Which knitting project should I bring on the plane?

I took knitting projects on my first two RS tours, but after full days of touring, they stayed in my tote.. I took baby weight (fine) alpaca and bamboo knitting needles to knit caps. Can't remember if I beaded the yarn. I think the next year I planned fingerless gloves. Whatever you decide to knit, keep it small and simple so you don't loose you place in a complicated pattern. I bought a skein of red lace yarn in Venice as a souvenir and have yet to use it. Maybe this year...

Thanks for your thoughts!

I also have some souvenir skeins that are still waiting to be used... :)

What size are the metal needles? Smaller sizes draw less attention, although TSA allows knitting needles generally. I don’t remember having any trouble with knitting needles at German airport security, but it has been a little while and things change.

My standard travel project is either socks or a lace project. Either of those would be on metal needles (size 2 or below).

Hi, svierra—just an FYI. Here are the official rules from the TSA with regards to knitting needles:

Knitting Needles are allowed in both carry-on bags and checked bags. But see cautionary note below. If it were me, I would place them in some kind of fabric pouch or case.

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

Hi HK--- the needles I'm using right now are 3s and I'd need to carry 2s with me for the ribbing. Thank you for sharing your experience!

Hi Mardee-- Thanks for bringing in the TSA rules. I would definitely have stitch stoppers at the ends to cover the points. I'm just a bit concerned, because the TSA website says it allows needles, but then there's this little comment below about agent's discretion. But if HK can carry-on their 2s, I should be alright with my 3s.... so long as I don't get an anxious agent, I guess.

Thanks again!

I'm just a bit concerned, because the TSA website says it allows needles, but then there's this little comment below about agent's discretion

I get that, but keep in mind that every item you bring on board is at the agent's discretion. Odds are, however, that it will be accepted. I'd go out on a limb here and say there is a 99.9% chance that yours will go through. 😊

Thanks, Mardee. :) Good point. Maybe I'll just put in a lifeline and bring my vest along. I really want to finish it. :)

I take relatively simple knitting projects and ideally something that I can knit on circular needles as I can knit on the plane. I'm knitting in the evening after a day of sight seeing and am somewhat tired so I would never take a complex project.

Sorry i don' t recall if I took metal or wooden circulars or if it is socks on double pointed needles.. I have put projects on a life line just in case but I have never had issues going through security. If you are on Ravelry, knitting needles and getting through security at airports is an ongoing topic of discussion.

All I can say is hope for the best that your knitting needles are a non-issue yet prepare for the worse that the needles are considered a dangerous object and taken away, so put your live stitches on a life line. It's the countries' security that is the issue not the airline, unless when you are boarding you get flagged by the airlines boarding agent though I have never witnessed anything like that - in my experience they are more interested in your boarding pass matching your ID/passport.

About 10 years ago I did jury duty, My circular knitting needle got through security and I spent three days knitting a sweater- I never left the potenital juror waiting room as the three trials that I could have been a juror for all had issues under disucssion before they could start picking jurors.

Yay to knitting/crochet on planes and while on tour. I bring hats, 2x2 rib and stocking net. Simple, straightforward, small and memorized. I use two circular needles for closing the crown; found instructions on a YouTube video. I have not had problems getting knitting needles or crochet hooks on planes. Happy stitching.

Hello Susan and Ann--- thank you for sharing your experiences! With all the feedback I'm getting, I'm leaning toward taking my vest. The knitting of it is straightforward, but not boring. Now I just need to find a suitable project bag...

"Now I just need to find a suitable project bag..."

Hahaha...you've come to the right forum. I am not a knitter but Trader Joes just put out their newest little canvas bag with a summer stripe in pastel shades. Mine put them out on Monday but they were going like hotcakes and I had to fight thru the scrum to get my hands on them. Not sure what the situation is for you and if you have one nearby AND if they still have stock. They are $3.99 for a small open tote.

Hi Pam, thanks for the tip! That's a great price. I'm definitely aware that this is an excellent place for good recommendations about bags... having just purchased my first Tom Bihn bag last week as a direct result of a different thread on this forum. :)

"having just purchased my first Tom Bihn bag last week as a direct result of a different thread on this forum"

They don't warn you about the enabling when you sign up for the forum, hahahaha!

One caution, not a knitting needle but have been traveling with a butter knife from a child's dinner set in our "kitchen set" and after years of travel with it, a German TSA (not sure what it is called there) took it. But if it's taken you can always buy another as another knitting souvenir. So, agent discretion is real.