TSA Knitting Needles Rules: The Best Needles for Flying

Keen to put time on flights and in airports to use? But can I take my knitting needles on the plane? Yes,, but the details of what’s specifically allowed varies. Any knitter would say hooray for that being the answer, right?

There are rules and guidelines. Read the policies outlined by the TSA (the Transportation Security Administration) in the USA in my air travel guide. Plus, my knitting needles reviews you can take with you on the plane.

I reviewed, fact checked and updated this post on Jan 1, 2024.

Table Of Contents

• Can You Bring Knitting Needles On a Plane?
• Recommendations For Knitting On A Plane
• Other Tools Used For Knitting
• Traveling Outside the United States
• Best Knitting Needles For Travelling On Planes
• Lykke Driftwood Interchangeable Gift Set
• Clover “Takumi Combo” Interchangeable Knitting Needles Set
• Denise Interchangeable Blue Kit Brights
• More Tips

Can You Bring Knitting Needles On a Plane?

Yes, you can take knitting needles on the plane in carry-on and checked-in luggage.(The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) policy for flights taking off and landing within the US.) Here are the basics of the situation.

Take knit needles on the plane in your carry-on luggage and checked baggage. Get point protectors since the TSA adds:

Any sharp objects in checked bags must be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.

Have point protectors for knitting needles in carry-on bags if a TSA agent needs to check your items. Keep in mind there’s a warning on the TSA website stating:

The final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint.

Visit the government page for more information and details.

Other Tools Used For Knitting On Planes

Crochet Hook

The TSA website has this rule about crochet hooks:

• Carry-On Bags: Yes
• Checked Bags: Yes

Sharp objects need to be sheathed or wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors. It’s a good idea to carry your crochet hooks in a roll-up case or notions pouch.

Scissors

Scissors must be blunt for carry-on bags, and the blades are no longer than 4″/10cm from the pivot point. Have sewing scissors, sewing kits, or other needlepoint tools longer than this? Place them in your checked luggage.

Sewing Needles

Bring sewing needles in your carry-on bag or your checked luggage. Leave this tool in your checked-in luggage. Doing finishing is annoying on a plane. Particularly if you drop your tapestry needle mid-project and have to disturb other passengers to find these things. This nifty case fits under most airplane seats.

Feed your yarn through the holes in the case. No more annoying someone when you have times of balls rolling away!

Sewing Machine

According to the TSA, yes, you can bring one! As long as it’s in a secure case and fits in the overhead locker. Check the regulations for international flights and the policies of your destination.

Thread Cutter

These are different story. Before security screening, you must place circular thread cutters or other cutters with blades in your checked bags.

Tips & Recommendations For Knitting On A Plane

Here are a few recommendations to keep your knitting needles and to be considerate of other passengers during air travel:

• Use circular needles. (Wood, bamboo needles, or plastic)
• Metal needles are allowed, but sharp metal needles may flag an agent to confiscate them. The beauty of circular needles is both needles connect to a cable, so no dropping the tips.
• Using circulars means you won’t elbow anyone with your arm movements!
• Use circular needles no greater than 31″. Projects like cowls, scarves, or hats are good options for knitting on a plane
• Leave larger projects at home or in your checked-in bags
• Knitting with straight needles? Don’t have a super long one. Using these is uncomfortable for you and other passengers
• Although there’s no restriction on the size and length of the needles, ensure yours isn’t seen as a weapon.
• Be aware, a flight attendant may ask you to stop if they believe it’s an inconvenience to other passengers.
• However, most American airlines don’t have a problem with it.
• Also, different terms may apply on your return trip back to the United States.

Rules For Knitting Needles When Traveling To A Country Outside the United States

Mexico

Knitting Needles and Crochet Hooks are allowed in checked-in bags. Don’t take them in your carry-on luggage.

I’ve read horror stories of knitters losing their needles to the security staff while departing Mexico (but not flying in, so you knit one way).

