Flying with Knitting Needles: TSA Rules + Travel Tips for Yarn Lovers

Updated November 5, 2025
If you’ve ever wondered, “Can I take knitting needles on an airplane?” — you’re not alone. This is the #1 question I get from traveling crafters, and I’m happy to say: YES, you can — with a few tips and caveats you should know before takeoff.

Whether you’re flying across the country or headed off to a fiber festival, this post has everything you need to confidently pack your project bag for the plane. Let’s get into it! 🧶✈️

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TSA Says You Can Bring Knitting Needles on a Plane

If you’re flying within the United States, the TSA website is very clear:
Knitting needles are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags.
You can read their official rules at tsa.gov, or click here: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all

I personally travel all the time with knitting needles in my carry-on bag. I’ve flown with:

• Double-pointed needles for socks
• Circular Chiaogoo needles for hats
• Notions like tapestry needles, safety scissors, and stitch markers

I’ve never been stopped. But I’ve also learned a few smart packing tips along the way…

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How to Pack Knitting Needles For the Plane

TSA recommends that sharp objects in checked bags should be sheathed or securely wrapped to avoid injury. Even though knitting needles aren’t “sharp” in a traditional sense, this is still a good practice — and not just for checked luggage.

Here are some tips I follow when packing:

• Use a zippered project bag to keep everything together
• Store your needles in a dedicated needle case or slot inside the bag
• Avoid letting loose needles poke out (especially metal ones)

My favorite travel bag is the Erin Lane Bags Twofer Project Bag — it snaps onto the tray table, fits nicely on your lap, and doubles as a yarn pillow when you’re ready to nap mid-flight. It’s a MUST for me.

Pro tip: I’ve also used it as a neck pillow more times than I can count 😄

One time, I was on the same flight as a local friend (and knitter) to a show and we got to sit next to each other on the plane. When we pulled out our plain knitting we chuckled because we both had an Erin Lane Bag with our WIP in it! You can see mine was already hanging from the tray table clip while he had his rested on his knee.

Also, I’ve been known to use my project bag, stuffed with a nice squishy project in it, as a pillow under my head as I lean against the window.

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Can I Bring Scissors, Cutters, or Notions on a Plane?

This is where things get a little more specific.

✅ Allowed in carry-on (U.S. flights):

• Child safety scissors (with rounded tips)
• Small scissors under 4 inches
• Tapestry needles
• Stitch markers
• Nail clippers (great for cutting yarn)

❌ Must go in checked luggage:

• Circular thread cutters (like the Clover style)
• Blade-style or built-in cutter tools
• Large or pointed scissors

Important: TSA officers have final say. While the rules allow certain tools, you may still run into someone who says otherwise. If that happens, you can:

1. Politely ask for a supervisor
2. Show the TSA website on your phone
3. Carry a pre-stamped envelope to mail home any tool they won’t allow

It’s rare, but it’s always better to be prepared.

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Travel Tip for Scissor on a Plane from Marly

Little known fact about me, I love back-to-school supply season — it’s basically a holiday in my house 🎉
And it’s also a great time to grab travel-friendly notions.

At stores like Target, you’ll find:

• Colorful child safety scissors that meet TSA blade rules
• Mini storage boxes that make great stitch marker tins
• Fun pencil pouches that double as project bag organizers

They’re inexpensive, colorful, and easy to toss into your carry-on without worry.

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Travel Tips for Flying with Knitting Needles

Here’s a checklist of what I recommend:

✈️ Bring a plastic tapestry needle
You never know when you’ll need it (and it’s perfectly safe for air travel).

✈️ Pack only the tools you need for your flight
Leave the rest in checked baggage if you’re traveling with more than one project.

✈️ Use circular or DPNs instead of straight needles
Straights are long, awkward, and more likely to get flagged (plus they’ll poke your seatmate 🤭)

✈️ Bring a printed pattern
Don’t rely only on your phone or tablet — batteries die, signals drop.

✈️ Use a proper project bag
I love the View Ewe Tote from Erin Lane Bags. It lets me see everything inside without rummaging.

✈️ Carry a yarn-safe cutter
Child scissors or nail clippers work great.

✈️ Stash extra stitch markers + a lifeline cord
Always be ready to save your place in case you need to temporarily remove needles.

