Hi, Crocheters! 👋
Thanksgiving will be here before we know it and if you’re planning on traveling for the holidays, read my tips below for traveling with crochet - most gleaned from experience!
It’s been a quiet week in the crochet world news-wise, so I’ve brought you something different this week: 3 Christmas themed stitches for you to incorporate into your holiday crocheting. Let me know how they look!
In this week’s e-mail:
Traveling with Crochet Q&A
iPhone Pocket Drops for $219—Or is it a $10 DIY?
Christmas Themed Stitches
A crazy trend alert!
Deals & Discounts
LOOPED IN
Holiday Crochet Stitch Sampler
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STITCH BY STITCH
🧶 Traveling With Crochet: Q&A for Every Crocheter
I love to travel, and of course, my crochet bag is not far behind. Crocheting is a great way to pass the time in airports, on flights, and long car journeys—it keeps your hands busy, calms nerves, and even sparks conversations. Here are answers to the questions I hear most often.
Can I bring crochet hooks on a plane?
Yes! In the U.S., TSA allows crochet hooks, and most airlines don't bat an eye. Just last month I took several metal hooks with no problems. If you're flying internationally, double-check the rules for your destination since some airports can be stricter.
What about scissors?
Generally yes, as long as the blades are under 4 inches. Tiny embroidery scissors, thread snips, or nail clippers are safe bets. For international travel, I recommend a small yarn cutter pendant—TSA-friendly and compact—and looks awesome on any kind of chain or leather.
What if security confiscates my items?
It's rare, but TSA agents can confiscate hooks and scissors at their discretion (even though the rules say they’re allowed). Travel with tools you'd be okay with losing—leave your expensive Furls hooks and heirloom scissors at home! And bring a spare hook just in case.
How do I keep track of patterns without Wi-Fi?
Screenshot your pattern before you leave. For patterns you'll need to reference often, print them out—juggling a phone and crochet in cramped spaces is tricky. Dropped items are hard to retrieve on planes!
How do I organize hooks and notions while traveling?
Use a pencil case or makeup pouch in your carry-on so nothing gets lost in checked luggage. Bonus tip: pack backup hooks and scissors in your checked bag in case you become separated from your active ones.
How many projects should I pack?
At least two: an easy project for transit and, if you want, a more detailed project for when you're settled. Be realistic about how much you'll actually complete based on your trip length, itinerary, and crochet speed. You know yourself and yourself won’t suddenly change on vacation!
Any tips for crocheting on a road trip?
Stick with small projects like hats, amigurumi, or granny squares. Large blankets become lap heaters in summer heat—though they're perfect for winter road trips!
What's the best souvenir for crocheters?
Local yarn, hands down. A skein or two from a local fiber farm or yarn shop is like bringing home a piece of your trip. I also look for unusual hooks, stitch markers, and stickers.
Traveling with crochet is about planning ahead and packing smart. A little preparation means you'll have our favorite hobby at your fingertips the whole trip. And who knows—you might even meet a fellow crocheter along the way!
P.S. At a yarn show yesterday, this topic came up with a vendor who has tested TSA many times with various tricks. I learned that if you bring a stamped, self address bubble mailer, if they confiscate anything TSA will mail back to you! Good to know!
👉 Have a travel tip of your own? Hit reply—I love adding reader wisdom to future issues.
YARN OVER HOOK
My Weekly Favorite Finds
A curated selection of useful (mostly) crochet-related articles and tools I’ve come across recently for you to explore. All links have been vetted! 🧡
📈 Crazy Trend Alert!
Apple introduced the iPhone Pocket this week, retailing for (only) $219. Great gift idea for a trend follower on your list. For $10 you could crochet a rectangle with a single crochet through the back loops and sew together, leaving a gap for the shoulder part. Only drawback - that long-ass starting chain! Or crochet in it the round with a knit like stitch.
✨ Random Pattern Round-Up
I’ve added this gorgeous Botannica Throw to my to-make-list. It looks so comfy and with all those holes and super bulky yarn, it should work up quickly.
OMG, this snowman garland looks adorable! You could have a different color scarf for every person in your family.
Here’s 30 free Christmas decorations including ornaments, garland and stockings (that Santa pillow pattern, though?! 🎅)
🧶 Creating Letters in Textiles
This is a crochet newsletter, first and foremost, but sometimes I come across things for knitters that are just too good not to share! I present an entire website dedicated to knitting letters, with the added bonus of the Knit Hello font. I bet it could be adapted with Mosaic crochet techniques. Who’s trying it first? Reply and show me! 🧶
💸 Deals and Discounts
Did you know? Michaels gives a 10% discount to those 55 and over? And INCLUDES sale items! They also have a 15% discount for teachers and military!
Premier has 20% Chenille Basix and 40% off Anti Pilling Everyday Worsted! My absolute fave - no knots!
🧡 Featured Crochet Charity
Bundles For Babies serves families suffering premature infant loss by preparing hospital bundles of tiny blankets and hats created by volunteers across the country. With blankets only 12” x 12” and hats only 2.5”, they serve a very specific need and are perfect for skill builder and ultra quick projects.
IN STITCHES
WEAVING IN THE ENDS
Before you go—Here are some things to help:
The Yarn Cost Calculator - compares yarn skeins so that you can find the best deal
Advent Calendar for Crocheters Round-up - curated collection of crochet or yarn themed advent calendars
Holiday Crochet Gift Planner - a useful printable worksheet to plan your holiday gift crocheting
See you next week!
—Michelle 🧡
P.S. Don’t miss out → click here to be the first to see the Wish List for Crocheters when it drops!
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