Canada

Needles and crochet hooks of any size and type (plastic, aluminum, bamboo) are permitted in carry-on baggage or checked baggage.

Australia

There was a restriction on knitting needles on a plane in Australia, but that government policy has been removed.

Check them in or take them on board. (These rules apply to all Australian airports like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth.)

United Kingdom (UK)

Allowed in carry-on. Take needles in hand luggage on flights within the UK and in hold luggage.

Here are the security policies for individual airports.

• London Stansted Airport – Yes and scissors must be only 6cm long
• Edinburgh Airport – Allowed, but double check with your airline
• London Luton Airport – Yes, allowed
• Bristol Airport – Some knitters had been denied needles and hooks. But can be carried in hand luggage
• London Heathrow Airport – Yes, they’re allowed
• Manchester Airport – Yes, as long as they’re attached to a project

European Union (EU)

On their list of specifically prohibited items on an aircraft is:

…tools with a blade or a shaft of over 6 cm capable of use as a weapon, like screwdrivers and chisels.

Avoid taking any metal knitting needles onboard airplanes and stow them in checked-in luggage.

Have bamboo or wooden circular needles with a blunt point.

Scissors (under 6 cm / 2.3″ measured from the fulcrum) are allowed. Small craft scissors with blunt points are good.

Remember, not all countries in Europe are members of the European Union, so different rules may apply.

France

It’s prohibited for travelers to take needles for knitting projects on a plane in France.

Everything sharp or pointy must be checked in and aren’t allowed in your carry-on.

Ireland

They’re restricted items there, and only allowed in checked-in luggage.

(These rules apply to Cork and Dublin airports.)

The Security System For Individual Airlines

• Aegean – Forbidden
• British Airways – Allowed on carry on or checked baggage
• Easyjet – Not permitted
• Ryanair – Not allowed
• Virgin Atlantic – Yes, you’re able to take them in both
• Virgin Australia – Yes, you’re allowed to bring them in either

(On Thomas Cook, they were only as part of your check-in bags, but the airline closed down in 2019.)

(Remember, regardless of the polices outlined here, it’s still at the discretion of the cabin crew and customer service agents when you fly.)

(Also check the official website for their statement on the issue beforehand.)

Do your research of the countries and airline beforehand using their websites if you need more questions answered.

There can be a lot of exceptions and restrictions!

Going through airport security is stressful.

For this reason, make it easy on yourself and remember authorities are about your and other passengers’ safety.

You don’t want any extra problems when going through security checks.

If you’re on holiday, you want the start of your vacation to be enjoyable.

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Best Knitting Needles For Travelling On Planes

• Avoid sharp-pointed metal knitting needles.
• Choose wooden, bamboo, or plastic to get through the security checkpoint. Circular Knitting Needles are great.
• You can remove interchangeable Circular Needle tips from the cable and end stoppers placed on each end of the cable to secure your project. Choose ones with a blunter tip.

Most Interchangeable needles are replaceable. Don’t take the whole set with you on the plane. Only the ones you need for your project. Leave the rest in your checked-in luggage. Here are options for the best needles for flying that are Interchangeables.

Knit Picks Rainbow Options Interchangeable Set

They come in rainbow hues of various gorgeous colors and are made of laminated birch. I love these beautiful, colorful knitting needles. I love mine and travel with them on planes.

• Length – Tips Are 4 3/4″ Long
• Cord Lengths – 2 x 24″ & 2 x 32″
• Sizes – US 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10.5 & 11
• Notions – Case, eight end caps & 2 cable keys, 1 cord connector

Pros

• They are lovely and light and warm in the hand
• Being wood, the knitting needle has a slight grip
• Durability – Sturdy birchwood

Cons

• The size of the tips is etched into their metal ends. This is more obvious on the larger sizes. The smaller sizes require light to see. This shouldn’t be a problem if you keep the original packaging, which is marked with each size.

