Knitting on an Airplane and Other Travel Tips for Makers

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1. 

   Jackie Bartz December 30, 2022

   I usually travel with the pattern directions printed on paper. In particular, this tip works for sock directions, other small projects or parts of projects. I mark on the paper’s edge any measurements that I need. For example: if I need to knit 7″ for the socks cuff I make a mark 7″ for the top edge of the paper and write down near that what that mark is. Same for 2″ for the heel. I don’t need to find my tape measure when it’s all right there on the pattern.

2. 

   knittin9art December 14, 2022

   I’m lucky – my Dad made me a one-of-kind copper-covered thread cutter that gets through every time. An every-day option: pencil sharpener.
   Also I pack my supplies in a clear plastic pouch and place my printed pattern up against the side so it sits tight but stays visible.

3. 

   Noella Lallatin November 23, 2022

   If you are packing lotion or a lotion bar, consider something unscented. In my experience, a scented lotion triggered a pat down.

4. 

   Bonnie Yagar December 20, 2021

   Great article but just letting everyone know that you can’t take knitting needles, even circular needles, through security at the Puerto Vallarta airport. Just had 2 sets of circular needles confiscated by security there on December 12. Had my circular needles confiscated in Rome a few years ago but thought (hoped) rules had lessened somewhat from What I had read online. It was an expensive lesson. From now on I will pack my knitting in my checked baggage.

   1. 

      UrbanMT November 23, 2022

      I have brought my knitting through Security at the Puerto Vallarta airport before, at least twice, with no issues. I sorry to hear about this; you were incredibly unlucky.

5. 

   Rosemary King December 20, 2021

   What a brilliant article, wish I’d had this before my trip yesterday to US from UK. Well thought out and all aspects covered. Thank you.

6. 

   Margaret Menzin December 20, 2021

   If you don’t want to take scissors, an emery board works just as well for sawing off yarn – and never raises a security uestion.

7. 

   Andrea Johnson December 18, 2021

   I don’t have much occasion to travel by air, but I do spend a fair amount of time on trains and busses, and most of these tips are good for those, as well. And there’s another reason to use circular needles, no matter how you travel: with circular needles, you are far less likely to poke your seat neighbors.

8. 

   James Delano November 12, 2021

   When I’m older, I want to travel by plane. Because of my budget at the moment (being a high school junior at the time of writing this comment), I can only afford metal circulars, which I doubt will get by security. I have a few questions:

   1. If you bring more than one work in progress when would be the best time to switch between WIPs?
   2. If your budget allows you to have First Class seating, what tips would you recommend?
   3. I’m also a crocheter, so what would be some things to consider when crocheting on the plane (Carry on, Working Space, Materials to Pack, etc.)?

   Thank you for your help!

   1. 

      diana courtnier December 20, 2021

      EBay has a lovely set of plastic interchangeable circular needles in a pouch for less than $20.
      They are similar to Denise.
      Like these…

      https://www.ebay.com/itm/294647295546?hash=item449a58ee3a:g:M4wAAOSw6plhvlSD

9. 

   MBKnits September 29, 2021

   I travel a lot because of work, and only knit on long haul flight. As an alternative to scissors, I have a toenail clipper that are part of my knitting travel kit. The clippers have travelled with me on my flights around the word for the last 15 years. Travelling with needles can be very tricky, not so much because of the existing restrictions, but because of who is at the security check point. With this in mind, I have both bamboo and metal in most sizes, only travel with circular needles bamboo needs. The one time I forgot and had metal for a very intricate project, I went through without a problem because the two ladies who checked my bag at FRA airport were fascinated by the project they found in the bag! Lucky me, but no more metal on the airplane.

10. 

    Annette L Brown July 26, 2021

    Be aware that the TSA restrictions/regulations are NOT binding for other countries. Lately, I have been told by the German Air Security, that metal knitting needles are not allowed on the plane as they have a “blade” length of >6 cm (ab. 2+”) and are pointed. Wood will be your best bet. If you can, have somebody standing by until you’re THROUGH security, to mail it to you, in case it doesn’t go through. I never had a problem with crochet hooks, not matter the material.
    I personal prefer a draw-string sack or a small backpack which I carry instead of a purse, so it can be hung from the hook on the seat. I totally love the hoodie yarn dispenser idea!
    When you fly at night, you may want to bring a head lamp or a lamp around your neck, not all your “neighbors” or flight attendants agree to having the light above your seat on.
    Finally, when traveling, I prefer to have hard copies of the pattern. Make a couple spare copies, so you can have one on you carry on, in your check luggage, in your coat… The Deutsche Bahn is a perfect location to forget instructions… 😉
    Knit On!

