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9 Tips for Traveling with Crochet

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32 Comments

Picture it: You’re about to set out on your dream vacation and you’re wanting to take your crochet along with you for the ride. How does traveling with crochet work? Can you take your supplies through airport security? Are they going to confiscate your favorite hook?  Are you allowed to crochet on the plane?

What kind of things are allowed, what kinds of patterns should I take, how do I pack them?

All of these are valid questions, and with all of the traveling I have done with crochet lately, let me tell you: I have become quite the master taking my crochet with me in the car.

And the airplane.  And to the beach.

I will crochet through TSA.
I will crochet every day.

I will crochet aboard a plane.
I will crochet inside a train.

I will crochet while in my car.
I will crochet while I’m afar.

I will crochet around this planet.
I will crochet while in transit.

Would you crochet on a beach?
I would crochet if its in reach.

9 Tips for Traveling with Crochet

9 Tips for Traveling with Crochet

1. Are crochet hooks allowed on an airplane?

Yes! You can take crochet hooks with you through checkout at airport security at the time of publishing this post.  You’ll want to check this page on TSA before packing them in your carry-on.  If you are traveling abroad, you’ll want to check the other country’s guidelines as well.

I absolutely refuse to crochet with anything but my Clover hooks.  The hooks are so smooth, they glide right through the yarn and stitches.  They are ergonomic and just plain glorious and I would never leave home without them.

No really, they are in my purse at all times.

2. Are scissors allowed on board?

Yes and no.  While scissors with blades shorter than four inches are permitted to carry on board, they do not allow thread cutter pendants (which are super cool btw).  Seems silly.  I just keep my fingernail clippers in my purse to use instead.

3. What kinds of patterns should I take?

Take projects that are an easy stitch repeat. You could do a simple double crochet pattern or a corner to corner blanket that is super easy to master (and remember).  If you would like to take a more difficult pattern with you, make sure you print it off and keep it with your other crochet items.

See all of our crochet patterns.

4. How should I pack?

I always pack all of my crochet supplies together in one bag, and place that bag in the top of my carry-on. Even for road-trips, I have a separate “crochet bag” containing all of the supplies I could possibly need.

5. Take stitch markers

You’ll definitely want your stitch markers. I splurged and got the higher quality ones that don’t break in two every time you try and close them.  How annoying – even if you aren’t traveling.

Keeping track of your stitches (and your rows) is important especially when working in the round.  I also love that these stitch markers come with their own case.

6. Try not to use a pattern changing colors often (if at all)

Changing colors isn’t hard necessarily, but it’s not too much fun when you’re traveling.  And then there’s the whole extra skein of yarn you’re lugging around.  I opt for smaller projects with little to no color changes while traveling for this reason.

7. Don’t do the driving.

You read that right. Crochet is ALWAYS a valid excuse for not having to drive.  As an added bonus, download an audio book or two to your phone and crochet while “reading” a book.  My favorite!

8. Start the project before you leave. 

Get a row or two completed before you head out.  This helps you to not only learn the pattern/stitch repeat, but it makes it easier to take up once you get en route to your destination.

9. Take back-up yarn.  

Sometimes I surprise myself and finish a project super fast.  Nothing worse than sitting on an airplane with nothing to do.  So, take a skein of back-up yarn just in case.  Go with something lighter weight so you can cram it in somewhere in your suitcase.

More crochet tips, tricks and goodies:

How to Weave in Yarn Ends {So They Don’t Come Out}
Crochet Tip: How to Create a Straight {Invisible} Seam When Crocheting in the Round
Finger Burn? You Need a Finger Cuff for Crochet
How to Remove Wax from Yarn

Comments

  1. Jeanne says

    I flew to Africa and brought extra yarn sealed in meal bags so they would take up less room in my bags, carry-on and checked. Not sure how I would have gotten through the 22hr travel time without my crochet. Of course I made a sweater and decided after it was done that it was not my style and took it apart. Still kept me occupied during my travels.
    Reply

  2. Sherry says

    I, too, love my Clovers! I recently added a few Clover Amour hooks in larger sizes. Love packing crochet kits for my travels. Thank you for these tips!
    Reply

  3. Bette says

    I take knitting needles and blunt children's scissors on the plane ...On a trip, I also prefer to wear my jeans a couple of days so I have more space for yarn/finished items lol The best of both worlds. I knit and crochet hats for needy children.... as I finish some on a trip, I donate them to a local organization for distribution.
    Reply

  4. Bette says

    I have yarn, hooks, buttons, tapestry needles, blunt children's scissors ($1) in both of our vehicles, and take it all wherever I go.. ( yes on planes). I make an average of 700 hats per year, for needy children in 6 states. I have even given hats away in Ireland and Ethiopia.. there are needy children everywhere !! I get my yarn from yard sales and donations.... cheap when they know what it is to be used for. I used to do afghans, sweaters, etc...but find making cute warm hats for needy kids gives me so much MORE pleasure, plus is easier to tote around and whip up a hat in a little over an hr.
    Reply

  5. Ellie says

    I enjoyed reading all your awesome helpful tips for crocheters! I started this craft many years ago, then occasional cross-stitch, some sewing and resumed crocheting! I use a clear lite lemonade 6 (2-qt) packets container w/lid for my crochet hooks, scissors etc. Great for everyday use!
    Reply

  6. Kelly says

    I always bring crochet on the plane and keep a pair of embroidery scissors in my purse at all times and have never been stopped at security for them. I've even brought knitting needles with no questions asked.
    Reply

  7. Meena Khushalani says

    Yes, you can take a crochet on a plane. But as per TSA guide if an item is generally permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or not allowed through the checkpoint if it triggers an alarm during the screening process, appears to have been tampered with, or poses other security concerns. The final decision rests with TSA on whether to allow any items on the plane.
    Reply

  9. Lisa Jackson says

    Yes, I will take it on the plain I will take it on a train. I will take it everywhere. This was fun. Blessings Lisa
    Reply

  10. LeAnn Kelly says

    I take my crochet everywhere. Nice to know that yes I can take it on a plane. Loved the article. Love the yarn in the giveaway.
    Reply

  27. Alli G. says

    Cool! I'm flying over 3000 miles in February, and I'll need something to do on the plane! This article really helped me understand what I can/can't do on the plane, and I am relieved. I was sorta freaking out, not knowing if I could bring my supplies and all. Thank you so much!! (I also love your post about softening yarn.) :) -Alli
    Reply

  28. Jenni says

    I too crochet ALL the time and always have a project with me. My only comment to add though is that the yarn cutter pendant IS TSA approved so I'm not sure why you mentioned it was not. I have flown both domestically, as well as Internationally and never once had them question it or any of my steel hooks.
    Reply

    • Rhonda Z says

      Same here. I have brought a pendant cutter each time, without issue. And I carry far too many hooks, and my little grade-school scissors each trip. No issues yet...fingers crossed as I just purchased tickets for January and February last night :-)
      Reply

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