I consider myself as a nomad; I often travel back and forth from the South of Malaysia to my hometown at the North, and sometimes I am required to travel for a business trip for my day job. I am blessed to have crochet hobby as my companion while travelling, as the crochet tools are able to be brought almost everywhere in the world, unlike hobbies like sewing and quilting which require machine.
I like to crochet at train station, airport, bus station, beach, on the road, library, hotel room, cafe and restaurants. While most of my friend confused why I prefer taking public transport over driving by myself, I said I love the commute using public transport; I can crochet while waiting and while in the train / flight / Uber.
Crocheting while travelling can be done by planning what is the most convenient project to crochet while travelling. It is recommended to crochet a medium sized project that is not too complicated and has repetitive stitch with minimum color switch. The crochet project must not too big in size either as it will consume your bag space. Make sure that your crochet essentials are kept in a medium sized bag that has pockets and compartments to avoid fumbling around searching for things.
We crocheters can’t simply sit down and do nothing. It’s weird.
When to crochet while travelling?
While waiting for next train, bus or flight
What common people always do while in the waiting period during travelling? Scrolling phone! It’s true, right? Instead of scrolling your phone mindlessly while waiting for the next train, keep your hands busy with crocheting your work-in-progress project.
In the train and flight
I know it’s important to have a good rest between trips to ensure yourself is energized upon arrival, so people often take nap in the train / flight. Other than taking rest and sleep during commute, you can relax yourself by crocheting in the train or flight.
While on a long road trip
Make sure that you are not the one who drive the car. Personally, I don’t like crocheting and reading while in a car and bus. I’m too dizzy doing that. But I can crochet while we make stops. However, I knew a lot of my crochet friends love crocheting on a long road trip.
While waiting for your food to be served in a restaurant
Chatting with friends is a good bonding activity while waiting for the food to be served. But if you are in a solo travel, crocheting is a good activity to bond with yourself.
At the beach
There’s always serenity crocheting at the beach under the shade of coconut trees.
At the hotel room
Of course! This is a routine before going to bed, even at our own home.
While having a foot massage in a spa
Your hands are free while your feet are busy relaxing. Try crochet while having a foot massage in a spa.
I’ve seen some crocheters have their crochet during their outdoor activities such as camping and hiking. They found peace and serenity crocheting at the nature setting.
What to crochet while travelling?
Whether you are on a long road trip or on plane, you can crochet a project that has medium size, quick to be done and can be stored in your bag. You can crochet project below while travelling:
Granny Squares
I like to stock up granny squares while travelling, even I am not planning for the next project. I know I can join the finished granny squares into a bag, blanket or cases when I come back home.
Flower appliques
Other than granny squares, I like to stock up flower appliques too. I can arrange the flower appliques in a frame when I back home. Crocheting flower appliques can save a lot of my time doing flower frame project.
Coasters
Coasters are awesome to crochet during travelling as it is a medium sized project that can be done quickly.
Phone case
Who knows you might met a long lost friend from primary school while travelling? You had a chance to give her your crocheted phone case that you made while travelling for friendship memories.
Hats and Beanies
Hats and beanies are circular and repetitive, and it is a small to medium sized project that suitable to carry anywhere.
What crochet essentials should I bring on travel?
Don’t forget a single tool crochet item! It would be a nightmare for a crocheter to travel leaving crochet hook at home! Here are crochet tools essentials to bring while travelling:
Yarns
Minimize the colour of yarns. Do not be too optimistic when bringing too much yarns when travelling. Not all things can be done while travelling. Set realistic expectation on project completion while travelling and bring enough yarns for that project.
Crochet hook
Just one or two crochet hook is enough to bring on while travelling
Nail clipper
Nail clipper for cutting yarn. It is better than a pair of scissors because nail clipper is small, compact and not dangerous. Plus, it can be brought on the airplane while some types of scissors are not allowed on the plane.
Crochet pattern
You may carry them on pdf format on your phone, or write down the pattern on your note app in your phone.
Optionally, you can bring stitch marker. Depending on your project, you may bring fibre fills for amigurumi project, safety eyes and tapestry needle.
Can I bring crochet items on a plane?
According to TSA, sharp object such as scissors is not allowed with condition. While it is difficult to remember airplane regulation, it is allowed to bring nail clipper to cut yarn replacing scissors. Needles and crochet hooks at any size and materials are allowed to bring on the plane.
How to pack crochet project for travelling?
Pack your crochet supplies in a medium sized bag with a lot of pockets so that you will not lose small item such as crochet hooks and stitch marker in a bunch of yarns. Make sure that you bag is accessible so that you can grab you yarn and hook anytime you want to crochet.