According to the TSA website, “Knitting needles are permitted in your carry-on baggage or checked baggage.” Most tools you need to work on a sewing or knitting project, including small scissors, are also allowed in your carry-on luggage, with some restrictions.
A thread or yarn cutter that contains a blade within the tool is not allowed in the airplane cabin, according to the TSA. For example, you can transport circular thread cutters in your checked baggage only. Scissors with blades measuring less than 4 inches are allowed in your carry-on bag, but you must place larger scissors in your checked baggage.
Although the TSA explicitly states that knitting needles are allowed in carry-on baggage, as of 2010 the final decision on permitting you to fly with them is at the discretion of TSA officers at the airport. The knitting resource Twisted recommends that you choose circular needles measuring less than 31 inches in total length for a project you plan to take on a plane. Consider using plastic or bamboo knitting needles rather than metal ones. Try knitting needles with removable points, also known as interchangeable needles. Take the tips off and toss them in your bag before you go through security.
Print out current TSA regulations as well as any from your airline or airport’s website to show to a security officer who objects to your knitting needles. However, this is not a guarantee that the officer will allow your knitting needles to go in your carry-on baggage. Carry a self-addressed stamped envelope so that you can send your knitting tools back to yourself in the event that a security officer deems them unsuitable for travel.
Check the website of your airline and departure airport to determine whether knitting needles are expressly permitted in carry-on bags. If at any point you will switch flights or depart from another country, or if you are traveling on a non-U.S. carrier, check that country’s security regulations as well. The rules on flying with knitting needles are not universal.
