Knitting on a flight makes time fly – a seasoned knitter’s best tips and tricks

Whether you're a seasoned knitter or a curious beginner, bringing your needles and yarn on board can turn sometimes a dull journey into a peaceful, productive experience with the pro tips from Päivyt.  

Taking knitting needles or crochet hooks on the plane  

If your flight leaves from a European country, you can take your knitting needles or crochet hooks on your carry-on baggage. However, other countries might have stricter rules for metal needles, and in the end, the security officers have the final say. Plastic and wooden needles are a safer bet, but also the lightest option. Scissors are an essential necessity in most knitting projects, but make sure they are less than 5 centimetres long and blunt. 

Knitting makes time fly during long hauls  

Like many Finns, Päivyt started knitting in school, but during the past decade, she has really found the joy in purling and knitting. “If I sit, I knit”, she proclaims. Knitting is a meditative experience that helps her recharge and works as a brain teaser when learning new patterns, but it also works as a good way to catch up with audiobooks and movies while knitting.  

At the moment, she has a silk mohair sweater on her needles. She has also knitted several pairs of Finnair socks for leaving or retiring colleagues. “The most rewarding part of knitting is the moment when I hand over the finished piece to someone special. When the project is done and finished, I can barely wait to give it away.” 

Unravelling the yarn stores and stories 

Yarns are a great souvenir that usually fit in the bag, even when travelling light. Yarn stores are like candy stores for adults and are worth a visit when visiting a new destination. Päivyt recommends especially Sunday Knitting Club and Armi Yarns stores in Helsinki. She has also bought locally produced yarns from Estonia and Iceland. As mentioned, Finns are avid knitters, but it can seem quite an exotic special talent for others.

“Once, I took a group of European journalists to Japan to introduce them to a new Finnair destination. On the trip, I knitted a pair of knee-high wool socks during the flights and bus journeys. Besides getting familiar with Japanese sights, some of the reporters were also in awe at how a ball of yarn turns into socks, and I was happy to show them how a heel is knitted, for example. When the plane landed in Helsinki, the socks were ready.” Päivyt reminiscences.

Perfect projects for knitting on a flight  

A light sweater with only one colour or other smaller projects travel better, according to Päivyt. “A flight from London is long enough to finish a beanie, and on a flight from Helsinki to Lisboa, I managed to knit a long stretch on a sweater.” 

At home, Päivyt usually chooses more complicated works with plenty of colour swatches or more challenging patterns. When selecting a project for your flight, go for something simple and easily portable. For your convenience, avoid complex patterns that require charts or constant counting.  

Here are a few ideas: 

• Socks: Lightweight and easy to carry; you need double-pointed sock needles 
• Scarves or cowls: Great for repetitive patterns and relaxing knit-purl combinations.
• Hats: One ball of yarn, a set of double pointes needles or a circular needle and minimal shaping make hats ideal.
• Baby items: Little booties and hats can be finished even on shorter flights.

Packing your knitting project for a flight

1. Use a project bag 

Invest in a light-weight tote bag or zipper pouch to keep your yarn and tools organised. This helps to prevent tangling and makes it easy to grab your project when you're settled in your seat. Some special knitting pouches even have a hole for yarn, so you can keep the yarn ball nice and secure in the closed bag. There are also special yard dispensers that you can hang on your wrist, which prevent the yarn from falling and rolling around the floor. Those are Päivyt’s favourites.  

2. Pre-wind your yarn 

If your yarn comes in a hank, wind it into a ball before packing. A centre-pull skein is ideal for travel as it won't roll away mid-flight. 

3. Secure your needles 

Use needle stoppers or caps to keep stitches from slipping off during turbulence.  

4. Pack a copy of your pattern 

Print a hard copy of your pattern or take a screenshot if it’s digital. You may not have internet access mid-flight, so having a backup ensures you're not stuck mid-row. 

5. Include just the essentials 

Carry an extra needle set and yarn in your checked baggage. 

6. Use lifelines 

Run a lifeline through your work before the flight. In case your needles are withheld in security or you drop stitches, you won’t lose all the progress. 

Tips for knitting in tight spaces 

Airplane seating isn’t exactly spacious, but with a few smart strategies, you can sit and knit comfortably even in Economy Class. Choose a window seat, as it gives you a bit more elbow room and prevents your yarn from being jostled by others walking past. Keep the project bag close by. Avoid rummaging through the overhead bin mid-flight and be a considerate neighbour. Stick to smaller projects to avoid bumping elbows. Bulky yarn or big shawls can easily spill over into your neighbour’s space. Also, note that mohair yarn and similar might shed a lot, so you might want to reconsider using them. Knitting can be addictive but remember to take breaks and flex your fingers and wrists. 

Knitting at 30,000 Feet 

Whether you're flying across continents or short-haul, knitting on a plane is one of the most rewarding ways to pass the time. It's calming, productive, and an excellent use of those idle hours in the air. With the right tools, a smart packing strategy, and a little preparation, your next flight could end with a handmade gift —or at least a few inches of cosy progress. 

So next time you’re preparing for a flight, don’t forget to pack your knitting. Your needles and yarn might just become your favourite travel companions.