Flying With Yarn: TSA Guidelines for Crafters

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My bags are packed. I have my ID and my boarding pass out, my shoes off, my hand sanitizer in a plastic bag, and no earrings in — I’m ready to go through airport security.

Then, the worst thing imaginable happens — A TSA agent TAKES my favorite crochet hook out of my bag and TOSSES it in the trash can!

It squeaks for help!

I can’t get there because there is hot lava between me and the trash can!

And I don’t have on any pants!

Then, I woke up.

TSA guidelines for crafters, taking crochet hooks on an airplane, from Hooked by Kati

Thank goodness it is just a bad dream. But for some, it can become a reality if you don’t take the proper precautions.

The rules are pretty black and white on which craft tools you can take through airport security and which ones you can’t. However, the airlines can have their own separate set of rules, so ALWAYS check with your airline.

And remember to check other countries’ rules if you are traveling internationally!

I want to make this a little easier on all of us as we prepare to travel this Spring and Summer.

Here are the TSA guidelines as well as my packing list for my next flight with crochet hooks.

TSA Guidelines for Crafters

This information is pulled directly from the TSA website as of 4/4/2019.

See www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/sharp-objects

Crochet Hooks

  • Carry-On Bags: Yes
  • Checked Bags: Yes

Just to be on the safe side, I never take my favorite crochet hooks. I have a set that stay in my car in my travel kit instead. They are still great hooks, but I wouldn’t freak out if they were taken away.

Knitting Needles

  • Carry-On Bags: Yes
  • Checked Bags: Yes

Both metal and plastic hooks and needles are allowed through TSA.

Safety pin

  • Carry-On Bags: Yes
  • Checked Bags: Yes

Scissors

  • Carry-On Bags: Yes (Special Instructions)
  • Checked Bags: Yes

If packed in a carry-on, they must be less than 4 inches from the pivot point.

For International travel, though, consider that many countries will only permit scissors less than 6 cm. That’s only 2.36 inches!

Safer yarn-cutting options are discussed below.

Sewing Needles

  • Carry-On Bags: Yes
  • Checked Bags: Yes

Any sharp objects in checked bags should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.

LEAVE THE PENDANTS!

This one is a BIG ONE!

This article is all about TSA Guidelines for crochet hooks, knitting needles, scissors, and which craft tools you can't take through airport security. And I took a quick picture of my travel crocheting kit so you can see what is in my carry on when I get on an airplane.

DO NOT take your cutting pendants or other cutters that have blades in them, EVEN IF THEY ARE COVERED!

TSA specifies: “Circular thread cutters or any other cutter or needlepoint tools that contain blades must be placed in checked baggage.”

Other Cutting Options

The great thing is that we yarnies are resourceful, and people have come up with many different approved ways to cut yarn while traveling.

  • Dental Floss box
  • Nail clippers
  • Seam ripper (I take my tiny one with me everywhere I go!)
  • Folding travel scissors like these.
This article is all about TSA Guidelines for crochet hooks, knitting needles, scissors, and which craft tools you can't take through airport security. And I took a quick picture of my travel crocheting kit so you can see what is in my carry on when I get on an airplane.

Yarn Options

Roll or start your skeins before you leave! There is nothing worse than dealing with yarn vomit at 30,000 feet.

There are lots of great ways to travel with yarn and things you can use to keep things organized. Store bought options are available in all sizes and options. But here are a few DIY methods.

  • Smaller skeins can be put in a plastic tumbler. I LOVE this method because I can put the tumbler in the drink holder of my backpack.
  • You can use small drawstring bags like Crown Royal bags to hold a skein or a center-pull cake.
  • Put yarn in a small baggie and hole punch the bag so you can draw the yarn through it without opening the bag.
  • Put yarn cakes in a plastic food storage container and punch holes in the lid to draw the yarn through.

My Travel Crochet Kit

I have a small “kit” that I take with me when I travel. I’m never sure what will inspire me, so I make sure to be prepared for any yarn emergency.

This article is all about TSA Guidelines for crochet hooks, knitting needles, scissors, and which craft tools you can't take through airport security. And I took a quick picture of my travel crocheting kit so you can see what is in my carry on when I get on an airplane.
  • Travel set of hooks; in this case, my Tulip Etimos — I bring 3 or 4 different ones.
  • Lighted hooks (for night flying) or these really cool neck lamps.
  • Folding travel scissors
  • Measuring tape or ruler
  • Small notebook
  • Pencil and Pen
  • Stitch marker or “progress saver” so I can put it away easily
  • I DO NOT take a needle… I figure if I finish something, I will weave in my ends when I get home.

This article is all about TSA Guidelines for crochet hooks, knitting needles, scissors, and which craft tools you can't take through airport security. And I took a quick picture of my travel crocheting kit so you can see what is in my carry on when I get on an airplane.

Yarn on,

Kati

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