Traveling with Cross Stitch

[Arimentha]

Hey all! In February, I will be flying down to Disney World with my husband for our one year anniversary (we had our honeymoon there too!). I got back into cross stitching back in June after a ten year or so hiatus so I didn't have any cross stitch stuff with me on the honeymoon (I had crochet stuff). I was wondering if it was okay to take needles with me on the plane? I have seen conflicting things online so I thought I would as y'all! I have one of those pendant cutters so I won't be traveling with scissors, but I was just curious about the needles. Thanks!

[Eliste]

Hey all! In February, I will be flying down to Disney World with my husband for our one year anniversary (we had our honeymoon there too!). I got back into cross stitching back in June after a ten year or so hiatus so I didn't have any cross stitch stuff with me on the honeymoon (I had crochet stuff). I was wondering if it was okay to take needles with me on the plane? I have seen conflicting things online so I thought I would as y'all! I have one of those pendant cutters so I won't be traveling with scissors, but I was just curious about the needles. Thanks!

I travel with my cross stitch all the time. I regularly fly (usually once every two months at least), take my cross stitch or other embroidery with me on most trips, and I have never had a problem with needles. I do take some precautions, which might be why I haven't had a problem.

I never carry a full pack of needles. I do usually want more than one with me, but I stash them in various places. 1 in my project, 1 or 2 in a pack container, and sometimes if I'm really paranoid I'll pack a half-full pack in my check-in.

I've never been stopped and asked about them, but I try to only bring tapestry needles with me as when they are blunted I don't think it will be too much of an issue.

[Arimentha]

Thanks so much! I'm not going to be bringing an extremely large project with me (only 5 inches by 7 inches) so I probably will only have a couple needles at most. I will follow your advice and pack a couple in my checked luggage though to be safe!

[Eliste]

No problem. Be prepared to explain what you're doing though! I always get asked by passengers, air stewardesses, and anyone else who happens to see me what it is I'm up to- not in a "throw her off the plane" kind of way, but a "what on earth are you making?" kinda way. I've had people walking down the aisle lean across the two people next to me to ask when I was sitting at the window!

I'm actually putting this a bit to the test this week. I'm taking a leather embroidery project with me when I head to Glasgow, I can't have blunted needles for it, and I will only have carry-on luggage. If I don't get stopped then, I'm taking it as "needles are a-ok" as a rule.

[Arimentha]

I'm fully prepared for questions! When I crocheted I was constantly asked questions in doctors' offices and anywhere with a waiting room. My mom as well. People would ask what we were making and then look at us in awe because of how fast we could crochet without looking XD

[stitchingmama]

I have even travelled with my embroidery scissors, I just keep all my stuff in a ziplock bag so they know I'm not hiding anything.

[Eliste]

I have even travelled with my embroidery scissors, I just keep all my stuff in a ziplock bag so they know I'm not hiding anything.

I've tried that and got them taken off me. So long cute little scissors. I loved you so... I won't do that again.

I always go with one of those Clover thread cutters and have had no problems with those.

[stitchingmama]

I've only flown within Canada so I think that's why I'm ok. At my local airport I don't even have to take my shoes off to get through security.

[Yurtle]

You should be fine with needles. I've been stopped because of scissors before but I think as long as the blade is less than 4", you're within the regulation and should be good to go.

[blackberrybear]

You could use nail clippers as an alternative to scissors for cutting thread. I prefer clippers even when I'm at home.