Traveling with your crochet projects can be a delightful way to pass the time and stay productive whether you're soaring through the skies or cruising down the highways. However, packing and managing your crochet essentials on the go can sometimes be a bit of a challenge. That's why I put together a comprehensive guide filled with crochet travel tips tailored for both air travel and road trips. From selecting the right projects and packing smartly, to navigating airport security and keeping your yarn tangle-free in the car, these tips will ensure that your crocheting adventures are as enjoyable and hassle-free as possible.
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How to Choose the Right Project
When you're getting ready to pack, consider planning your crochet projects based on how easy they are to handle and the amount of space you have. It's best to opt for smaller projects like amigurumi, hats, granny squares, or baby blankets that are easy to manage in a limited space. Large projects like full size blankets may not be ideal, especially when traveling on a plane, as they can take up a lot of room. It's also a good idea to choose patterns that are simple and easy to remember, so you don't have to keep checking the instructions.
I always enjoy choosing a crochet project that reminds me of the places I visit when I travel. For example, when I visited Scotland, I decided to crochet a Highland Cow while traveling through the Highlands. It was a lot of fun to incorporate him into photos and now I have the perfect souvenir from my trip!
Bringing Your Patterns With You
Unless the projects you have chosen to bring with you on your trip are included in a pattern book, you are probably trying to figure out the best way to take your patterns with you. Now, you can definitely print out your patterns and take them with you, however personally I find the best way is on an iPad or mobile device. A majority of my patterns are digital downloads which makes it very easy to take my patterns with me everywhere I go. I simply save all of my PDF patterns to my crochet dedicated Google Drive, ready for me to use. If you are traveling to a destination where cell service is limited, I highly recommend downloading your patterns ahead of time, making sure they are viewable offline.
Road Trip Tips
Embarking on a road trip is an exciting adventure, offering a perfect blend of exploration and relaxation. For crocheters, it's also an ideal opportunity to indulge in your favorite hobby while you journey through picturesque landscapes. With a bit of preparation, you can ensure that your crochet projects remain as enjoyable and stress-free as the scenic drives. Here are some crochet travel tips to help you make the most out of your road trip adventures.
Organize Your Supplies
Keeping your crochet supplies organized and accessible is crucial for a smooth crafting experience on the road. Invest in a compact and sturdy crochet bag or organizer with multiple compartments. This will help you keep your yarn, hooks, scissors, stitch markers, and other essentials neatly arranged. Make sure to wind your yarn into manageable balls or cakes to prevent tangling. It’s also a good idea to carry a backup hook or two, just in case one gets misplaced.
Looking for the perfect travel bag? The Leudes Yarn Storage Backpack is a stylish and practical solution for carrying your crochet supplies on the go.
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Combating Motion Sickness
If you experience motion sickness like I do, crocheting on the road can be a challenge. After many years of struggling through it and losing valuable crochet time, I found ways to prevent it that works best for me.
- Make sure to get a good night's sleep before any travels. A good night's sleep makes all the difference! I know you may be excited and doing last-minute packing, but you are much more likely to become motion sick without at least 7-8 hours of sleep.
- Drink plenty of water and stock up on some Ginger Ale or Sprite, just in case. Something about a fizzy drink calms my sour stomach perfectly.
- Take plenty of breaks! Although it may seem like the perfect opportunity to crochet for 6 hours straight, it's important to give your mind and body some time to relax. Get out of the car and walk around a bit at each pit stop.
- Have cool air from the car vents blowing on you. I typically overheat easily, and when I am feeling warm, I am much more likely to get motion sick. If you start to feel motion sick, turn on the air conditioning or open your car window.
- When all else fails, take some Dramamine prior to hitting the road.
Embrace the Scenic Inspiration
A road trip offers an ever-changing backdrop of beautiful scenery, which can be a great source of inspiration for your crochet projects. Whether it’s the colors of a sunset, the texture of a forest, or the patterns of a quaint town, let your surroundings influence your creativity. Take photos or jot down notes to capture these moments and later incorporate them into your designs. This will not only make your projects unique but also serve as a wonderful keepsake of your journey.
Air Travel Tips
Traveling by plane can often feel like a test of patience, especially during long-haul flights. For crocheters, however, it’s an opportunity to indulge in their favorite hobby while passing the time. If you're planning to bring your crochet project on your next flight, here are some essential tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable crafting experience. Please take this information as a guide and always check the airline you are traveling with prior to packing your crochet essentials.
Check Airline Policies
Before you even start packing, it’s crucial to check your airline’s policies regarding crochet hooks and scissors. It’s especially important to check all restrictions if you are traveling internationally. Some countries may have more restrictions than others. Most airlines allow crochet hooks in carry-on luggage and checked bags, but it’s always better to check prior to packing for your trip. I personally have never had an issue bringing crochet hooks on a plane and I use the Clover Amour Hooks. But if you are worried about your crochet hooks being confiscated, you may want to choose to bring plastic or wooden crochet hooks. According to the TSA, for scissors, choose a pair with blades shorter than four inches, or consider thread cutters designed specifically for travel. Any sharp objects in checked bags should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.
Looking for scissors to bring on your flight? Try these Embroidery Scissors!
If you are worried about bringing scissors on your flight, you might try this Clover Yarn Cutter Pendant. This little device is safe and easy to use on your flight! You can also easily hang this item on your yarn bag preventing it from getting lost.
Comfort and Convenience
Comfort is key when crocheting on a plane. Make sure you have enough elbow room and that you’re seated comfortably. If possible, choose an aisle seat to give yourself a bit more space. Bring a small travel pillow and consider wearing compression gloves if you’re prone to hand fatigue. To keep your tools organized, use a crochet hook case and a small pouch for your notions like stitch markers and darning needles. If you have the space, I definitely recommend bringing all of your crochet supplies and yarn in a dedicated bag for crochet. This could even count as your carry-on or personal item depending on the size. I bring my Leudes Yarn Storage Backpack with me on almost every flight.
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With these crochet travel tips in mind; you can enjoy the best of both worlds: the joy of crocheting and the thrill of exploration. So, pack your crochet bag, hit the open road, and let the miles inspire your creativity. If you have any additional tips, be sure to share them in the comments below. I hope you all have a great week! Happy crocheting and safe travels!
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