How To Crochet While Traveling
I recently came back from a family vacation in Greece where I decided to bring my crochet while traveling. To say that the scenery was beautiful is an understatement! What made traveling to and from home easier and more fun (especially on long flights) was bringing my crochet with me!
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Introduction
Obviously there are a some considerations if you plan to bring your crochet with you while traveling. In this post I am going to go over everything that I personally thought about and what I did before this trip. Hopefully my personal experience will be helpful to you.
Don’t Bring EVERYTHING
Let’s be real, many of us who crochet have A LOT of supplies at home. We know we don’t need to bring everything with us when we travel but it’s very tempting to do so! Think about where you are traveling to and how long you (realistically) see yourself crocheting. Also think about items you travel with that can have dual functionality. Pack kid's scissors in a checked bag (check with the airlines on this!) or use clean nail clippers to cut yarn when needed.
If I’m going out of state to visit a family member and we aren’t doing any touristy outings etc, then I’ll bring supplies for a medium to large project that works up quickly. Blankets are great for this type of trip. This way I will most likely have a finished project before heading back home and won’t have to lug too many extra skeins with me (if any at all).
If you are heading to a destination where you may be doing lots of meals out, sightseeing, and other adventures, think about a small project. Maybe try that hat or market bag you’ve been eyeing in your “to try” pattern list.
I made a market bag when I recently traveled and it was great because I had the option to use it when shopping. It was both cute and functional!
RELATED: Basic Supplies Every New Crocheter Should Have
ALWAYS check with Governments & Airlines
Depending on where you live and where you are traveling to, check with the local governments about travel as well as the airline you plan to travel on. Determine what items are allowed on airplanes. During my recent international trip, the guidelines allowed for crochet hooks. There was a small mention that it was at the “discretion of the TSA agent” which made me skeptical. It was my first time traveling with crochet, so I brought cheap hooks that I wouldn’t have been heartbroken over if confiscated by the TSA. Be sure to check guidelines before EVERY trip. You never know when rules could change!
Yarn Choices
Think about the yarn you want to bring with you. Determine whether you will sacrifice space bringing bulky yarn, or keep it simple with smaller and thinner grades of yarn. In my personal opinion, bring the smaller yarn since it doesn’t take up a lot of space. Most smaller yarn grades are used for more intricate projects too, so your project will last longer while traveling. Nobody likes to bring a project that you accidentally finish within the first 2 hours of your 12 hour trip!
RELATED: Yarn Choices Explained: Find Your Perfect Yarn
Stuffing materials and polyfill
Unless I’m driving to visit a friend or family member, I do not bring projects that require stuffing of any kind. Stuffing such as polyfill or weighted beads etc can be problematic going through airline security.
I recently saw news about stuffed animals that kids were bringing on the plane for comfort (many young kids sleep with a lovey of some kind!). The stuffed animals were being either confiscated or cut open because of the material inside. Different materials can show up strangely on x-ray through the carry-on bag checking machines. I can’t imagine the child's heartbreak seeing their beloved toy cut open right in front of them to check the contents!
What If I finish?
Another thing to consider is what you will do if you finish your project before your trip is over. Can you use the finished project on your trip? Will it take up a bunch of space and be a problem to store until you get back home? This is where I love picking patterns that are useful and functional!
RELATED: Useful Home Crochet Projects
Crochet Travel Project Ideas
Here are some projects that I feel would be great for traveling, especially since they can be used on your trip too:
- Market Bags
- Hats
- Scarves
- Gloves
- Light throw blankets
- Wallets
- Cup cozies
- Bookmarks
- Micro crochet projects
- Other projects that don't require too many skeins or color changes.
Many yarn companies and craft companies give you access to tons of free patterns! I have partnered with two companies that I have enjoyed their patterns so far. Take a look and see if you get an ideas for your next project while traveling or at home!
Free crochet patterns from Yarnspirations
Free crochet patterns from Hobbii
Summary
Learning how to travel with crochet can be a fantastic way to make time pass. It’s great to have another option available to you when you’re waiting for time to pass. Abiding by local and federal policies and knowing what items they allow will make traveling with crochet much easier.
As much as I love crochet, also remember that YOU are traveling. You are getting away from your everyday life and hopefully creating wonderful memories and experiences. If you are on the hook all the time at home, permit yourself to enjoy your time off the hook while you are away!
Great ideas! Love the suggestion about bringing smaller yarn since it takes up less space. 🙂
It just makes sense and it makes it much easier to manage when traveling!
This is such a great and rewarding way to pass the time if ever on long bus/train journeys. You may have just convinced me to learn how to crochet!
I’m happy you enjoyed this! Crochet really is just a wonderful way to pass time with the bonus side effects of relaxation and focus!
I’m surprised they let you bring that through TSA! It’s a great idea though.
They have been letting them through for a while now! I was also surprised but as long as you follow the guidelines it seems to work out just fine! I still wouldn’t bring my “best” supplies, just in case!