Some of my favourite yarn-crafting memories are of enjoying crocheting or knitting while travelling for an event with work, visiting family or holidaying overseas. I’d say whether you're jetting off on a summer break, visiting family for a celebration or taking a business trip, there's no need to leave your knitting or crochet projects behind. In fact, bringing them along can add comfort to your trip, especially when you have a long journey to make or are travelling solo. From airport lounges to hotel rooms, your yarncraft projects can be the perfect travel companion.
Why Enjoy Knitting and Crochet While You Travel?
One of the greatest advantages of knitting and crochet projects is their portability. Unlike many hobbies that require bulky equipment or special tools, all you need is a ball of yarn, some needles or hooks and a few notions to be good to go. This makes them ideal for slipping into your hand luggage.
Travelling can be stressful: navigating through airport security; rushing to catch a connecting train; or finding your way through an unfamiliar city to your accommodation can all take their toll on your mind. Having your project on hand provides a welcome distraction and a way to unwind between the chaos. The repetitive task of making familiar stitches is soothing and can help to alleviate tension.
In contrast, there are always moments during travel when you find yourself waiting, e.g. for your flight to board; a meeting to start; or to be seated for dinner. While others are scrolling on their phones, you could use this time productively. Make progress on your projects and avoid the frustrations of watching the clock.
Yarn crafts have the ability to connect people across cultures and languages. Whether you're sitting in a café in Paris or waiting for a train in Tokyo, You might be surprised how many fellow crafters you'll meet along the way, sparking conversations over a shared love of yarn and maybe tips on finding the best local yarn shops in the area too.
Crochet projects you take on your travels become souvenirs that will bring to mind the time and place you made them whenever you wear or use them.
Tips for Travelling with Yarncrafts
A little planning helps make sure everything works out well and minimises frustrations.
Choose compact projects that are easy to transport and work on in confined spaces, such as bags, blanket squares, scarves, or washcloths. In particular modular projects can sometimes be easier to work on in transit than seamless ones.
Think about the environment you’ll be in whilst crafting when choosing projects and yarn. An easy to wash cotton bookmark might be a better project than a fluffy mohair scarf if you’ll be wearing sunscreen and sitting on a sandy beach! Opt for lightweight yarns that won't take up much space in your luggage. Consider mini skeins or centre-pull yarn cakes for convenience.
Invest in a travel-friendly project bag (I have a post about project bags), perhaps with compartments to keep supplies organised and secure. One with a shoulder strap is handy when managing several pieces of luggage. A compact notions case keeps your tools neat and easy to find too.
Check your transport provider's regulations regarding knitting needles, hooks, scissors and needles before flying, and leave more valuable tools at home, as there may be restrictions on these objects in carry-on baggage.
Make a list of the craft supplies you need to pack and take it with you. Check them off before moving to each new location. It’s easy for a hook or printed pattern to slip out of your project bag on travels, leaving you staring at a project you can’t finish.
Investing in the right tools makes a difference. Folding scissors are definitely handy to prevent injuries and damage to your project. Also you may like to consider using less breakable tools such as metal hooks or circular needles for peace of mind and maybe leave fancy stitch markers at home.
So, don't let your crochet projects gather dust while you're on the move. Take your hobby wherever you go and have a creative adventure as part of your travel memories and a wonderful handmade souvenir of your trip that you can enjoy in years to come.
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