how i pack knitting and crochet projects for flights

[@_thedroppedstitch]

Info on what I’m wearing: Blue top: I freehanded this last year and unfortunately didn’t record or notate the process. I do however refer back to its construction often in my latest upload: The Perfect Crochet Project for Spring in which I freehand a cropped halter The shrug: I used a pattern from Hay Hay Crochet called Simple Granny Shrug Bolero and added slst ribbing to the sleeve cuffs and bottom trim for a tighter fit Hope this helps! I’ll be pinning to this comment so if y’all could help me out if you see other comments asking for the pattern, could you direct them here? Xo thanks for the support and kind community everyone!

[@tammygant4216]

Thanks!! I was looking for that shrug pattern.

[@countyourblessingsxs]

I always carry a self addressed stamped padded envelope in my backpack. In the event my knitting needles or crochet hook are confiscated, I put it in the envelope and ask the TSA agent to please drop it in the mail. I’ve never had to do this, but I feel comforted knowing I have this as a backup.

[@amyfeigt6715]

I've always flown with crochet &/or knitting projects including Furls or Clover hooks & Chiaogoo circular knitting needles, as well as small but good quality scissors. I have never had anything confiscated or questioned.

[@noelleparris9451]

I just came back from Germany, and I had no trouble with security or TSA. But when I left the States, one of the Delta counter agents who checked me in (because I had a checked bag) offered to take my needles (some metal and some bamboo) to TSA to see if they were okay. Another agent said she'd hold my bag in case the TSA agent said "no" and we could put the needles in the checked bag. But the Delta agent came back and said the needles were ok. I thought they were fabulous to do that, and it was the only time I had any question. I only wish that airlines and TSA/security people were all on the same page and worked from the same set of rules or guidelines. I just think that a knitting needle is no more dangerous than a pen or pencil ...and those are not questioned or confiscated.

[@Ac3_Silvers]

Quick list of what I do for TSA: - kids safety scissors - plastic hooks/needles (if possible) - plastic yarn needles - plastic… if it CAN be plastic, it’s gonna be plastic Plastic is usually blunter and less likely to get TSA on your rear. I also take the project out and put it in its own bin, and have all my notions in a smaller bag that can be run separately. ALWAYS run floof like polyfil on its own, and take it in gallon baggies (you can squeeze air out to make it more compact!) Yarn being run in its own bin is also a good idea if it’s a smaller airport that doesn’t see a lot of people going through it. I once got pulled aside bc I left a huge ball of acrylic in my backpack when it was being scanned and the absolute roar of laughter the TSA ladies had when I pulled out a ball of bright green yarn with what was clearly the start of a massive Kermit frog pinned to it by the hook.

[@hellsbells8689]

Just put a LifeLine in your knitting the night before you fly and then pack it. If they take the needles it will be safe. I have screw on stoppers for my short wires for traveling. I take cheap plastic or bamboo needles.

[@lyndeedabular8092]

Brilliant idea!

[@kariiikariii-r2g]

I fly 2-3 times a month for work with my knitting projects, always on my nice Takumi Clover interchangeable needles. I've never had any issues with my knitting whatsoever!

[@cheryl121152]

I'm a crocheted and always have a project to work on when I travel. Back in 2016, I flew from Baltimore to Toronto with materials to make baby hats for charity. I had a few hooks and a pair of kid's rounded point safety scissors. No problems going through PreCheck at BWI or security at Pearson International Airport on MT way home. If f courses this was almost 8 years ago and things cgange. I now use ergonomic crochet hooks but the safety scissors are always in my crafting oouch.

[@deaconblue4112]

I have been traveling for years with my knitting (even shortly after 9/11) and have never lost needles. I use circulars so May be less threatening. I HAVE lost a small cuticle scissor in a manicure set that I forgot I had in my purse so I always leave out all scissors no matter how small and use nail clippers instead for both nails AND yarn cutting.