Lykke Driftwood Interchangeable Set

Check Price on Amazon

Lykke is a Norwegian word for happiness. this company aims to, you guessed it – Make knitters happy. 5″ sets come in 3 styles. The one I feature here is the Driftwood Interchangeables in the Grey Denim pouch.

The Driftwood set is a soft, weathered grey. They’re made from birch.

The 5″ sets come in the sizes (US & Millimeters (mm): US4/3.5mm, US5/3.75mm. US6/4mm, US7/4.5mm, US8/5mm, US9/5.5mm, US10/6mm, US10/6.5mm, US11/8mm, US13/9mm, US15/10mm, & US17/12mm.

Included are 2 cords – 24″, 2 cords – 32″, 1 cord – 40″, 2 connectors, 4 keys, and 8 stoppers in a grey denim carrying case.

The tip isn’t as pointy as other brands, but they aren’t blunt or dull either. An excellent in-between tip. When first using these needles, tighten the joint between cable and needle tip with the kit’s key. The key looks like a wire with a loop at the end. This ensures they’re fastened before you knit.

Pros

• Wooden needles have a smooth finish and lightweight
• The weathered grey look is appealing
• The joins between the tip and cable don’t snag the yarn
• Connecting the cable with the tip uses a screw join. Use the key for a secure connection
• Twelve needles sizes and the labels for each size are etched into the end of the needle tip.
• Cables are flexible

Cons

• Users felt the cable connectors were too long and snagged the yarn.

Clover Interchangeable Knitting Needle Set

Check Price on Amazon

Takumi refers to the type of Japanese bamboo the needle tips are made from. I’ve knitted with fixed circular Clover knitting needles and Double-Pointed Needles (DPNs.) The bamboo is smooth, lightweight, and easy to work with.

The set has twelve needle tip sizes. Each needle tip has the size and mm version etched onto it.

• 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10.5, 11, 13, 15
• Five cord lengths – 16″, 24″, 29″, 36″, 48″

A screw join connects the cord and needle tip. Screw the needle tip into the cord. They’re enclosed in a leather-like zippered case. This set is made in Japan.

Pros

• The bamboo needle tips are smooth and don’t snag the yarn
• The joins are smooth
• Stitches don’t catch
• Cables are flexible and easy to work with.
• The points are tapered

Cons

• Users said the joins sometimes separate. Ensure they’re fastened before you begin.

Denise Interchangeable

Check Price on Amazon

The kit contains

• Ten pairs of needles – sizes between US5/3.75mm – US15/10mm
• Six cords (5″, 9″, 12″, 14″, 16″, 19″)
• Two connectors for joining cords together
• Four end buttons
• One 8-1/4x7x1″ case.

Pros

• Tips are made from plastic resin
• A simple twist and turn to attach the tip to cable
• Light in your hands
• Made in the USA.
• Family owned and operated business

Cons

• Smallest pair of needles may bend if you knit tightly

More Top Tips & Hints

Here are some extra ways to make travelling more enjoyable and remove the stress. Travel rules and permissible items are subject to change – while this list is accurate for now, new rules go up anytime.

• Check the country and airlines you’re flying with beforehand.
• The rules are also up to the security screening officer’s discretion.
• Consider taking a padded mailing envelope and sheet of stamps for postage. On the odd chance your needles are confiscated, mail your package home!
• Before you go to the airport, add stitch markers and a lifeline to your knitting project.
• Or, bring a stitch holder to place your project on if they ask you to put your knitting needles in your check-in.
• When placing your knitting needles in your checked in luggage, be sure the ends aren’t poking out. The same goes for tapestry needles
• Put your needles in a project bag, wrap them up in some clothes, use point protectors or stoppers.
• Be sensible about the knitting needles you’re traveling with by air. Don’t take anything you’re not prepared to lose

Conclusion

Enjoy your travels and knitting on board the plane when allowed. Are you a traveler and have experience knitting or crafting on planes? Have a question? Or did I miss something in this article? Let me know in the comments.