How to Travel with Cross Stitch

May 16, 2022

It’s a year filled with exciting opportunities and adventures, you might even have a holiday planned! Travelling by plane can sometimes be a stressful and tiring experience, so why not take your cross stitch with you? 

As you can imagine, there are some very specific guidelines on what you can and can’t bring on a plane with you. Let’s get started with our recommendations for what you should pack, as well as some great top tips!

 

cross stitch on a plane

TRAVELLING WITH CROSS STITCH

Firstly, you'll need a storage bag which you can bring on as 'carry on' luggage where your cross stitch supplies and project are separate from your other belongings and are well protected. Our project bags will help you to stay organised and will comfortably hold everything inside, so you know your cross stitch and supplies are nice and safe. 

Our double pocket project bag would work best, as this is made from sturdy canvas cotton and features a thick, clear PVC backing which is perfect for taking in through security so you can see what's inside!

 

 

Another essential accessory to bring with you is a needle minder, as this will ensure your needle is secure when you take a break from stitching to stretch your feet or have a cup of tea!

We have a range of adorable needle minders for you to choose from, with a great bundle offer of any 3 needle minders for £23.90. If you’re unfamiliar with how these handy gadgets work, the needle minder attaches to the front of your fabric with one magnet and the other magnet secures behind your fabric. Your needle is then safely held on the top enamel piece. 

Our globe needle minder would be the perfect add-on to your project whilst getting you excited for your next adventure!

 

travel needle minder

We would also recommend bringing a smaller project with you, as you will most likely have restricted room whilst in your seat. There’d be nothing worse than bringing a huge cross stitch piece with you and constantly bumping elbows with the person sat next to you! We have a lovely range of fun and modern small kits which would definitely keep you busy for a few hours on a plane. 

How about our bright All the Zest cross stitch kit, or Mulberry Cottage? These also come with the option to purchase a 6 inch hoop, which fit perfectly inside our double pocket project bag. For a long haul flight, it’s definitely worth taking a second smaller cross stitch kit too just in case!

 

ARE SCISSORS AND NEEDLES ALLOWED ON A PLANE?

Another important question you will have before boarding a plane with your cross stitch supplies will be bringing embroidery scissors and needles with you. With the UK government hand luggage restrictions, small scissors are allowed in your hand luggage and must have blades no longer than 6cm. In addition, sewing needles are also fine to include in your hand luggage. Nail scissors or cutters are allowed and can be used for cutting threads!

The TSA have given the following statement regarding cross stitch supplies: “In general, you may place your knitting needles and needlepoint tools in carry-on or checked baggage. Circular thread cutters or any other cutter or needlepoint tools that contain blades must be placed in checked baggage. You are permitted to keep scissors smaller than 4 inches in your carry-on baggage.

Therefore, our colourful scissors are great to travel with as they are small but precise and within government guidelines to take on a plane. You can choose from a bright green, blue, teal, purple or a cute pink pair of scissors! Alternatively, a thread cutter is another option as these are very small and contain a discrete hidden blade, making these great for travel.

 

TOP TIPS FOR TRAVELLING WITH CROSS STITCH

It’s very important to always double check with your airline before travelling, as sometimes these rules can change without notice. Also, it’s worth keeping in mind that security officers will have the final say in what is allowed onboard the plane.

  • A great top tip is to use shorter lengths of thread than you normally would, as again, you will have restricted room to stitch.
  • Pre-sorting your threads in advance and cutting them to length is an extra task but another good idea just in case your scissors are confiscated. You can use our pastel acrylic bobbins or tree thread holder which will really help keep your threads neat and organised!
  • Pack an extra pair of scissors and needles in your suitcase just to be on the safe side.
  • We would also recommend not taking a project or supplies with you that are of high value, such as heirloom cross stitch pieces as this could get lost or damaged.

 

Now you are all set for your next holiday! Do you love to travel and explore? Our Adventure Awaits cross stitch kit may be the next project for you. With the highest quality materials and a design filled with beautiful landmarks (such as the Taj Mahal and Sydney Harbour Bridge), this is sure to be a finished piece to treasure!




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