[@ruthduffield5778]

Mail clippers for yarn cutting. Great tip

[@sailorspaghetti2376]

I traveled to visit a grad school a couple of months ago, and I brought a couple of WIPs in with my carry on. I didn’t bring anything to cut with - I brought a continuous project - and I did bring my ergonomic hook. I didn’t have any issues with the TSA - it frankly took longer to get my crutches back than it took to get my crochet back.

[@shaylavanhal677]

I spent 3 months in Poland doing research for my dissertation, and I did a lot of research ahead of time for the flight because I knew I would go crazy without knitting for 3 months. I did have a checked bag and didn't risk any WIPs for the flight because I was nervous to lose my needles, but my one other tip for a scissors substitute is a nail clippers. Just like floss, it's something you'll likely need if you're on a long trip (and even if not, no one is going to think twice about nail clippers), so that was my go-to. Thanks for sharing your tips! I really love the process of planning for big trips, and figuring out how to keep my knitting safe is definitely a big part of it.

[@astridrg]

You can usually buy cheap needles/hooks second hand. So check there before the craft store (better for the wallet, better for the environment). 😊

[@presdonna]

You can use the floss for a quick lifeline on your knitting project. :)

[@_thedroppedstitch]

This is genius!

[@jdubbs528]

With scissors for US TSA they have to be under 4” after the pivot point (aka blade length) and make sure they’re in a separate container or have a blade cover so if they have to go through your bag there’s no chance of hurting themselves.

[@thatygurez498]

You can always bring an envelope with your address on it, and send everything home if they have to take it.😊

[@amandajane8227]

I always rake crochet. It is easy to replace metal with plastic hooks for the journey. I also pack a travel cutter necklace so i can cut the yarn if I need to. I also have a plastic sewing needle if i am close to the sewing up stage in the project. So far have never had a problem. Last flight I did embroidery instead and had no problem with the metal sewing needle.

[@tadpole53]

Where was this video back in December when I was flying for the first time, solo 😭 I was so nervous about packing EVERYTHING, but especially my knitting. I was getting mixed answers and ultimately decided on the same thing you suggest which was taking two pairs of cheap bamboo DPN's I got on Amazon, and one pair of Lykke needles that I needed for my sweater. My boyfriend stayed by security in case I had to hand them off to him. I told the TSA agent this was my first time going through TSA and that I had some knitting needles in my bag, and they very nicely said "Oh yeah, that's fine!". I thought that they were going to go through every little pocket of my purse and bag, but they just scanned it through the conveyor belt, and that was all LOL. Kind of the same experience flying out of DIA, except it was much busier so I just didn't say anything and went with the flow. I saved all of my needles, and ultimately didn't even knit on either flight because I was so nervous my hands were numb 🤣

[@oklibrarian]

I've been traveling with knitting for decades, never once had an issue. I generally use those screw-on stoppers on the ends of my interchangeable needle cord (I'm a circular person) between home and the plane, more to protect my project from all the jostling than TSA fears. I just put whatever needle tips I'm using in whatever tote I have my WIP in, and haven't ever been stopped. However, it occurs to me I generally use/travel with with wooden or bamboo tips, and they may well just read like pencils or something on the x ray machine. I don't think I've ever had to cut yarn on a plane, but if I absolutely had to I usually keep some nail clippers in my toiletry bag. finally, I tend to carry on smaller projects like a hat or a not-too wide scarf, if only because I don't want to thwack the poor soul in the next seat with a sweater sleeve or something.

[@shenandoahboyd4053]

I always use the clover amour hooks and never check a bag - never had a problem. Personally I feel like they'd be less likely to be taken than a susan bates since the clover hooks are really round and the susan bates ones are really pointy.

[@aksez2u]

They (China) make these teeny-tiny little novelty scissors. Only about 1" long, but they work. I also haven't had any trouble with my blunt-nose folding scissors.

