9 Tips for Traveling with Crochet
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Updated March 30th, 2024
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? Read on for all of your questions about traveling with crochet answered.
9 Tips for Traveling with Crochet
You’re about to set out on your dream vacation and you’re wanting to take your crochet along with you for the ride. What kind of things are allowed, what kinds of patterns should you take, how should you pack them?
All of these are valid questions, and with all of the traveling I have done lately, let me tell you: I have become quite the master taking my crochet with me along for the ride.
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 while in transit.
I will crochet around this planet.
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.
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 usually just keep my fingernail clippers in my purse or project bag to use instead, since nail clippers are definitely allowed.
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, or take a screen shot while you still have internet.
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
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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.
6. Take smaller projects with fewer color changes.
When traveling, especially by plane, I find that it is usually best to choose smaller projects with little to no color changes. The more color changes, the more skeins of yarn you need to take, and the more room that takes up in your precious carry on bag.
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 on your trip. let’s be honest… crocheting into a foundation chain is never fun, and doing so in a bumpy car, train, or airplane is even worse. Get the hardest part out of the way at home so the crocheting on the go is more enjoyable.
If you’re working on a new-to-you stitch or pattern, starting the project before you leave also helps you learn the pattern/stitch repeat in the comfort of your own space.
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 OR this is a great excuse to visit a fancy local yarn shop at your destination. 😉
What are things that you do when packing for a trip?
More crochet tips & tricks:
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
