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
- 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.
- Crocheters will say to bring only plastic hooks, not metal ones.
- Yarn is taken from the passengers, but there may be more to the story.
Free Patterns To Think About
- 100 Caron Cakes Patterns
- Study of Planet Earth Crochet Along
- Crochet Shawl on a Plane Project
- Crochet Back Loop Texture Stitches
My Experience
- I've never had a crochet hook taken from me, nor questioned why I have had it.
- I've never travelled with scissors, even though the 4" rule exists at an airport's security checkpoint. Why bother creating drama?
- 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.
- 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.
Rebecca Herren says
Great article. Is there a pattern for the wip item shown with the bottle of wine? Looking for pattern, and yarn color and brand. Thank you. I attached a photo for convenience.
Wendy Maruna says
I believe that is an in progress photo for the “Strolling the Garden Crochet Beanie Hat”
Kristina Mortensen says
I sometimes take my entire hook case because I'm almost done with the project I'm taking to work on and plan to choose the project and buy the yarn for my next project when I get where I'm going. Mine is the standard fold-up with a zipper. The first time I took it I watched as the TSA agent at the x-ray machine stared at the machine, moving it back and forth, then called another agent over. Then they pulled out my bag and asked me to open it. I knew what had concerned them and when I pulled out my hook case and opened it both agents started laughing. I can only imagine what they were imagining as they saw it through the x-ray. Now if I take my whole case with me, which now has 3 layers of hooks, I pull it out and open it completely so it's easy to tell what's in it. If I ever take a project on an international flight, I'll plan better ahead of time and only take the hooks I need. Less expensive to replace one or two than an entire collection.
Kelly Giauque says
I use my bandage scissors (I am an LPN). I take them along and have never had an issue with TSA.
Martin-Broadhurst says
Have you ever tried to sneak your crochet project onto a plane, only to be stopped by security? What are the actual regulations regarding bringing crochet hooks and knitting needles on board, and how strictly are they enforced?",
"refusal
Mikey says
I've never had a problem as I haven't actually snuck it. I just put my project bag through the scanner and no one has said anything. Certain countries like Cuba, you won't be able to take it with you in your carry on.
Susan says
I travel with yarn I have spun into small cakes, one crochet hook, one darning needle, a few stitch markers, and a pair of kindergarten (small, round tip) scissors. The only time I had to pause with security was when I had an entire set of crochet hooks with me in my carryon… and they let me through, just asked me about them. So now I get on the plane with one and check the rest.
LILIIA PULOVA says
Travelled with my crochet hook (made of steel) and yarn all over the world, never had any issues.
Leda Ansbro says
I never have had problems with my knitting needles. Scissors are for checked baggage
Sara Comer says
Hi, Mikey! Thank you for the advice 🙂 I came across your videos many years ago and been a fan since then. I was looking at howto videos on youtube about how to do the chevron stitch. And found the Granny Square one that just continues. you reignited my love for crochet. I was getting bored with the basic stitches and began to lose interest.
Barbara Kuehne says
Thanks for the info!
Claudia says
Just a note, knitting needles are not allowed on board airplanes flying from Mexico. Crochet needles are.
Mikey says
Thanks. They are not allowed from Cuba outbound either.
Donna says
Your tutorials are great, however, I can't always get them.
Donna says
I have tried several time to get your information and I don't get it. What might I be doing wrong.
Mikey says
I don't understand. Can you provide more information?
Jamie Crosier says
Love this article. How did the same thing as you. Took little 4 inch kiddy scissors. I think mine have a cover. I did have my husband sharpen them before the trip because they couldn't cut poop. I switched over to wooden knitting needles. I did have a copy of the pattern in my bag for those times when my brain just stopped working. Love the tip on the yarn bands. I have never had a problem with it but then again I haven't traveled outside the country either.
Sonia Martinez says
Thank you for this information. I'm going to the Netherlands in 6 weeks and had planned on taking a crochet project to help pass time on the plane.
Lindsay C says
I've traveled with my small scissors every time. They are blunt ended small craft scissors. Yes, almost every time my bag gets pulled and searched. Mostly when they get to my bag I just say "is it the scissors?" They say yes, so I always have them on the top or outside pocket so I can quickly show it to them. Some just look and put it back, others take out a ruler and give it back. I've never had anything taken, scissors nor hooks.
It can be a hassle,but it seems even when I ditch the scissors I always get additional screening, I can't remember the last time I made it through unscathed haha.
I always make sure to travel with hooks, as my knitting needles are expensive wooden ones and I don't want them taken. All my hooks are metal with silicone handles and I've never had anyone even give them a glance.
This has been through multiple Canadian, US, and UK airports, as well as a handful in France, Germany and other places in the EU. I never travel without a project!
Heather says
I bring snub nosed 2" scissors with me and have never had a problem. (Think safety scissors)
Peggy Hardy says
Like the idea of bringing on crochet and knitting needles, I have been bored looking at magazines or bringing books do to motion. It is hard to understand about any kind of scissors because of the TSA rules and can't bring on a pocket knife (which I have lost many) or a bottle of water( even empty bottle that someone can add to after the go threw TSA). Yes I understand but it is getting to be to many rules for air travel. Again glad to know about the DIY hooks. Thanks and keep trying. Still don't feel any safer.
BJ Edelman says
Some airlines will tell you not to take knitting needles on board so it's best to check in advance. It's usually okay to carry crochet hooks because they don't have sharp tips. I never had a problem with the yarn cutter in this article either.
Roseann Davis says
If you are concerned your hooks will be confiscated by TSA, take a stamped, self addressed padded envelope large enough to hold them, and with enough postage to get them back to you. In the event TSA says no, put the hooks in the envelope and mail them back home.
michelle says
clever idea saves the heartache all round and will be waiting for you when you get home