11. 

    Priscilla Rowe June 4, 2021

    A few months ago, a knitter in one of my groups said a border person snapped her needles in two. For that reason alone, I would always replace my needles with the caps that come with circular needles and put the needles in a separate container with needle protectors. I appreciate all the other suggestions. Very helpful.

12. 

    MargotN June 4, 2021

    Although many say they always take their circular yarn cutters and have never had a problem they are specifically listed on TSA’s no-go list (go figure). I travelled throughout Europe with my 2” Dritz folding scissors (which are listed as acceptable) until my last time through Charles de Gaulle airport where they were confiscated. I’ll always have that little inkling that the female agents wanted them for themselves- lol!

13. 

    LauraF June 4, 2021

    Love all the tips. I travel frequently (or did- before the Covid shutdown.). I’ve only had one problem- a pair of suture removal scissors- blades less than 1/2″. The agent wanted to call his supervisor who was on a break– I told him to just confiscate them, as I was close to departure time. Although I’ve never had a problem with needles, I use interchangeable needles, and always do 2 things: pack an extra set in luggage, and bring the end discs to protect the knitting on the cable in case the needles need to be removed.

14. 

    Kristina November 8, 2019

    These are all great ideas, including those in the comments. I learned by experience, after chasing a dropped needle several seats back, to bring circulars, even if my project is just trying out some lace patterns in cotton for dishcloths. I also pull out my project and supplies so it’s easy for the TSA agent at the X-ray station to see what it is. I learned that one on one trip when I was taking a couple of crochet projects with plans to buy more yarn for something else when I got there. So I had my fold over case filled with hook, smaller hooks for thread on one side and standard sizes on the other. I could imagine what it must have looked like on the X-ray when I saw 3 agents crowded around the screen and I knew exactly what they were puzzling over. When my bag came out they asked me to empty it and as soon as I took out that hook case and unzipped it, they all started laughing and sent me on my way. I’ve taken the whole case a few times since then but have learned to take it out of my bag and open it up to go through security.

15. 

    Marta Sullivan November 8, 2019

    I’ve also been traveling with my knitting and haven’t had a problem. However, I always use bamboo, or wood, circular needles. There are some that are relatively inexpensive so that if I have to give them up, it won’t be the end of the world.
    There are some new ideas that I haven’t thought of and will try. This is “yarnit”, and “knit companion” and a drawstring bag to hold everything. Also, pull this out of the on plane carrier and place it in the plastic tray when going through the check in line. A dental floss container also sounds like a great idea, instead of scissors.
    However, the planes are mostly full and the seating is extremely crowded. Sometimes, I feel that there is no space to knot.

16. 

    mountainweaver2 November 8, 2019

    I fly to Europe annually and then spend at least a month travelling by boat, plane and car… Also spend lots of time waiting in Dr.’s offices, same applies. I keep all my miscellaneous supplies in a 5X8 canvas zip bag. Use old pill bottles to store needles, pins. Markers go on a blanket pin. Everything drops into a soft cotton bag . Project and 1 ball of yarn goes into plastic bag. 1ball of extra yarn goes into another bag. All into the cotton bag. (rest of yarn into suitcase. Copies of pattern in plastic sleeves go into bag and suitcase.
    MAIN POINT…for traveling projects always choose small projects (hat, scarf) on, DK or finer yarn, small size circular needles AND a repetitive pattern. Easy to stop on a moments notice, easy to knit and chat, or look out the window. AND ALSO…MARKERS, every 10 stitches so you can easily find your place if you have to stop or do a double check. Dropped stitches or unplanned increases are the main bug-a-boo.

17. 

    Grace B November 23, 2017

    I have never had a problem with my yarn cutters. It’s decorative, and the blade is recessed, with no way to change its position in any way. Just in case, though, I usually also bring my foldable tiny scissors. I have used DPNs in the air, but agree that circulars are better! Socks are my favorite thing to do, although I have also done other things, including afghans (either in the beginning stages, or modular, where you can do one small piece at a time). I have brought steel needles on, but feel more confident with bamboo. I also always bring a project that I won’t be upset about losing if my luck doesn’t hold, and it gets confiscated!

    1. 

