As I’m preparing for a bit of traveling this summer, I wanted to share details of what’s in my travel knitting bag. It still has all the essentials of my main knitting kit, but is streamlined and TSA friendly.
You can read my 2015 post about my main knitting kit. Much of the same items will be in this list as in my main knitting kit list, but this focuses on compact and airplane security approved items. The Amazon.co.uk links are affiliate links, but not the Amazon.com ones.
If you want to know how I pack my carry-on to keep my two kids occupied for 15–22 hours of traveling, scroll back to last week’s post detailing my tips and tricks. And yesterday I shared how I packed ONE standard suitcase to be enough clothes for myself and both kids all summer. Yep, capsule wardrobe to the rescue! My kids and I are accustomed to long-haul trips, so I have written about this a few times.
Security Standards
Before I list what I bring, I’ll go over the basics for what security standards will allow.
Scissors are allowed by TSA in carry-no and checked baggage so long as carry-on scissors are under 4 inches from pivot point to tip (not including handle). There doesn’t seem to be a restriction on scissor size in checked luggage. I usually travel with this folding pair or this pair, but I want this pair that resembles the Eiffel Tower.
Knitting needles are allowed by TSA in carry-on and checked baggage. I strongly recommend using short wood interchangeables with the needle tips in a pencil case and the cable/cord capped off so if you are traveling through a country with different regulations, you do not risk your knitting project by having to give up your pair of needles. And instead of DPNs that can look intimidatingly like weapons to non-knitters, I opt for Addi CrasyTrio or Flexi Trios.
Sewing needle is allowed by TSA in carry-on and checked baggage. Useful for that nearly done WIP so you can weave in ends on the plane while watching a movie. I recommend bringing two plastic sewing needles in bright colors, since they inevitably fall under my seat.
Circular thread cutters are NOT allowed by TSA in carry-on, but permitted in checked baggage. This is because they are literally encased miniature circular blades. If you want to see an example of what this looks like, it’s here. Again, checked luggage only for this tool.
If you want to minimise what you’re carrying, the wallet multi-tools are very handy. Just be sure yours doesn’t have a knife or sharp object.
What I Pack
Needle Gauges are so useful. In my travel kit I keep my Debra’s Garden Metal Needle Gauge because it is lightweight, slim, and slips easily into my little notions bag.
Zippered Pouch to tame all the little bits. Mine is from Søstrene Grene.
Fix-a-Stitch Crochet Hook Set for dropped stitches. Seriously, I’m on a plane and usually with two small children, there will be dropped stitches. Better to be prepared. They’re available on Amazon.com
Stitch Markers that are space efficient and easy to find on the floor. That means light colors, glow-in-the-dark, or shiny. I also like ones that make me happy or that I can wear as jewellery too. This trip, I’m traveling with two sets:
• Glow-in-the-dark set from The Little Grey Girl.
• Lobster-clasp set with bracelet from Python Charms.
• Bee-themed set with bracelet from An Caitin Beag.
Measuring Tape. This little one is handy.
Plastic Needle for weaving in the ends.
Scissors for trimming when done or switching colors. Scissors with blades under 4 inches will be fine for TSA and most airport security standards. I highly recommend the Snips or a folding pair or this classic pair. There are also novelty ones that are suitable, like this pair that resembles the Eiffel Tower.
How I Pack My Project
How this translates into what I pack is that I bring circular knitting needles, usually wood. I cap them with the stoppers and put the tips in a slim pencil case with a few pencils. This prevents security agents from encountering the tip of a needle when searching hand luggage, but also keeps them from being snapped if things are repacked awkwardly. Added bonus, no shifting around with dropped stitches.
I then put the slim pencil case, my project, the next ball I’ll need , and my small zippered tool pouch into a drawstring project bag. I keep it in my “in flight” carry-on. That bag also contains a book, my devices, ear buds, air buds, eye mask, ear plugs, cinnamon gum, non-nut snacks, empty water bottle (usually my Brita one with the built-in filter), and anything I think I’ll need frequently in the flight.
I also have a “pantry” carry-on bag, which is a small rolling bag that has changes of clothes, spare necessities, medicines, a second ball of yarn for the current project (or a second project if I feel bored of the current one), and snacks. I also put my house keys in this bag. They’re useless on a plane anyway and it keeps them from accidentally falling out. I won’t get into the child elements in that bag, but it’s called the pantry because it holds what I may need but not the bare essentials. You can also read my really old post on packing for trips with a toddler. That was back when I had one child. Now there are two.
Hope this helps you a little. There are many online resources for travel crafting tips, these are just from my experiences.