[@Sheri2011Bear]

I recently learned how to crochet. My sister packed her stuff so well, yea it was still fondled by TSA but this video makes more fiber artists confident!!! Thank you for your time💐

[@Sheri2011Bear]

Oh and you can put caps on your crochet hooks like eraser bits. Wrap all your tools in a towel as well so if things get out of order you can wrap and cap them all over again. Oh and I carry a pack of Bobby pins since stitch markers look weird on the scanner. Plastic hooks help too, like take hooks that you can be okai with losing

[@Cheetahmunk]

Excellent tips! I haven’t had any issues traveling with crochet and small scissors. I pack everything in a clear plastic zipper bag like the ones new sheets come in.

[@shelleysmith4017]

Just a heads up, IF they refuse to let you have your needles or hooks and on the plane in your carry on and you have already checked your main bag and they are your expensive set, you can ask them to post them to your home address. Of course you will pay not just the postage costs but a service fee for this to be done. I had my long knitting needles taken and they did charge me a £25 fee to post them on top of the p&p charges to post them to my address in Scotland. They arrived about a week after we did. Hubby was outraged that I spent that much to send them home as I had fibbed about how much I spent on those needles lol. But the TSA will allow it to be done if you ask. Just be prepared for a price gouge to keep them and sent home by mail. My husband and I travel all over the world and I bring my knitting and crocheting with me, especially for long haul flights of 8 or more hours. I have found that I have no trouble with circular knitting needles as the actual sharp mental needle parts are not very long compared to regular needles or Scottish needles. If I am bringing a cheap hook to work on the plane with and my expensive hooks in my case under the plane, before I travel, I make up a swatch with expensive and inexpensive hook to make sure they produce the same size swatch. Just because a hook or even needles say they are a specific size does NOT mean they are interchangeable with any other brand that also says it is the same size. It is like a yarn being labels a size 4 thickness, each brand has their own size 4 that may or may not work with another brands size 4 thickness. I have never had my crochet hook taken from me but was told by one TsA not to bring the long Tunisian hooks or they could be seen as a potential weapon. I use a clover brand airline friendly cutter for threads/yarns that I wear as a necklace. I swear by it, however my nephew and his wife are crafters, his wife is a tatter and so carries her project with her everywhere. She bought some tiny, but very sharp little scissors whose blades are not even an inch long, but wow are they sharp af. They come with their own silicon cover attached to the silicon handles. I thought they were absolutely adorable band asked where she had bought them.she said she got them on Amazon in a pk of 8 so keeps a couple in her project box, a few in her car and one in her purse so she is never anywhere without them. She kindly gave me a pair and I put the scissors in my project bag so I did not forget them when I left. I forgot to take them out when I packed my bag for my carryon. 🤦🏻‍♀ We got stopped at security to check a few things in our bag and it dawned on me those scissors were in there. TSA was great, they needed to check our dslr camera and my bathroom grip that I take everywhere as I am disabled and there are never enough grips to help me in the bathroom/shower. Because it was not easy to identify what it was it needed to be looked at. Never were my scissors an issue, but so as to be honest and up front, I mentioned them. They had not seen anything to worry about but asked to look at them. I took it out and the agent laughed at how cute and tiny they were. She said although they are pointed, the blade is so small that it is not against their rules. Any blade over 2 inches needs to be rounded tipped, like kids scissors. But she went through what that particular airport was not allowing when it came to crafts onboard. She said that if ever in doubt, put it in your main bag under the plane. If in doubt, ask to speak to a TSA Agent before you check your bags in. Have them look at your hook or needles and even scissors if you bring them. They will let you know if you should put them in your checked luggage or if they are acceptable for your carry on. 🙂

[@knotlady2820]

This is a very lovely and thoughtful video. Great tips! Thank you. My one thing that I always do it so slide an aluminum G(4mm) hook along the spine of my kindle cover (it actually just lives there all the time). I don't know if this obscures the hook in the scanner or not but it certainly keeps my hook and patterns organized and compact.