       Ellen I K November 27, 2017

       I always carry a small dental floss container in my purse. It serves as a yarn cutter.
       The dental floss itself can serve as as an emergency life line.

       1. 

          Iris Ailin-pyzik June 4, 2021

          Some years ago when hubby was teaching (at the college level – go figure) he complained about students turning in papers without fastening them together. I found these mini office kits for a dollar at Target (I think) and bought several, and encouraged him to sell them at cost to the students, but he declined. They included a little stapler (which his students needed), a pair of mini scissors, and I don’t remember what else. The scissors are pretty small, have rounded tips and a plastic sleeve for the cutting end. So I wound up with several of these little scissors. They work perfectly for snipping yarn.

18. 

    Grace B November 23, 2017

    I have never had a problem with my yarn cutters. It’s decorative, and the blade is recessed, with no way to change its position in any way. Just in case, though, I usually also bring my foldable tiny scissors. I have used DPNs in the air, but agree that circulars are better! Socks are my favorite thing to do, although I have also done other things, including afghans (either in the beginning stages, or modular, where you can do one small piece at a time). I have brought steel needles on, but feel more confident with bamboo. I also always bring a project that I won’t be upset about losing if my luck doesn’t hold, and it gets confiscated!

    1. 

       Ellen I K November 27, 2017

       I always carry a small dental floss container in my purse. It serves as a yarn cutter.
       The dental floss itself can serve as as an emergency life line.

19. 

    Carleneruns November 21, 2017

    I prefer to use a draw string project bag. I also bring a document/binder clip and use the clip to attach the bag to the pocket on the seat in front of me. This way my yarn is off my lap and out of the way. I always start my project at home so that when I’m on the plane I’m not facing any surprises.

    Like some of the other said, I remove my project bag from my carry on and put it in the TSA bins separately. This saves time if they want to double check my tiny scissors (or whatever) because they are not unpacking my whole bag.

20. 

    Carleneruns November 21, 2017

    I prefer to use a draw string project bag. I also bring a document/binder clip and use the clip to attach the bag to the pocket on the seat in front of me. This way my yarn is off my lap and out of the way. I always start my project at home so that when I’m on the plane I’m not facing any surprises.

    Like some of the other said, I remove my project bag from my carry on and put it in the TSA bins separately. This saves time if they want to double check my tiny scissors (or whatever) because they are not unpacking my whole bag.

21. 

    Brenda G November 20, 2017

    One of the great pleasures of travel is knit time. As a frequent cross-the-ponder I offer a couple of extra ideas.
    1. I keep my yarn and project in a drawstring pouch. That was I can hang it on the tray table latch and out of my lap.
    2. I use a mini iPad and the wonderful Knit Companion app into which I preload PDF’s of my patterns and progress. I also run my audio books on the same pad. Many long haul planes now have USB Plus at each seat but just in case, carry a rechargeable mini battery pack or two.
    3. I’ve been traveling extensively, often with a full compliment of addi turbos and Signature dpns and have never had a problem. I do agree, however, that magic loop or two short circulars are better than 5 slippery double points while in the air!

22. 

    Brenda G November 20, 2017

    One of the great pleasures of travel is knit time. As a frequent cross-the-ponder I offer a couple of extra ideas.
    1. I keep my yarn and project in a drawstring pouch. That was I can hang it on the tray table latch and out of my lap.
    2. I use a mini iPad and the wonderful Knit Companion app into which I preload PDF’s of my patterns and progress. I also run my audio books on the same pad. Many long haul planes now have USB Plus at each seat but just in case, carry a rechargeable mini battery pack or two.
    3. I’ve been traveling extensively, often with a full compliment of addi turbos and Signature dpns and have never had a problem. I do agree, however, that magic loop or two short circulars are better than 5 slippery double points while in the air!

23. 

    Frances H November 20, 2017

    I have never had a problem with the TSA and any of my needles and notions, even my very sharp Kollage Square double points, but just in case I always have knitting ON the needles when I go through security. That way they know immediately that what they are seeing is just knitting. I prefer the cubic type needles anyway, but an extra plus is they don’t roll! I have my pattern in Knit Companion on my phone. So, there is no fussing with paper and I have a IRing on it, so it will stand up on the tray table for easy reading. Last year I bought a Yarnit. It’s a plastic yarn holder from which the yarn is dispensed. The design allows me to open it and remove the yarn without cutting it from my project and the base stays put wherever I place it. It works great on the floor or on the tray table. The rubber base can be removed and then the Yarnit will fit in a cup holder. I’ve used it on trains, planes and cars.

