Yes. Knitting needles and crochet hooks are allowed in carry-on and checked bags on US flights. Bladed thread cutters must be checked.
TSA allows knitting needles and crochet hooks in carry-on bags with no size or material limit listed. Circular thread cutters and other needlepoint tools with blades are not allowed in carry-on; scissors under 4 inches are.
Allowed in checked bags. Wrap or sheathe it in checked bags so baggage handlers and TSA inspectors can't get cut.
Checked against official TSA, FAA and government pages on . These are US rules unless we say otherwise; the TSA officer at the checkpoint makes the final call.
The rules in numbers
- Knitting needles and crochet hooks: allowed in carry-on and checked
- Circular thread cutters and other bladed cutters: checked bags only
- Yarn scissors in carry-on: blades under 4 inches from the pivot point
Packing tips
- Swap your pendant-style circular thread cutter for small blunt scissors or nail clippers to snip yarn on board.
- Bring a spare cable or needle and a stitch holder, so your project survives if an officer does refuse a needle.
- Circular needles or bamboo/wood needles tend to draw less attention than long metal straights.
Outside the US
- UKKnitting needles are allowed in hand and hold luggage. Source
- CanadaCATSA allows knitting needles and crochet hooks of any size and material in carry-on and checked bags. Source
Flying somewhere else? See the rules for the UK, EU, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Japan.
Questions people ask
Can I take knitting needles on a plane?
Yes. TSA allows knitting needles in carry-on and checked bags.
Are crochet hooks allowed in carry on?
Yes. TSA lists crochet hooks as allowed in carry-on and checked bags.
Can I bring a yarn cutter on a plane?
Not in carry-on if it has a blade. Circular thread cutters must go in checked bags; small scissors under 4 inches are allowed instead.