7 Packing Essentials for Knitters and Crocheters

Knitting at a beach on Savary Island, BC.

Are you starting to plan your next adventure? I know you’re like me and will be wanting to take your knitting and/or crochet with you. Whether you're off to a relaxing retreat or exploring a new city, packing efficiently is key to ensuring you have everything you need for your crafting projects. Here are seven tips I learnt from my travels last year to help you pack like a pro.

I also created this blog in video form for Youtube, you can watch below!

Compression sacks

Maximize space in your luggage by using compression sacks or packing cubes to store your yarn. These bags allow you to remove excess air, reducing the volume of your items and making them easier to pack. Keep your yarn organized and compact, ensuring you have room for other essentials. 

I bought an 8 litre compression bag from Sea to Summit for my trip and I was amazed by how much yarn I could get into it! It’s also a dry bag, so you could even take your knitting out on your water activities!

My packing essentials! When carry-on only, the scissors are swapped for nail clippers…just in case

interchangeable needles

Instead of packing multiple sets of needles, opt for interchangeable needle sets. These versatile tools allow you to customize the length of your needles, making them ideal for a variety of projects. 

Choose a set with a range of needle sizes to ensure you're prepared for any project. To reduce even further, you could just pack one cord and only the needle pair that you think you’ll need. 

I have the Knit Picks interchangeable needles set.

Small projects

When travelling, consider bringing along small, portable projects that are easy to work on in any setting. Socks, hats, and granny squares are great options that don't require a lot of space or materials. Pack your project in a small bag to keep everything together and easily accessible.

View my recent blog posts about small knitting and crochet projects for on-the-go making.

Download patterns

Save space by downloading patterns to your phone or tablet instead of bringing printed copies. Many knitting and crocheting patterns are available digitally, allowing you to access them wherever you go. Consider organizing your patterns in a digital folder for easy reference.

If you have printed patterns, or patterns from a book, take photos of them with your phone so you don’t have to take anything extra with you. If you truly prefer print to digital, get a plastic wallet to keep it on, so it is protected from spills and other water-based incidents!

Me and my compression sack full of yarn!

Keep Space for Souvenir Yarn

Leave room in your luggage for souvenir yarn purchases! If there’s any hint that you might visit a yarn or craft store, you won’t regret this decision. Exploring local yarn shops can be a highlight of your trip, and having extra space will allow you to bring home unique yarns as a memento of your journey. This makes the compression sack even more essential! 

Check out the yarn store highlights from my travels to see if it inspires you!

Plane-Friendly Needles, Hooks, and Notions

If you’re travelling by air and plan to knit or crochet on the plane, ensure your needles, hooks, and other notions comply with airline regulations. Choose lightweight, bamboo or plastic needles and pack them in a clear, zip-top bag for easy security screening. Use nail clippers (or dental floss!) in place of scissors. 

There’s a lot of mixed message with what is and isn’t allowed. In general, bigger airlines are ok with it. Flying within the U.S.? TSA approve of knitting needles and hooks in flight! It’s always best to check with your airline for specific guidelines.

I have given some additional tips on this topic, based on my own extensive travel experience, in this blog post: Are Knitting Needles Always Accepted On Carry-on?

Be Realistic

I know it's tempting to pack a wide variety of yarns for different projects, but try really consider how much you'll actually use. Consider the length of your trip and the amount of time you'll have for crafting. Choose a few versatile yarns that can be used for multiple projects to maximize your options while minimizing bulk.

The half way point of our road trip across Canda. Wearing the Open Edge tee by Jessie Maed Designs

In conclusion, packing your knitting and crochet projects effectively is all about planning ahead and being mindful of the room you have available. I hope these tips help you to ensure you have everything you need for your crafting adventures without overpacking. 

Have you got any other tips to add? Share them in the comments below. 

Happy travels and happy crafting!