24. 

    Frances H November 20, 2017

    I have never had a problem with the TSA and any of my needles and notions, even my very sharp Kollage Square double points, but just in case I always have knitting ON the needles when I go through security. That way they know immediately that what they are seeing is just knitting. I prefer the cubic type needles anyway, but an extra plus is they don’t roll! I have my pattern in Knit Companion on my phone. So, there is no fussing with paper and I have a IRing on it, so it will stand up on the tray table for easy reading. Last year I bought a Yarnit. It’s a plastic yarn holder from which the yarn is dispensed. The design allows me to open it and remove the yarn without cutting it from my project and the base stays put wherever I place it. It works great on the floor or on the tray table. The rubber base can be removed and then the Yarnit will fit in a cup holder. I’ve used it on trains, planes and cars.

25. 

    Stephanie D November 20, 2017

    I’ve done a lot of flying with needles and have thankfully never had them questioned – including (amazingly) multiple trips with my metal 8″ long size 4 DPNs. Scissors are another story – the UK security measured my blades the last time I went through, though I did meet the standards. If you are cabling, bring an extra cable hook – I lost one mid-trip last year and that was a huge headache.

    I love the suggestion to minimize the yarn packing so you can buy more on the trip 🙂

26. 

    Stephanie D November 20, 2017

    I’ve done a lot of flying with needles and have thankfully never had them questioned – including (amazingly) multiple trips with my metal 8″ long size 4 DPNs. Scissors are another story – the UK security measured my blades the last time I went through, though I did meet the standards. If you are cabling, bring an extra cable hook – I lost one mid-trip last year and that was a huge headache.

    I love the suggestion to minimize the yarn packing so you can buy more on the trip 🙂

27. 

    Clara R November 20, 2017

    I have been knitting on planes for years – even after 9/11 no one challenged me. I use wooden circular needles (Clover brand that are one continuous piece, in all sizes), have plastic T pins and a plastic sewing needle, as well as a small plastic scissor and a plastic crochet hook. I carry it all in a small pouch that fits into my large purse and put the extra balls of yarn in the suitcase. I make small items such as baby sweaters and caps(for charity knitting for hospitals and veterans) and can use the same colors in different ways so that no sweater looks the same. I can finish a sweater in the time that it takes to sit waiting for the plane, and the actual flight time. And the flight attendants are always so nice when they learn what I am doing and for what purpose.

28. 

    Clara R November 20, 2017

    I have been knitting on planes for years – even after 9/11 no one challenged me. I use wooden circular needles (Clover brand that are one continuous piece, in all sizes), have plastic T pins and a plastic sewing needle, as well as a small plastic scissor and a plastic crochet hook. I carry it all in a small pouch that fits into my large purse and put the extra balls of yarn in the suitcase. I make small items such as baby sweaters and caps(for charity knitting for hospitals and veterans) and can use the same colors in different ways so that no sweater looks the same. I can finish a sweater in the time that it takes to sit waiting for the plane, and the actual flight time. And the flight attendants are always so nice when they learn what I am doing and for what purpose.

29. 

    Janet G November 20, 2017

    Oh, and once I brought sticky back Velcro and used it to attach my plastic mechanical row counter to the seat ahead of. I had no problem removing it at the end of the flight.

30. 

    Janet G November 20, 2017

    Oh, and once I brought sticky back Velcro and used it to attach my plastic mechanical row counter to the seat ahead of. I had no problem removing it at the end of the flight.

31. 

    Janet G November 20, 2017

    All good ideas. I copy & reduce my pattern (or transcribe) to fit on 3×5 card. The I bring some colored highlighter tape to both mark my place & affix the card to the seat in front of me so I’m not looking down and full size paper pattern doesn’t slide off my lap. I also bring rubber needle tip protectors. If I have to quickly stash my project in the middle of a row, I can write exactly where I’m at on the highlighter tape. I use a U.S. dollar bill as a tape measure cuz it’s 6″ long.

32. 

    Janet G November 20, 2017

    All good ideas. I copy & reduce my pattern (or transcribe) to fit on 3×5 card. The I bring some colored highlighter tape to both mark my place & affix the card to the seat in front of me so I’m not looking down and full size paper pattern doesn’t slide off my lap. I also bring rubber needle tip protectors. If I have to quickly stash my project in the middle of a row, I can write exactly where I’m at on the highlighter tape. I use a U.S. dollar bill as a tape measure cuz it’s 6″ long.

