7 Tips for Traveling with Crochet

It is almost summer vacation! Do you have some summer trips planned? If you are anything like me, packing your crochet is just as important as packing all of your clothes and necessities. It wouldn’t be a vacation if I didn’t have my hooks and yarn with me. Whether you are traveling by plane, train, or car, we have some crochet travel tips for you!

Tip #1:  Don’t do the driving, if at all possible. Confession time—I always make my hubby drive. Eight hours of crochet time is incredible.

Tip #2:  Start your project at home and pack it securely. Whether you drive or fly, it is always a good idea to begin the project at home, and then pack your crochet, yarn, hook, and anything else needed into a small bag. Zip lock bags are great or any project bag with a tie or snap closure. What you want to avoid is having your hook fall out in the tight places in your car or roll back three rows while you are on a plane. I tuck this little zippered bag into my project bag. That was I can separate my hooks, stitch markers, needle, and scissors.

Tip #3:  Plan your yarn. I like to bring along a project that uses one main type of lightweight yarn. I frequently choose Knit Picks Chroma Fingering because it has almost 400 yards per ball or Michaels’ Wool-like which has almost 600 yards. Projects that have a lot of color changes are difficult while traveling. That’s why I love Chroma Fingering so much. Self-striping yarn holds my interest but doesn’t require any of the fastening off, cutting, and other aspects of crochet that require additional tools. I also really like Red Heart Boutique Unforgettable for traveling. Lightweight yarns allow you to crochet a big project without taking up so much space. Prep your yarn too. Make sure you don’t end up with a mess of yarn barf in the middle of a plane ride, so it’s great if you can wind it into a cake or a ball beforehand.

Tip #4:  Remember your pattern. Either print it out or make sure it is downloaded to your smartphone or tablet. Don’t get caught with no internet 30,000 feet up in the air! We have several round-ups that include great projects to crochet while on the go HERE or HERE.

Tip #5:  Choose projects with easy repeats. This is not the time to do the complicated amigurumi or crochet a sweater. Scarves and shawls are great. If your trip is short, a hat might also be a fun project. The Chroma Shawl by Em’s Corner is a fun pattern with an easy repeat. 

Tip #6:  Pack plenty of projects for your actual vacation (not the travel time). I like to bring a separate bag just for crochet. If flying, I would check this bag, but for driving, I just put it at my feet in the car. I make sure to check each pattern before I leave home for hook size, and bring any others that I might need, and any extra supplies needed. A zippered pencil case works perfectly for the hooks that you’ll need and bring along some stitch markers, even if you don’t normally use them. And don’t forget a small blunt yarn needle. I love my Happy Crochet Hooks! They come with me everywhere!

Tip #7:  If you are flying, you’ll want to check the latest TSA safety rules for carry-ons. Crochet hooks are not on the prohibited list but you may want to avoid very small steel hooks and carry aluminum, bamboo, or plastic hooks on the plane. For scissors, choose the blunt-tip variety with a blade length less than 4 inches. Nail clippers are also a good substitute and cut yarn nicely. Even a dental floss container has a great little cutter. These are good guidelines, but always check with your specific airline and destination country, especially for foreign travel. Rules do vary from country to country.

Enjoy your trip, take plenty of photos, and make some beautiful things while you get some relaxation time. Bon Voyage!

~Emily

6 Comments

1. 

   maria miguez

   May 19, 2016 at 6:20 pm

   I Like to take a milk bag cutter instead of scissors when traveling.

   Reply
   • 

     Bette Davis

     August 26, 2016 at 12:37 pm

     I always have kids’ scissors with me, no matter which room/car/plane I’m in.. rounded ends don’t poke holes in the plastic bags, or harm anyone. (from the Dollar Tree.. $1)

     Reply
2. 

   Emily

   May 20, 2016 at 6:17 pm

   I definitely prefer crochet to knitting when traveling, to cut down on tools. With a crochet hook I can work on a flat or circular project, seam it up using slip stitch and weave in the ends so I can wear or gift the item right away.

   Reply
3. 

   Febe

   August 18, 2016 at 4:19 pm

   Thanks sooo much for your great ideas! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

   Reply
4. 

   Kim

   September 1, 2016 at 5:09 pm

   I LOVE your crochet hooks too. Can you please tell me where I can get them please. Thanks heaps for the tip too. 😉

   Reply
   • 

     Emily Truman

     September 2, 2016 at 6:00 pm

     http://www.happycrochethooks.com

     Reply