Flying with Knitting Needles: What You Need to Know (Before the TSA Gets Curious)
Tess Crawford- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
It’s the most-asked question in the knitting world. Not “how do I fix my tension?” Not “can I use sock yarn for lace?” No. It’s:
“Can I bring my knitting on a plane?”
The answer is yes—mostly. But as with all things involving government bureaucracy, overhead bins, and the general chaos of air travel, there are some details worth knowing before you pack your next project alongside your neck pillow and existential dread.
Let’s get into it.
Knitting Needles Are Allowed… But Pack Like a Pro
According to the TSA and most major airlines, knitting needles are allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage. That goes for circulars, DPNs, straight needles, crochet hooks, and even small scissors (with some size limits). International rules vary a bit more, but we’ll get to that.
Here’s the catch: while the policy says yes, the actual enforcement is up to the TSA officer scanning your bag. If something looks suspicious—or just confusing—it may get flagged.
This is why savvy knitters don’t just bring knitting on planes. They travel like it's a covert mission.
What to Bring, and Where to Pack It
1. Your Needles
Best Bet: Circular needles (especially wood or plastic). These tend to raise fewer eyebrows and are less likely to roll under a seat or jab a seatmate.
Where to Pack: Keep them in your project pouch inside your personal item (under-seat bag). It’s easier to access, and if a flight attendant side-eyes you mid-sock, you can flash the project like a knitting passport.
2. Your Yarn
Skeins can go in either checked or carry-on, but for in-flight knitting, bring only what you’ll realistically use.
Avoid bringing center-pull cakes if they’re going to roll all over your tray table like a sugar-crazed hamster. Instead, tuck the ball into a zippered pouch or even a clean drawstring bag.
3. Scissors or Snips
TSA allows scissors with blades under 4 inches from the pivot point.
Alternative: Nail clippers or dental floss dispensers (yep, the cutter works for yarn) are safer and more travel-proof.
Where to Pack: With your project tools in a clear notions pouch. If you’re really worried, throw a stamped, padded envelope in your carry-on in case you have to mail them home.
4. Tapestry Needle / Stitch Fixers
Essential if you're knitting lace or cables. Midair dropped stitches are no one’s idea of a good time.
Where to Pack: Slip them into a zip pocket, glasses case, or tuck them into your needle pouch with your project.
5. A Backup Plan
If this is your one and only copy of your grandmother’s sweater pattern, don’t fly with it alone.
Make a photocopy. Upload a PDF to your phone. Take a photo of the pattern page with your phone. Trust us—you’ll thank yourself somewhere over Denver.
6. The Right Bag
Opt for a project bag that closes securely. Your airplane seat is not a yarn-friendly environment. If your project takes off mid-turbulence, you’ll be fishing stitch markers out of your seatmate’s soda.
Where to Stash It: In your personal item, never the overhead bin. Keep it where you can reach it without dislocating a shoulder.
What About International Flights?
This is where things get tricky. While most U.S. carriers follow TSA guidelines, international flights may have different rules, and so do foreign airport security agents.
For example:
British Airways: Allows knitting needles in carry-on.
Qantas: Does not allow them in hand luggage.
Air Canada & Lufthansa: Often allow them, but with discretion.
Always check both the airline and the airport security policies for your destination and any layovers. When in doubt, pack a self-addressed envelope or leave your nice needles at home.
In-Flight Etiquette for Knitters
Be aware of your elbow real estate. Knitting takes less room than, say, playing the cello, but more than a Kindle.
Don’t cut yarn during beverage service.
If your neighbor asks what you’re making, and you don’t want to chat, “a cozy for my emotional baggage” usually ends the conversation.
Final Advice
Yes, you can fly with knitting needles. Thousands of us do it every day. But the trick isn’t just whether you can—it’s how you prepare. Like any good road (or air) trip, a little pre-planning goes a long way.
Travel smart. Knit often. And if your seatmate complains, you can always offer to make them a hat... eventually.
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