[@_thedroppedstitch]

That’s an AMAZING tip I may have to try that out on my next flight- even just to save space!

[@annewhitaker5039]

Tbe floss tip is brilliant. I have just come back from Singapore to the UK and had a tiny pair of scissors which was confiscated. Fortunately they let me keep the needles and yarn.

[@rosalee3522]

Great tips! Thank you!

[@Creatingkendall]

So far, I haven’t had any issues bringing my wood interchangeable circular needles. I have packed the set in my carry on and have my wip on one set of needles in my personal item. I have the collapsible scissors from Knitters Pride and a foldable pair of scissors from an old sewing kit that I travel with no problem. I personally never bring metal needles or dpn’s justttt in case lol

[@annakp9739]

Great tips! I also love Prym hooks and needles and never had an issue with them. Another thing I sometimes do for knitting, is to take a pair of cheap interchangeable Drops needles (they’re basically a cheaper version of KnitPro/Knitters pride wooden needles). Super cheap and easily accessible. Before passing through security, I would leave the project on the cord and put the needles in my pencil pouch with my pens and pencils. Even if they’d be taken away, they’re cheap and my project is still secure on the cord. But I never had an issue with Drops wooden needles :) Thank you for the great tip of using the dental floss as snips! Will definitely do that the next time I travel 😊

[@tiadang999]

This was my plan when I fly. I have cheap a knitpicks interchangeable set and I was just going to pop the needles off for security.

[@PunkHime89]

A tip thats never mentioned is to be upfront about your sharp items. I always take my project bag out and let the TSA staff know i have a hook/needle and small scissors. I think the headsup makes the agents less wary since every time ive done so they always give me the "oh, ok" and never open my craft bag. That being said i usually use wooden needles/hooks and my scissors are so tiny they look fake.

[@_thedroppedstitch]

Good tip! Communication upfront makes eeeeeverything easier for sure!

[@peglamphier4745]

That's what I do too. I take my hooks in a cheap csa and pull it out of the bag along with the computer and kindle and then tell them my crochet hooks are out.....and they're always cool.

[@cathkat3993]

I did have a project pulled off the needles. I was knitting a pair of socks on dpns. I think the agent didn't know anything about knitting. Another agent came over and told her that it was okay, after she had pulled out 2 of the 3 dpns. Since then I always give the agent a heads up on the knitting,

[@beverlythompson3246]

Great tips….especially the floss. I always fly with my short wooden tips, make sure my project is already started and I bring the printed pattern. I have heard of people needing to demonstrate that they can knit- but who doesn’t like a bit more knitting time!

[@ShivisF]

In oslo and trondheim in norway we are allowed to bring metal knitting needles in carry on or personal items 😊

[@sandynbtx6967]

I always travel with a crochet project. Plastic or wooden hooks go on the plane and nice Clover hooks go in checked bag. Never a problem with US TSA. I once had a set of metal hooks confiscated by Mexican security when I was flying home.

[@DrezdanyWildlife]

For scissors, you can take cat/dog claw cutters. They are small, and not pointy.

[@davarrashayde]

Cord, or dowel rods also work for holding where you're at in a knitting project if the needles get taken away. Honestly dowel rods one of my friends uses instead of knitting needles. So that works too apparently.

[@nataliebeau]

you read my mind!!! I am flying for the first time since childhood in may, and I have been wondering how I can take my projects with me!

[@EcstaticTeaTime]

I have never had a problem taking my crochet on a flight, accompanied with small scissors, usually Boye hooks, and metal needles for weaving in ends. I have seen a few others, like knitters and quilters, who have had no problem either. Domestic and International. I usually get an aisle for the potential arm space in case I am seated next to someone who needs the armrest. I also bought a neck light at last because I didn't want to bother someone by having the light on overhead. For further context, I am a physical therapy student and I have to bring my kit on the plane with medical scissors, reflex hammers, and vitals equipment; I have only been searched three times out of sixteen times and they never took any of those either.

