Handicrafts on the Plane

When a flight is ahead, it is good to find a pleasant activity to pass the time quickly. For craft enthusiasts, it can be challenging to find a suitable pastime because the question arises of which craft tools are allowed on the plane ("Can I take my knitting needles with me on my next flight?!"). 

We asked specialists from AS Tallinn Airport what can and cannot be taken in carry-on luggage.

Expert Advice

Here is the specialist's explanation to keep in mind:

"Both knitting needles and crochet hooks come in various materials (e.g., wood, metal, bamboo, plastic, bone) and different lengths. If you want to take knitting needles or a crochet hook on a trip, first assess the specific properties of the craft tool. If they have very sharp ends or edges and can be used to cause serious injuries, it is safer to leave them at home.

For example, if the knitting needles are made of metal and are longer than 6 cm, they are definitely prohibited. If the knitting needles are made of bamboo or plastic and their ends are not very sharp, such can be taken into the aircraft cabin. In the case of crochet hooks, note that if the crochet hook is half plastic and half metal, measure the metal part. Crochet hooks longer than 6 cm are also not allowed. If it is shorter or the same length and again, not sharp, it can be taken along."

Recommended Tools

Our PRYM ergonomic knitting needles are made of lightweight plastic, they are comfortable, and are raindrop-shaped at the ends. Bamboo knitting needles are also a good choice. Additionally, it is advisable to take knitting needle tip protectors on a trip to prevent the knit from slipping off the needles while moving around.

A comfortable and ergonomic PRYM crochet hook, also made of lightweight plastic, is suitable for taking on the plane. Another good choice is our aluminum crochet hook with a plastic handle, where the metal part is only 4 cm long. For working with thicker yarn, our large-hook plastic crochet hook is perfect.

Other Crafts on the Plane

In addition to knitting and crocheting, you can pass the time by endulging in macramé, embroidery, or crafts with beads and pearls on the plane.

Macramé

Macramé is largely unproblematic unless you need scissors. Regarding scissors, note the following:

"Scissors longer than 6 cm with sharp ends are prohibited in carry-on luggage. The length of the scissors is measured from the connection point."

We recommend using small rounded-tip children's scissors or, even better, tiny rounded-tip thread scissors found in sewing kits.

Embroidery and Beadwork

For embroidery or working with beads, a needle is required. Note the following regarding needles:

"Needles longer than 6 cm are also not allowed in carry-on luggage. Again, pay attention to whether they have very sharp ends and whether they can be used to cause serious injuries."

Instead of metal needles, plastic blunt-end needles intended for children can be used, which can also be used for beadwork in addition to embroidery. Sometimes, needles may not even be necessary for stringing pearls – you can use a stiffer thread or cord, such as our waxed bead cord, which does not fray easily.

Final Words of Advice

Finally, the specialist advises:

"The list of prohibited items is not detailed by items and is by no means comprehensive. Security personnel always have the right to assess the specific item's properties and make a decision on the spot, so it cannot be completely ruled out that the rules for taking knitting needles and crochet hooks into the aircraft cabin may vary at different airports."

Airports have different regulations, so it is recommended to review both the airport and airline rules and prohibited items lists in advance.

Safe travels!