33. 

    Betsy M November 20, 2017

    Surely you can use fingernail clippers in place of snips? I use a large prescription bottle to corral it all.

    1. 

       Marlyn W November 20, 2017

       Great article. I have carried wooden circular needles, plastic tapestry needles and fingernail clippers on all plane trips. I stopped carrying scissors after 9/11.

34. 

    Betsy M November 20, 2017

    Surely you can use fingernail clippers in place of snips? I use a large prescription bottle to corral it all.

    1. 

       Marlyn W November 20, 2017

       Great article. I have carried wooden circular needles, plastic tapestry needles and fingernail clippers on all plane trips. I stopped carrying scissors after 9/11.

35. 

    barbara e November 20, 2017

    The first time I flew with wooden circulars in my carry on, the scanner picked up the tiny screws where the needle joins to the cable as bullets. Even though I said it was probably the needles, my entire carry on was unpacked. All items were placed in 5 bins and re scanned. The agent did not like me making any suggestions. Now I put my knitting in a project bag and put it in a bin along with my little bag of liquids. No problems!

36. 

    barbara e November 20, 2017

    The first time I flew with wooden circulars in my carry on, the scanner picked up the tiny screws where the needle joins to the cable as bullets. Even though I said it was probably the needles, my entire carry on was unpacked. All items were placed in 5 bins and re scanned. The agent did not like me making any suggestions. Now I put my knitting in a project bag and put it in a bin along with my little bag of liquids. No problems!

37. 

    Francine D November 20, 2017

    I love all your tips. Thank you! I also take the wood circle needles. However, I detach the needles and place them in my cosmetic case with my lipstick and lip liner which is in my handbag. I gently knot the wires and it stays until I get through the checkpoints. I have travelled to Mexico many times and also to Europe.

38. 

    Francine D November 20, 2017

    I love all your tips. Thank you! I also take the wood circle needles. However, I detach the needles and place them in my cosmetic case with my lipstick and lip liner which is in my handbag. I gently knot the wires and it stays until I get through the checkpoints. I have travelled to Mexico many times and also to Europe.

39. 

    Aunrey B November 20, 2017

    Brilliant ! I love the hooded sweatshirt tip. I’ve had many yarn balls roll down the aisle behind me.

40. 

    Aunrey B November 20, 2017

    Brilliant ! I love the hooded sweatshirt tip. I’ve had many yarn balls roll down the aisle behind me.

41. 

    Jill T November 20, 2017

    Fabulous article! I’ve never had a problem knitting on a flight whether domestic or international but have 2 more suggestions… Pack an extra set of needles in your checked baggage just in case they decide you shouldn’t have them on the plane. And, thread a lifeline in your last row… again, just in case they take your working needle from you.

42. 

    Jill T November 20, 2017

    Fabulous article! I’ve never had a problem knitting on a flight whether domestic or international but have 2 more suggestions… Pack an extra set of needles in your checked baggage just in case they decide you shouldn’t have them on the plane. And, thread a lifeline in your last row… again, just in case they take your working needle from you.

43. 

    Dina D November 20, 2017

    I am so with you on the “One Bag” container for knitting/crocheting, it keeps it separated from the other carrying on items I end up having in my bag. I don’t usually carry a hooded jacket, so I just use the bag that I have my knitting in- recently I’ve used a gallon size zip lock bag- it works great! (and it’s cheap), and zipping it partially closed helps. I can tell you one time about having a ball of yarn escape- I have had it roll down the isle a few feet away from me, luckily a nice man caught it before it went any further! It’s happens.

    I can honestly say I have never had any problems flying in the US with any of my knitting needles, and the suggested scissors- smaller and plastic is better it perfect.
    Thanks for all your tips and interesting posts.

44. 

    Dina D November 20, 2017

    I am so with you on the “One Bag” container for knitting/crocheting, it keeps it separated from the other carrying on items I end up having in my bag. I don’t usually carry a hooded jacket, so I just use the bag that I have my knitting in- recently I’ve used a gallon size zip lock bag- it works great! (and it’s cheap), and zipping it partially closed helps. I can tell you one time about having a ball of yarn escape- I have had it roll down the isle a few feet away from me, luckily a nice man caught it before it went any further! It’s happens.

    I can honestly say I have never had any problems flying in the US with any of my knitting needles, and the suggested scissors- smaller and plastic is better it perfect.
    Thanks for all your tips and interesting posts.