[@libbylandscape3560]

The neck light is a great idea, thanks!

[@TraceyLucastudio]

My world-traveling fiber sister knits with Karbonz. They are carbon-fiber (looks like plastic) with very short metal tips. I’ve traveled with them as well and they don’t read as anything on the scanner. The metal portion of the needles is less than 1/2”. If outer knitting on small needle sizes, the cable on the circulars is pretty flexible.

[@TraceyLucastudio]

I’m flying next weekend with my Karbonz, and will bring a #10 envelope with a small piece of cardboard in it. If they want to take my needles, I’ll just drop them in the mail

[@changingme1412]

I choose to pack my needles and crochet hooks separately. I try to have plastic or bamboo ones. If I have a knitting project, I normally do not have them in my hand luggage, but if I do, I have the loops on shorter plastic stich holders. Just in case.

[@missunderstoodmal1700]

I have a keychain with short crochet hooks (three common sizes) and no one has ever given it a second glance. Then I use nail clippers to cut the thread. So, I really only have a bag of yarn, so there's never been any problem.

[@jenniferkennedy6282]

I’m Australian and was doing Fly in Fly out work. And I traveled with just a back pack and got pulled up for security to look in my bag every week but they just look at it and then hand my bag back. So I think as long as it is obvious it isn’t an issue. I used to fly with my interchangeable set. So luckily they didn’t get taken but I think they only even opened my bag once.

[@Nomarcaper]

This is perfect timing. Leaving for Japan next week hahah

[@_thedroppedstitch]

Omg enjoy your trip! I’ve always wanted to go🎉

[@karenatterberry7039]

Same here! I’m traveling to India later this year and this video answered my questions. Thank you so much! Enjoy your time in Japan, it’s on my bucket list! 😊

[@annas7715]

I’ve been knitting for over 30 years. During that same time period I’ve also flown domestically and internationally to/from 5 continents. I nearly always travel with one or more knitting WIPs. I can’t remember any security agency showing any interest in my knitting more than twice, and both times were in the first year after 9/11, and even then, my knitting and circular needles were allowed to go on the plane in my carry-on bag. If I get flagged for additional inspection at airport security, it’s usually either a random screening or a “liquid/gel/paste” issue at an overseas airport because I forgot that things like solid lipsticks, lip balms, and the minuscule amounts of thick liquid mascara have to go into the liquids bag in some non-US countries. I don’t ever use single pointed knitting needles at home or while traveling. I don’t like knitting with them. But for those who do like SPNs, I think are they are the type of “scary” knitting needle with some significant risk of being a problem at airport security. Circular, IC, and 8” or shorter DPNs are the most practical options for travel, IME. Many non-knitters might not even realize circular needles or DPNs are actually knitting needles until they see them in use. I’ve never been asked to put any of my knitting needles in a checked bag or to surrender them at the security checkpoint. I also don’t call attention to my knitting by questioning if it’s are ok to have, etc. It’s been over 20 years since any security checkpoint agent (TSA in USA or international) has even asked to inspect the contents of my knitting bag. I mostly knit with circular needles (I use both fixed and interchangeables). I’ve flown with 8” or shorter double pointed wood or bamboo DPNs and they have never been a security issue, either. I typically use needle tip sizes for yarns ranging from lace weight to worsted weight, so I don’t think thin/thick needle sizes are a security issue either. The past few years, I’ve used ChiaoGoo interchangeable needle sets for most of my knitting projects at home and while traveling. I pack along my Shortie tip sets with a range of cord lengths for the most flexibility if I plan to buy yarn to start a new project while away. Circular and DPNs needle tips appear to me to present about the same level of risk (of being used as a weapon) as a sharpened pencil or a ball point pen, and those aren’t restricted either. I don’t know why anyone would even travel with single point needles anyway. They aren’t practical to use in cramped Economy seats and stitches can more easily slip off the tips in a tote bag compared to circular needles. BTW, some types of scissors are allowed on planes, as long as the blades are under a certain length. Check TSA for the exact blade length limit. Children’s scissors with the blunt/rounded tips usually are acceptable, and they are inexpensive. I also highly recommend the Fisk brand of TSA approved folding scissors. When folded they are very compact. They are usually sold in the sewing tool section of craft/sewing store chains such as JoAnn Fabrics, etc. for under $10. Happy travels!

