I belong to an online needlework group where the subject of flights and needlework comes up fairly regularly. Flights can be long and boring, which makes it seem like the ideal time to do some needlework. However, every time the subject comes up it is very frustrating, mostly because THE RULES FOR WHAT YOU CAN TAKE ON FLIGHTS DIFFER AROUND THE WORLD. (Yes, I did just shout that.)
Some members seem to think that TSA (let’s note that it is a *US* agency) rules apply everywhere. NO, THEY DON’T.
Let’s think worldwide, not just of the rules in your particular country. In this, we are thinking of what you can take into the cabin with you – what you put in your checked luggage is different.
In some places, disc thread cutters are banned (because they contain a razor blade). In some places you might get through with them. In some places scissors are banned completely. In some places you can take scissors under 4 inches in length.
What applies in your country does not necessarily apply elsewhere. Before you travel you should check the regulations for all the regions into which you are flying, and the rules of your airlines as well. If you’re unsure, ring them and speak to a real person. Whatever solution you decide to use, be prepared for them to be confiscated anyway, because sometimes the officials you deal with might be a little overenthusiastic and take them anyway. In that case, I think I’m unlikely to want to challenge them… So make sure you’re prepared to lose whatever it is you choose to take.
And just because you’ve “always done it, and it’s never been a problem” doesn’t mean you aren’t breaking the law and won’t be caught next time.
So what are the options available for stitchers travelling on flights?
NB: This is a discussion of what is available. It is NOT a recommendation of what you should use. You need to make your own decisions based on the regulations that apply where you will be. Depending on where you are travelling, some of these will be unlawful in cabin luggage.
In no particular order:
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Disc thread cutter – this is a round metal disc with indentations in the sides in which the blade sits. It can be worn as a necklace pendant. |
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Scissors under 10cm/4inches in length. |
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Mini scissors – when these threads are sheathed in the little cap, they don’t look like scissors at all on an X-ray. |
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Ceramic scissors – as they are made from ceramics they don’t show up on X-rays. |
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Mini nail clippers, like you would use on a baby. |
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Dental floss box – the cutter is used for cutting the threads. |
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Pre cut threads. |
Do you have further suggestions that you can share with us? Add your comment in the comments section. (If you email me in response to this because you receive this post as an email, no-one else will be able to read your suggestion, so please post on the original blog post by clicking on the “Top 7 cutting tools…” heading at the top of the email.)
Please note, I do not want this to become a discussion about what can be used where. Regulations change, so what might have been legal last week in one jurisdiction, may not be now, or may be different next week.
White Threads is the blog of Yvette Stanton, the author, designer, publisher behind Vetty Creations' quality needlework books and embroidery products.
I always find the light is too poor to stitch by, rendering the whole discussion somewhat moot!
Rachel, that’s never been a problem for me, perhaps because I stitch whitework which tends to catch what available light there is. I have also found myself waiting for flights in well lit airport lounges, and needlework can help pass the time there even if it is too dark on the plane itself.
Yvette,
Here in Europe there are tiny plastic letteropeners that have a minute knife in them, they work just like the Clover cutter but are way cheaper to have confiscated. I took them on many flights, never had a problem. As to the light.. You look ridiculous wearing it, but there are those headlights for campers which attach to the forehead with an elastic band… For the desperate enough to stitch despite the looks. 😉
Great suggestions, Lilian!
On my Qantas flights I had flight attendants who were mostly interesting in my work and would come by my seat often to see my progress.
Try a Beam and Read – it hangs around your neck and gives good light. I use this when traveling. Closes up to a small package. Also http://www.amisimms.com she has a great travel light with LEDS and you won’t believe how small it is. It also hangs around your neck and is adjustable to throw the light exactly where you want it.
i travel quite a bit, both in Europe and the US. I’ve always carried a sewing seam ripper to cut my threads, never had a problem. They are quite sharp and if it should get taken you are out about 50p or one dollar. It cuts really well. I also carry a clip on LED reading light to clip on my frame.
Mill Hill threaders have a very tiny blade embedded into the plastic at the opposite end of the threader.
I keep the Clover Cutter on a chain and use it when I am traveling by car. It’s easier to keep track of vice having scissors that may fall between the car seats.
I gave up trying to stitch years ago on planes and just read a good book. The seats are so cramped these days, I can’t stitch comfortably with my elbows at my sides! Maybe if I could afford to fly first class . . .
Thanks so much for posting this…very informative!
I travel extensively for business and always take my needlepoint. I find that the most important thing for me is my mag-eyes magnifier. It is hard to do anything more than 8″ x 8″ if on stretcher bars. I admit to having several projects going at the same time. I find that dark colors and 18 ct are more challenging and pick what will work best. I have met several flight attendants who bring their needlepoint. I also keep a lavender sachet in my needlepoint project bag as well as a business card. I left three Kelly Clark batz that just needed their backgrounds finished on a plane.
As for stitching while on flights, the few I have been on have been too poorly lit, sometimes too crowded, and bouncy enough I could not stitch anyway. I can’t stitch or read in cars either. And the waiting areas not much better, except maybe the bouncy part. However I do like these ideas for stitching when I get to the destination. Or for stitching while waiting for appointments, etc at home.