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Can You Take Knitting Needles on International Flights?

This varies by country. While the U.S., UK, Canada, and Australia are typically flexible, some countries like Greece restrict knitting needles in carry-ons.

Here are links to check:

• United States of America’s Carry-on Restrictions
• United Kingdom’s Carry-on Restrictions
• Australia’s Carry-on Restrictions
• Canada’s Carry-on Restrictions
• Mexico’s Carry-on Restrictions

Always check the airline website + government guidelines for each country you fly to.

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What’s the Best Knitting Project to Bring on a Plane?

I put more thought into my travel project than I do my suitcase 😆
Here’s what I look for in a travel knit:

1. Compact size – nothing that takes up half my bag
2. Easy to pause & resume – so I can stop mid-row if needed
3. Minimal color changes – to avoid tangling yarn in a small space *this is a loose rule as I love colorwork and often will work on it while on a trip.
4. Something fun that won’t finish too quickly – yes, I always pack a backup!

Here are a few I’ve taken on planes:

• Socks – I use my My First Knit Socks pattern all the time
• Shawls – Just keep the pattern printed and easy to track — The Peak Serenity Shawl is a good project for travel, so is the Super Simple Two Ball Shawl
• Entrelac hats – like the Huckleberry Entrelac Hat with self-striping yarn — fun tiers and easy to work in small sections

Bonus: If you can knit backwards, entrelac is an especially great travel choice.ve to bring multiple colors, or with a few colors of my favorite yarn so I can work each tier with a new color.

Another bonus to this is the person sitting next to you will think you are super cool because you can knit backwards!

Oh, something to mention is that one good thing about the knitting travel shawl project is it doubles as a wonderful project to work on while on the beach enjoying my vacation.

The best part of traveling with my knitting needles on a plane

The best part is the chance to just sit and relax while I listen to a good book and knit. I can let others control the flight, handle the people around me and I just get some solitary time with my needles and yarn. Plus, I get to share my love of the craft with others around me.

Passengers and flight attendants usually will stop me to ask what I am making or how long I’ve been knitting. It is nice to share with them a little about knitting and how therapeutic it can be.

So, yes, you can take your knitting needles on a plane with you. I often do and once, I even had my mom sitting next to me knitting while I crocheted on the plane! Can’t wait to do that again!

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🧶 Frequently Asked Questions: Knitting on a Plane

Can I bring metal knitting needles on a plane?
Yes, both metal and wooden knitting needles are allowed in carry-on and checked bags according to TSA rules. I’ve flown with both and never had an issue.

Are scissors or thread cutters allowed in my carry-on?
Yes, as long as the blade is under 4 inches. I recommend safety scissors or even nail clippers. Avoid circular thread cutters with internal blades — those often get flagged.

Can I take crochet hooks on a plane?
Yes! TSA permits both knitting needles and crochet hooks. I’ve crocheted on flights with no problem.

What if TSA says I can’t bring my needles?
You can (politely!) ask for a supervisor and show them the TSA website on your phone. I also keep a pre-stamped padded envelope in my bag so I can mail anything home if needed. It’s rare, but always good to be prepared.

What kind of lighting do you use for knitting on a plane?
Airplane lighting can be dim, especially on night flights. I recommend packing a neck light — it’s lightweight, doesn’t bother seatmates, and gives you targeted light right where you need it.

Do you have a phone holder you recommend for flights?
Yes! I use a clip-on phone mount that attaches to the tray table. That way I can watch tutorials or listen to audiobooks hands-free while knitting. You can find them on Amazon, and they’re great for long flights.

What’s the best yarn to use when flying?
Go with something soft, easy to work with, and not prone to splitting. I like worsted weight yarns in center-pull cakes — no tangled mess mid-flight!

Is it okay to knit during takeoff and landing?
Most of the time, yes. I wait until after the flight attendants give the go-ahead for electronic devices just to be respectful — but I’ve never been told not to knit.

You Might Also Like:

• How to Pack Your Yarn Project Bag
• 13 Best Crochet and Knitting Project Bags
• Summer Adventures With Flat Marly
• How to Store Knitting Needles

❤️ Your BiCrafty Bestie,
Marly Bird