[@nschannel826]

I once almost lost my really good scissors since I packed it out of instinct forgetting about baggage checks. I didn't end up losing it, but wow that was scary.

[@tristanbates8001]

Do you have a pattern for the shrug you are wearing in this video? LOVE IT! I don't have any issues when I travel, but thank you for this video.

[@pearl_b]

Brought my little crochet trinket bag and never had an issue. 🤷🏻‍♀️ I think crochet hooks are typically fine but I’ve never tried with knitting

[@kristenbehnke]

Just got back from traveling yesterday. I packed up my current crochet project and was ready to fly out. Made it through security no problem. Then realized I forgot my hook altogether. Bought a new one before I came back home. I was just devastated that I forgot the hook

[@Gyvie-marie]

Maybe shoe laces with aglets is better for easier threading, if you need something to hold your knitting?

[@Evilimp000]

Put stuff on lifelines before you go. If it's on a lifeline, having your tips set aside separate, would make it look less "dangerous". And wooden/synthetic tips shouldn't really stand out as much on a scanner, than metal ones. You're right that the TSA agents can make their own decisions, but it doesn't hurt to have relevant policies that DO let you use them, printed out and brought with you. Like the person who brings a self addressed, stamped envelope, I've heard of people doing that for fancier pens or if they accidentally bring a swiss knife with them. Like you said, ultimately if you are concerned that stuff will be confiscated, bring cheap stuff that you aren't as attached to.

[@nicolemahan2098]

I make sure I have a screenshot of all the allowances of airlines etc. I travel internationally and within the USA, and have with projects since the 90’s. I don’t pack specially. I do knit with circular mostly. I even have scissors, small that fit in an Altoids tin. I’m 49, 5 feet tall, and look pretty innocent….

[@tonchobg652]

I went from the US trough Turkey to Bulgaria. Didn't have an issue going, had an issue coming back trough the same airports. They took my tiny plastic craft scissors but not anything else so not too bad.

[@LizzyMom]

I have been taking my knitting and crocheting stuff on board of airplanes for decades to multiple continents (travel numerous a year, right now in Africa, live in the EU) and have never had an issue. Of course, I have never tried to take straight needles, only circular needles. Bizarrely only once got a tiny pair of scissors taken away when departing Armenia many years ago - and I was only packing a beading project that time!) Also in and out of the US at least once a year, usually more, again, never once a problem with TSA…

[@lyndeedabular8092]

Great tips, thanks! Did you make that grayish tank top? Do you have a pattern? I love it!

[@agnesvamos4597]

Thanks for the useful tips 😊 I had Airport Security cut my circular needles off the cord. They tied the cord and apologized. It would have been sad if they were part of an expensive needle set, but fortunately, they were inexpensive needles.

[@jacintahehir4995]

i was told i had to check my bag in at Melbourne airport. Also i was allowed to take in knitting needles or crotchet hook into jury duty- in the waiting area that is not the actual court room😉

[@vivienbaeza7775]

Unfortunately in Egypt they are not concerned with the needles but you cannot fly with yarn in the cabin. They consider the yarn is dangerous!

[@kim4083]

Good advice! Also, where did you find the pattern for the shrug you are wearing here? 🙂

[@_thedroppedstitch]

Thanks! Just pinned a comment with the info, I hope that helps!

