftsy membership. These memberships are frequently deeply discounted, if you poke around. You also can get a 30-day free trial. The price for the standalone classes is $79.99, but it seems almost always to be discounted to $20. As far as I can see, right now you have to also get the DVD and streaming together for that price.
Wishing you and your neighbor, happy knitting!
This is a very kind gesture…. I learned to knit (again) at about the age of your neighbor. I knit dish cloths in cotton yarn and found them great for practicing new patterns. It’s also great for using up wool yarn and felting it. Good luck. 
I hadn’t checked on here in a bit, so today I looked and here you are telling me about easy fingerless gloves and I had already come up with it and just have to present it to the neighbour to see if she would like those.
Great! I hope your neighbor enjoys them. I am planning to use fingerless mitts to introduce myself to other techniques such as cabling, mosaic knitting, and log cabin knitting. Starting small with new techniques is less daunting for me. Some people worry about losing steam to make the second mitt but that isn’t a concern for me. I think it just reinforces the learning.
Does your neighbor want to knit the fingerless gloves? Did you decide on a pattern, if she didn’t want to try the f.g.?
I haven’t been able to get in touch with her.