There’s no set list of what is or isn’t an “airplane project” or “bus project” but there are things/patterns that are certainly more ideal than others.
There’s a degree of skill and comfort that comes from knitting in tight spaces too. For instance, when I started out knitting I probably wouldn’t have knit on the plane since I didn’t take my knitting everywhere as I do now. I also knit with straight needles. It wasn’t until I went to my first knitting group that I advanced into the world of garments and circular needles.
So below are some considerations that I use and feel should work for most everyone’s skill level and heck, you may have more of your own that I don’t have here!
Considerations:
- How long is your flight?
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If your flight is only an hour long, and you only plan to knit on the plane (and not during the rest of your trip) then something as simple as a washcloth could do the trick. But if you’re part of the “I take my knitting everywhere.” club you might want something like a pair of socks (worked individually or two at a time), beanie, gloves, etc.
- What airline are you flying on? & Are you using straight needles?
Bottom line, if you’ve flown on this airline and know that it’s going to be packed like sardines and you won’t have elbow room.. I’d recommend against bringing a project that requires the use of straight needles (and can’t be worked flat on a pair of circular needles instead).
Personally, as a recovered straight needle user, I may only have my first ever pair of needles at this point. But as with everything, there is a time and place. If you like straight needles because they fit you, your project needs, great!! But you might consider, that in a plane you may have turbulence, on a bus you might hit a bumpy road, and in either case your seat mate can bump you and the needle is dropped… Are you willing to chase it? Also, while I feel like straight needles are more iconic and well known, I wonder if TSA or other security agencies would give you a hard time for trying to bring them on a plane? (It’s not something I have much experience with or hear about from other knitters!)
- What notions will you need?
I made my own little kit for notions. Contents will vary depending on the current project and can range from try-it-on tubing, scissors, yarn needles for weaving in ends, and folding scissors, in addition to assorted counts and colors of various stitch markers. I set out with the intention that I will likely lose a stitch marker since they get lost in the couch at home and at knitting group. So, are you willing to lose that _Fill in the blank_ ? If not, don’t bring it. If I can’t find proof that TSA/security gaency X will allow it, and I don’t want it confiscated I, won’t bring it and the conversation in my head ends there. However, if it’s a yes or very strong maybe, I’ll consider a cheaper version of the object if I own it (think like my lesser favorite of the needle size I need). If you’ve heard of Marie Condo, it’s kinda like the opposite of that? (bring the thing you value least)
For instance my folding scissors, were reasonably priced for a 6pk on Amazon ages ago. I alread gave some as part of gift bag, lost some, etc. But the point is they’re replaceable to me. They aren’t something handed down generationally or anything that has sentimental value to me will you be able to figure out where you are w/o it?)
Additional lighting I generally fair well on planes but on a bus you might not have overhead lighting or if it’s there it might not be enough. A more localized light like a neck light or a booklight if you already have one will work. Don’t forget spare batteries or your power bank depending on your devices needs!
- Is this an international flight?
- Note: You should check with the authorities to determine what, if any, needles are allowed. Flying within the states seems to not be an issue but international flights may pose more of a problem.
