Can I Take A Crochet Hook on a Plane?

According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Transportation Security Administration, Crochet Hooks can be brought in carry-on and checked baggage. The TSA Website is Here.

I've never had an issue taking a crochet hook or knitting needles in most of the places I have visited.

For Canadians, you can also check the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority, the official website, for things you can bring in your carry-on and checked baggage. Check The CATSA Website Here.

While writing this, both agencies are okay with crochet hooks and knitting needles. However, the agent at the security checkpoint has the final discretion. There could be a heightened security check, which may result in your hooks or knitting needles being taken away.

The item to watch for the most is the scissors. 

Scissors

I would strongly advise against bringing scissors in your carry-on. The scissors rules are the same on cruise ships: They can be only 4" from the end of the handle to the tip of the scissors.

If any item may have a security second glance, it will be the scissors.

Travel with a dedicated pair of nail clippers to cut your yarn. I've never had a problem with nail clippers. In September 2024, they pulled my carry-on to inspect the nail cutters, which were in a pencil case with my crochet hooks and yarn cuttings I was saving. I didn't have a problem, but they did inspect them.

There is talk that items like the Yarn Pendant Cutter can be taken from you as they are considered concealed sharp blades. So it's best to leave that in your checked baggage.

Yes, You Will Hear

1. You will hear of crocheters having their hooks taken from them in airports. For reasons they don't understand, the agencies may tell them new information that isn't published or known in advance.
2. Crocheters will say to bring only plastic hooks, not metal ones.
3. Yarn is taken from the passengers, but there may be more to the story.

Free Patterns To Think About

1. 100 Caron Cakes Patterns
2. Study of Planet Earth Crochet Along
3. Crochet Shawl on a Plane Project
4. Crochet Back Loop Texture Stitches

My Experience

1. I've never had a crochet hook taken from me, nor questioned why I have had it.
2. I've never travelled with scissors, even though the 4" rule exists at an airport's security checkpoint. Why bother creating drama?
3. I have an established project that has partially started. In rare cases, I have started a project at the lounge after I went through customs. If I already have a project on my hook and need to prove that I am a crocheter, I start a project to validate why I have my yarn and hooks.
4. One flight attendant stopped to talk with me while I was crocheting. She said she would rather see me crochet than be squirrely and drive her nuts on the plane. I'm keeping myself low-key and occupied, especially on flights with no screens on the back seat.

Cross-Border Flights

Remove the ball bands or packaging from the yarn inside your yarn tote. 

I used to travel with the ball bands around my yarn, but I have stopped doing that. The bands fall off as you start using the balls, and when they fall off while in mid-flight to the floor, good luck bending over to retrieve them.

Travelling with yarn and ball bands when leaving your country to visit another country can signal customs and border agencies that you may be selling your yarn in the country you are visiting, because the packaging is intact. Your chances of doing that may be slim to none; however, I have heard of people taking their yarn from them. I'm not into drama when I travel, so I remove the packaging of my yarn before leaving home.

Generally Speaking

I like to be left alone at the airport. I want to follow the rules and have zero drama. Sitting at the airports for hours, shuffling like herded sheep, isn't number one on my to-do list.

You will always hear people who claim they know of someone or that they are that person whose stuff was taken from them. There are always exceptions to the rules, and some security is pretty strict. Ultimately, their ruling is the final decision.

Summary

Article Name

Can I Crochet On A Plane?

Description

Short answer is yes, you can knit and crochet on a plane but there are exceptions based on the countries and discretion of the TSA.

Author

Michael Sellick

Publisher Name

The Crochet Crowd

Publisher Logo