[@arielvidal6491]

This is very reassuring for me. I wish I could have a definite answer now because I just got a hook I'm not prepared to lose from a Woobles kit but I anxiously messaged TSA and checked videos and reddit and stuff and everyone seems to say I should be okay. I'm flying from USA to Canada and I've checked both their sites and that's still not enough for me

[@_thedroppedstitch]

I know it can be anxiety inducing when you have notions you don’t want to part with❤ you will more than likely encounter zero issues, but it never hurts to pack on the safe side!

[@shyreetaallen2306]

Excuse me but I love my Susan bates hooks they’re not cheap and I love them over clover

[@camma47]

Would wooden tools even show up on xray?

[@Gaminchen]

I guess it's the metal hooks counting as weapons. I use plastic hooks for travel and put them in my pencilcase. No probs so far

[@alexiacapossela3594]

Please drop the bolero pattern!!

[@_thedroppedstitch]

I followed Hay Hay Crochets Granny Stitch Bolero pattern and then added cuffs at the sleeves to cinch them!

[@isabellaurenceau47]

I love your top! Was it from a crochet pattern?

[@_thedroppedstitch]

Thank you very much! The blue top was freehanded but the shrug I made using the “Simple Granny Shrug Bolero” pattern by HayHayCrochet, and then I sinched in the sleeves at the wrist ribbing!

[@misstortitude]

Signs at Bangalore airport showing that hooks needles *and yarn* are prohibited in hand luggage

[@m.k.1543]

I used the little rounded plastic scissors for kindergartners.

[@PeachyNanaUK]

Watching this when I don’t even have a passport. 😂

[@alyx2alyx]

I have flown for years with knitting and had no issue UNTIL one fateful early morning flight at the Cancun airport. Bless the security agent who thought she could cut through the chiagoo steel cable to save the complicated lace sock pattern from getting pulled off the needles. But she knew what everything was and was kind about it, and they did offer for me to go back downstairs and put everything back in my checked luggage, but I knew that the suitcase had already gone through. Now, I'm not proud of my next behavior, but I realized that I had NOT put my chiagoo interchangeable set in my checked luggage, and it was right next to the project bag. *internal panic* So, I threw a strategic tantrum, "ripped" the needles from the project, dramatically threw them on the inspection table, and stormed off. They didn't look further into the bag, and I didn't take out any knitting supplies while I was in the airport, specifically because they said it was a rule for the airport, not the airlines. Hard lesson learned, and I could have really ruined the project, but I lost not a stitch. I only lost two lace cable needles and my pride, which isn't really that much to lose.

[@vegangelist]

I feel certain that I would have thrown a similar fit. In a world of actual threats, knitting needles aren't one of them. Truly. I once made a scene because I had packed some solid (and, yes, I will die on the hill that it was indeed a solid and not in any way runny or creamy), non dairy cream cheese in my backpack for my mom who couldn't get it where she lived. Honestly, when I packed it, I didn't even think about it not being considered solid since I could hold it upside down without the lid on and it wouldn't move. I told the agent that I hoped she felt real proud of herself for depriving an 80 year old woman of a treat. Lol I've never had any issue with my hooks although I'm always shocked when my embroidery scissors make it through. God help the agent who tried to confiscate my tulip etimo hooks, though. Seriously. I might not make that flight. LOL

[@alyx2alyx]

​@@vegangelist I once begged on my knees at a New Mexico Airport for them to let me through with homemade hatch chile salsa. They let me take it. Which goes to show it's all about the agent on duty. And that non-dairy spread should have been let thru...

[@vegangelist]

@@alyx2alyx good for them. Yes, it was ridiculous. I was so disgusted with that agent. Lol

[@charlottehyatt9601]

I want a pattern for that shoulder warmer you are wearing. I want a more dense fabric, less holy. Yours is beautiful! And my daughter would love it 😍 .

[@yagmursude]

Has anyone had luck with unscrewing their wooden needles and putting them in a pencil case with other pens?

[@missingaria2503]

Whenever I'm inevitably forced to fly again I will DEFINITELY try this

[@ijusthappenedtonotlikecorn8086]

Imagine stopping a old lady at the scanner because of sharp objects and then later find out she's just a sweet grandma crocheting/knitting sweaters for her grandkids while looking at her project bag. I will feel terrible for stopping her if I were the TSA.

