Get In Loser, We’re Going Crocheting: Travel Crochet Projects On the Go
Exploring the best tools and techniques for mobile crochet projects.
A crochet project work-in-progress atop a coffee shop table, next to a cake slice and iced coffee in a cozy NYC coffee shop. Source: Stitch Bitch, July 2025
You’re busy. I’m busy. We’re all busy.
I get it.
Our schedules are packed with meetings (or classes) after meetings, then we go out with friends, or plop down in front of the tv - just looking for the sweet release from stress and constant buzz of things to do.
I often find it challenging to sit down and crochet - and I love doing it! So why is it so hard?
Convenience.
After I get home, I need to put my bag away, hang up my jacket, change into soft pants (no hard pants after work), get a snack, start dinner...there’s a settling that happens. And once I’m on the couch, I’m down for the count. I want to crochet, but that means I need to get up, gather my yarn, my hooks, my stitch markers, snippers, etc. and haul it all back to my couch base.
A similar phenomenon happens when I have a break in my day - I have this crafting itch I need to scratch - without my craft of choice.
After a few years of crocheting, I’ve explored and found my favorite tips and techniques for travel crochet projects on the go - keeping my favorite craft on hand, without hauling a suitcase worth of yarn and WIPs.
Mobile Crochet Challenges:
Project Type
Too often I find myself falling in love with a project - practically addicted. “MUST. KEEP. STITCHING.” As I grow into crafting wearables and blankets - I find it MUCH HARDER to take them with me. I have free time, but not free space - in my bag or my brain (which we’ll talk about in the next section). Keeping accurate track of where I’m at in a pattern is a struggle without my notebook, and laying out tens of granny squares on a public coffee shop table is not going to cut it.
Bag Space (Carrying Capacity)
As my projects grow, the space in my (already full) backpack shrinks. I have to unpack EVERYTHING just to grab a pen that has spelunked to the bottom. If I’m headed to an event for a few hours, I don’t want to bring a large project bag either. As a college student, I’ve tried a tote bag with my backpack - it’s cumbersome, and already adds to my full load (thank’s women’s pant pockets). It’s just too much moving from class to class.
Yarn Selection
Multiple color patterns, chunky blanket skeins, and crochet hooks galore, oh my! A recipe for disaster in a mobile environment. The more things you have to juggle, the less enjoyable your free time is.
Travel Restrictions
I’ve seen many searches and mixed answers for “TSA crochet hooks” and allowances surrounding it. I myself was leery about taking my favorite metal hooks passed down from my grandma, or thrifted at antique shops airborne. The high quality (and emotional attachment) is just so hard to replace. Most scissors and other sharps are a no-no on airplanes, and can be dangerous in a moving car.
Experimenting:
Projects
The first aspect to explore is your project - what do you want to make? How big is it going to be? How much yarn will you ultimately need?
Considering these questions help to guide your decision for your project.
My recommendation is to pick a small or medium sized project. Nothing larger than what can fit in a tote bag. Otherwise, we’re missing the point of travel crochet projects.
Tools
Crochet Hooks
Plastic crochet hook in use, at yet another NYC coffee shop.
Source: Stitch Bitch, July 2025
Being the crafty one I am, I was very resourceful in finding a case for my crochet hooks. A toothbrush holder - yes, you read that right - makes a great mobile case for hooks. The hard case keeps them safe from scratches or bending, has enough room to store my needles, and can then be tossed into any bag. For air travel, I suggest finding plastic versions of the hook size you need, just in case TSA has a fit about your metal ones. I found a discounted set at my local store, packed them in my toothbrush holder, no problem.
It’s important to note, hooks with larger ergonomic handles may not fit in the toothbrush holder. Fabric cases - DIY or store-bought - are a better fit for these.
Scissors and Snippers
Thread snipper product images sourced from the Guggenhein, Singer, and Fiskars product pages.
My favorite cutting tool is my pair of Guggenhein thread snippers - gifted to me over the holidays. Cheaper options by Singer or Fiskars also work great, allowing for precise snips.
For true mobile snippers - in a car or plane (or bus or boat…) - I use those tiny little scissors you find in nail kits. These also work great for air travel, as you can keep a nail kit in your carry on.
Stitch Markers & More
Stitch markers are already teeny tiny little guys, and can be challenging to travel with. I keep mine on a ring, or on a mini crocheted dinosaur that lives in my bag. Have a separate ring or mini crochet piece to latch your markers on for easy access. A small plastic container also works, but could spill if in a moving vehicle.
As far as a yarn needle, I do my best to avoid projects with lots of sewing - unless I know I’ll be sitting down for an extended period. Less to lose, less to pack. I’ll finish any required sewing at home.
