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So I may be flying somewhere soon and I wanted to take my stitching with me on the plane. It's a short trip, so I'd only be taking carry on.

I've seen some of you mention stitching on flights (I think), so please help me out if you can.

My question(s) is: Do you have any issues bringing your stitchy stuff on a plane? I've never tried, but I would think that scissors and needles may cause some issues with security.

Do you bring scissors with you? I guess they allow needles if you're stitching on planes (you can stitch without scissors but not without needles, as far as I know ).

I could get a thread cutter thing, I don't see them having a great issue with those.

Please let me know what you've done if you've ever flown with stitchy stuff!

A few years ago I flew out to LA. I took my stitching with me in my carryon. I took nail clippers (without the nail file on them) in case I needed to trim tails. I also cut lengths of thread before I left home and put them thru holes punched in index cards so I didn't have to take skeins or cut the threads. I didn't have any problems.

I fly with stitching all the time. Last time was about a month ago- Minnesota to Alaska.
Only once have I had trouble with TSA and scissors. But they actually backed down and let me through once I told them what their own policy was.. no blades longer than 3" and embroidery scissors are specifically stated as being allowed.
But, I do fly with cheapie scissors that I don't care if I lose. I'll challenge them, but I'm not going to put up a fight if I have to toss a pair of $6 scissors. If I do have to toss them.. there will be some craft store at my destination to pick up another pair of cheapie scissors.
But check with the TSA and the airline you are flying on. They are constantly changing what is allowed- and what isn't.

I prepare my airplane kit to be able to stitch without scissors. I pre cut thread in short lengths.. usually around 8" or so. It all depends on the pattern and the how many stitches of a color are "connected" Then I copy the thread symbol, and the color, onto an index card with holes punched in it.

I pick a project that will be manageable to stitch in a confined spot. And one that I don't need to be super focused on- nothing on dark fabric, nothing with specialty stitches, beads, confetti or metallics. I grab patterns that have minimal color changes, easily fit into my carry-on, and don't impede into my neighbors space. Generally I pop my fabric into an 8" square Q Snap frame, or my 4" spring tension hoop.

I also minimize my stitch kit- only the necessities. But I don't generally use a lot of tools or gadgets when I stitch.

This is a photo I posted of my airplane kit in another thread. Photocopy of chart, spring hoop, pencil, fabric marker and floss card. Add in a pair of scissors, 2 new needles (tucked into the fabric), plus the fabric and it all goes into a 10x13 zippered vinyl bag that I picked up at the office supply store... and I am ready to fly!

Happy flight! Safe travels!

In the past month I've made two round-trip flights with a full tote bag of stitching materials, including a bunch of needles and two pair of scissors. Nobody said a word. If you're concerned, Maggie's approach is certainly the safe way to go.
Gary

Thanks for the advice everyone. It is very helpful!

Since all the new regulations I've never been brave enough to do stitching on a plane or in the airport. But just in case I do decide to, I've bought one of these thread cutters from Sew and So.
http://www.sewandso.co.uk/Products/Clov ... CL455.aspx

Since it looks like a pendant you could easily put it on a chain and no-one would know that it has sharp bits....

Flo

flosaxby wrote:Since all the new regulations I've never been brave enough to do stitching on a plane or in the airport. But just in case I do decide to, I've bought one of these thread cutters from Sew and So.
http://www.sewandso.co.uk/Products/Clov ... CL455.aspx

Since it looks like a pendant you could easily put it on a chain and no-one would know that it has sharp bits....

Flo

I was thinking of doing this. I believe I saw something similar at Hobby Lobby or Michaels. Thanks for the suggestion!

I have flown several times and take my stitching with. Like Maggie, I try to take simpler projects than something like an HAED (except for Burden which requires only several skeins of black floss for the most part). I usually takea needle threader/cutter like this. They are allowed and I actually find it very convenient at home too. I have also thrown in cheaper scissors at times, but have never had a problem.

Carole

The project I would probably be taking is a monochromatic piece, nothing like a HAED. It should be easy enough to travel with. Plus it has a deadline. I may also take a slightly more complicated (still manageable) project if I want something more interesting to work on in the hotel. But for airports/planes, definitely the monochromatic one.

I think I may be leaning towards a thread cutter. It seems a bit more suitable for travel, plus if there's turbulence I'm less likely to stab myself.

I may also precut/pull apart floss to keep from having floss going every which way while flying.

I bought a pair of scissors that are meant for travelling (short blades, rounded tips) but I haven't carried them on yet. I usually just pack my stitching in my checked bag. To protect the project, I roll the fabric up and place it in a mailing tube (which I cut down to size to match the fabric length). On the outside of the tube, I write "needlework - please handle with care" just in case security decides to search my bag. The tube protects my fabric and prevents any additional creases from being squished in the suitcase.

This is a very short trip, so I don't think I'll be checking any bags. If I was going on a longer trip or vacation, I would probably take more projects with me.

Funnily enough, I checked TSA's regulations and you have to check thread cutters but can carry on scissors with a blade less than 4 inches. Interesting...

I think they were talking about rotary cutters.. the ones that look like a pizza cutter.. as not being alowed.
I think either a pendant style, or regular scissors would be OK.

When I go through security, I pull my vinyl folder out of my bag and put it in a bin. I'm not hiding anything. I'm not trying to sneak anything past them.

I've only had experience of flying and stitching in Europe; I've only ever put a thread cutter in my project bag and, once on the plane, I put it around my neck like a pendant. I've never had a problem.

On my two most-recent trips I carried regular scissors, squissors, and several needles. Nothing was ever said and I didn't receive any extra inspection. I don't stitch in the airport or on the plane, however. That's work, sleep, or reading time.
Gary

MaggieM1750 wrote:I think they were talking about rotary cutters.. the ones that look like a pizza cutter.. as not being alowed.

It said thread cutters, but who knows. I don't really think the pendant like ones could be consider a threat, although there's a lot of things I don't think are threatening that they do.

Well thats true.. and they probably don't even know about those pendant cutter things. The TSA is so screwy..

I'd be more upset if they took my needles away than if they took my scissors. I can stitch without scissors- I can't without a needle. But I've never had needles even questioned. And scissors, just the one time.

Thanks Maggie for leading me to this topic - How could I have missed it?

I think I'll take one cheapie needle and cheapie scissors on board - although according to the TSA site, they should allow small scissors. Then in checked baggage I'll have extra needles and an extra scissor. Time to buy kid craft scissors at Wally World! I also really like that pendant idea.

I've also ordered an 8-inch Qsnap to carry on; it just arrived today!

Oh wow, I'm so happy I found out about this!!!! I've always wanted to take my stitching with my but I've always been too afraid to. I don't even bring nail clippers with me, let alone scissors and a needle.

This made my day!

I bought a pair of children's scissors with rounded tips so that I could take my stitching on flights, and I have never had a problem getting them through security. I've been on a number of flights with no issues. I usually just check my embroidery scissors.