[@savannah4439]

The concept of a TSA agent confiscating a crochet hook for being a potential weapon is kinda hilarious to me 😂😂 I guess anything can be a weapon if you’re creative enough, but I’ve flown with literal ice skates in my carry on without a problem

[@elimiriam]

my biggest hack: nail clippers instead of snips.

[@misstortitude]

Nail clippers get confiscated at Gatwick

[@LuckyLiger-zg7hx]

Dont be difficult..I pack all my projects in the checked luggage. 911, don't forget. Just follow the rules. As a brown person, I don't need any more stress in my life.

[@pheonixchilled]

I've just started to travel with my fibre projects and the fact they are taking our tools pisses me off and it hasn't happened to me yet. I mean literally everything is dangerous in the wrong hands. I feel like I could go on a full rant.

[@icitlalistardust9060]

Ridiculous thinking that a knitter will choose to commit a terrorist act with those tools ! Did anyone, in the all history of aviation,tried to highjack a plane with knitting needles ? It’s time for TSA to stop the BS !

[@amandajane8227]

when i was young a rapist was working my train line. I always took knitting with metal needles just in case I needed a weapon.

[@MsBettySpaghetti]

I take a plastic crochet hook

[@_thedroppedstitch]

Nice!

[@missingaria2503]

People ask me why I never fly anymore, why I'll sit for 8 hours on a train rather than fly 2 hours... Because it's NOT WORTH THE TIME SAVED. Seriously, it's not. And I say this as someone who flew 2-10 times every year from the age of 4 to the age of 26 (plus a few times afterwards that I hated every minute of). Flying never used to be this big of a hassle, and the hassle hasn't made it safer for us even a little bit. The seats are getting smaller, the airline hardly ever treats you like a paying customer anymore, they make you pay $50-hundreds just for them to lose/damage your luggage/wheelchairs/wedding dresses/irreplaceable instruments/pets & more just to laugh in your face when you ask them to take some responsibility for those things, TSA treats everyone like pond scum, so much more I can't even think of right now, and it's showing every sign in the world that it's only going to get worse. Heck, this year flying seems to look more and more like that future Simpson's episode every day (lookin at you United). I've even had to pull out the "I have military orders so you WILL get me on a flight" card after patiently waiting for 12+ hours stuck in Chicago because the attendant wanted me to pay for the weather related reschedule and I refused. Plane travel isn't safer (for you, your pets, or your belongings), it certainly isn't cheaper, it isn't more comfortable, it isn't disability friendly AT ALL, it isn't less stressful, the only things it IS actually better at is being faster and able to travel over water. I have a friend who "isn't an air marshal" who has had more run ins with TSA than everyone else I know combined. Some of those TSA agents have even tried to take his sidearm, even after learning what he was. He nearly had to arrest one particularly gung ho TSA moron before the guy's boss stepped in and saved him from his own stupidity. Air marshals make a grand total of 4 arrests total a year. That's the total arrests for ALL air marshals as a whole, not each of them. If your folks, who are also supposed to be government agents of air travel safety, are bad enough at the job to nearly become one of those 4 arrests you should probably fix your folks. NONE of this is an issue with train travel. Plus I like to think of them as "vacations before/after my vacation" especially when I'm visiting family lol.

[@catherinecrockett]

Air travel isn't even always faster, I can get from e.g. Toronto to Montreal faster by rail because I can show up right before my train is due to leave, no issues with getting there two hours in advance. And at most one lineup, not multiple ones.

[@tonic4747]

I have been traveling with knitting or crochet projects for years. It has NEVER happened to me, so not sure what you are talking about. Don’t take scissors, that’s all. I have used nail clippers for cutting. Other than that - much ado about nothing

[@bethg.5611]

There's always finger crochet.