Yarn Selection
Stitch Bitch’s skein selection for a mesh-stitch tank top. A summer project they toted everywhere across NYC.
Source: Stitch Bitch, July 2025
You’re on the move. Let’s not juggle more than we need.
If you have a specific project in mind, that will influence your yarn choice the most. Picking smaller, squishable skeins and weights maximizes packability. I recommend picking 1-2 yarn colors for optimal travel. If your project requires more, consider working parts with only a couple colors, then switching out what you’re carrying as you progress. Less to juggle, less to untangle, less to snip and change out.
Bags
Bag size ultimately depends on the project you select. I prefer a tote bag or small backpack. These bags offer quick access, and keep your yarn in place without having to take it out.
For small projects, _fanny packs (link to LFG store)_ or hip packs are the way to go. You can crochet directly from the pouch pretty much wherever. Hoodies are also a fun alternative. The kangaroo-style pouch will hold a mini skein and a hook, and designs like this one allow you to flex your creative muscle.
Tips for Travel Crochet Projects on the Go:
Know your Project
The mesh-stitch tank top that became Stitch Bitch’s summer project while living in NYC. Squish-able with repetitive stitches, this made a fun on-the-go project. Source: Stitch Bitch, July 2025
Familiarize yourself with your on the go project before packing everything and diving right in - especially for mobile projects in vehicles, or if you are going to be somewhere with limited surface space. Even if you’re an experienced stitcher, take some time to become familiar with your pattern and go in with a plan. You don’t need to memorize everything - just know the stitches and technique going in so you don’t have to pull out your pattern every other stitch.
Try Freeform Crochet or Stick with Repetitive Basics
Remembering and tracking patterns can be tricky on the go. I use a variety of vintage books and magazines for a lot of my patterns, which makes it challenging to bring some of my more detailed projects. So when I’m limited on space and time, I like to use it as an opportunity to play with my work.
A repetitive pattern, like a single crochet or double crochet scarf, allows me to scratch that creative itch while keeping it simple for my mind. Alternatively, experimenting with techniques like freeform crochet allow you to play with your work, and “paint” with your yarn using a variety of unplanned stitches. This video from Happy Berry Crochet walks you through the basics on freeform crochet so you can confidently play with your work, and not end up with a knotted, scraggly, curly mess.
Have a separate travel WIP
I know… multiple Works in Progress (WIPs) are the kiss of death for a crochet artist, but trust me on this. Some projects should stay home. Remember the blankets and sky-scraper sized granny square stacks we talked about? Yeah. Leave those at home.
Use smaller, travel crochet projects to practice or experiment with stitches and techniques, or craft the bulk of a project. I’m not saying no to making granny squares on the go, but don’t bring your entire pre-made stack.
Packing Projects
“But Granny, I really want to bring my (insert large/technical crochet WIP here) on the go!” Okay, I hear you. I get so deep into projects too that it’s addicting once you're in. Here’s my advice:
Work on one section at a time
Limit the amount of yarn (and project) you need to carry to optimize mobility. Less tangles, less color changes, less frustration.
Keep it squish-able
Use a soft-sided bag like this one when travelling with projects. This maximizes your project pack-ability.
Bring ONLY what you need
Bring only your essential materials for your mobile WIP. This makes it easy to grab the hook or snippers you need without sorting through a bundle of extras. The same goes for yarn - bring ONLY what you need.
A quick guide to packing on the go crochet projects.
Crafted by Le Froggy Granny with the assistance of AI.
DIY Mobile Crochet Kit
Here’s my go-to pack for travel crochet projects:
For small projects:
Bag: Fanny pack/hip pack, small, packable bag, or hoodie
Hooks: size appropriate for your project
Yarn: one skein, ideally small in size (finger weight skein, or mini-skein)
Other Tools: a couple stitch markers, small nail kit scissors
For small-medium projects:
Bag: tote bag or backpack
Hooks: size appropriate for your project
Yarn: 1-2 skeins, small to medium in size
Other Tools: stitch markers, thread snippers (in a sleeve or case), needle (embroidery)
These kits also work great for creating an at-home WIP box! Eliminate the work of digging through supplies by keeping your project materials in a bin or bag close to where you hang out.
A crochet project in the sunset at the Bryant Park movie nights. Picnic + movie + crochet = ultimate summer evening.
Source: Stitch Bitch, July 2025
Now you’re prepared to take your travel crochet projects on the go! Remember: limit your yarns and pattern complexity, take ONLY what tools you need to scratch that creative itch, and have fun!
LFG. Love ya “Froggies”!
<3 Courtney
