Airplane and Travel Tips for Knitters
As a knitter, it is so special and fun to work on your craft while traveling. Not only does knitting provide some welcome down time, it is also a great way to help pass the time while on a plane or in the car. Plus, those memories are stitched right in to whatever you’re making! But if you are not prepared, traveling with your knitting can become a hassle. To ensure that flying or road tripping while knitting is as stress-free as possible, here are some tips to keep in mind.
Please note that this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking one of these links, I earn some yarn money at no extra cost to you!
Plan your knitting projects
When traveling and crafting, it's important to consider your comfort level and the tight quarters you may be in. It's best to focus on projects that don't require a lot of focus or complexity because they can be distracting or too much of a hassle.
When planning your projects, consider your skill level first and choose a project that will keep you interested but won’t cause a headache. Bring projects that don't require more than 2-3 colors and are relatively small. Now is not the time to work on that blanket WIP you’re halfway through. Great project options include the Staple Sock and the Short Staple Beanie.
Prep your knitting projects
When you are a knitter traveling by plane or car, there are a few important steps to take to make sure your trip is as easy and enjoyable as possible. Before you leave, it is important to do some prep work. This includes winding or caking your yarn, printing out your pattern (or saving it to a charged device), doing a gauge swatch and blocking it, and reading through your pattern to know what to expect and what supplies you need to bring.
If you have time, it is also beneficial to cast on and knit the first few rows before leaving so you are ready to pick up right away when you are on the move. With these necessary steps taken care of, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your flight and destination journey.
Pack your project bag
When knitting and traveling, the most important thing to do is to make sure that you have all the necessary materials in your project bag. This means going through the pattern to make sure that you bring all that is included in the materials list. It may be beneficial to make sure that your projects have similarities so that you can consolidate what you need to pack.
Wooden or plastic knitting needles can pass through airline regulations, but you should double check with your airline guidelines to make sure. In the case that you are worried about your nice knitting needles being confiscated, you can always purchase cheaper needles in advance.
If your project requires the work of DPNs, opt to bring long circular needles instead to use with the magic loop method. Compared to DPNs, circular needles are easier to handle and less likely to drop and get lost. And actually, I suggest bringing circular needles if you can instead of straight needles for the same reason.
Make sure that you bring all of your necessary knitting supplies such as:
Short scissors (blade should be less than 4” from the pivot point per TAS regulations)
Yarn (of course)
Duo Repair Hook (to easily fix any dropped stitches)
Row counter stitch markers (so you don’t have to fumble with a stitch counter or jotting hash marks down in a notebook)
Needle point protectors (so no stitches fall off your needles while your WIP is in your bag when you’re on the move)
Knit extension cords (just in case you need to try on your WIP)
Cable needle (only if working with cables)
Pen or pencil (always handy!)
A neck light (perfect for getting a few rows in while in the backseat at night)
When packing, make sure to only bring what you need so that your bag isn't too full and you have room for any yarn purchases you may make along the way.
What NOT to bring
Knitters traveling by airplane should exercise caution before packing their most treasured knitting tools and notions. Straight metal needles and full-size scissors should be avoided as these can be classified as potentially ‘stabby’ and may be confiscated, it is also best to avoid taking a yarn cutter as razor blades are usually not accepted. To be on the safe side, knitters should avoid bringing their favorite needles or notions in case they get lost or confiscated.
Before you take off
To make knitting while traveling even more enjoyable, make sure to follow these last two tips:
First, make sure to download any podcasts, episodes, or audiobooks to make the travels more entertaining.
Secondly, pack a clothing layer with a hood and use it as a makeshift yarn bowl. Place the yarn inside the hood when waiting at the gate, in a car, or on the airplane - this way the yarn won’t jump out or roll away.
Following these simple tips will help ensure that your knitting experience remains stress-free and enjoyable.
Traveling with knitting may seem intimidating but it doesn’t have to be. With a little bit of planning, knitting can be both a peaceful and enjoyable way to pass the time while you are on the go. From winding your yarn in advance and packing thoughtfully to avoiding certain items and utilizing your hood as a makeshift yarn bowl, these tips are sure to make your travels a memorable and stress-free experience. Happy crafting and happy travels!
Do you have any travel tips, or did any of these tips seem particularly helpful? Talk about it in the comments!