It is that time of year when we all start to plan vacations. Whether we are packing up with the family to enjoy the summer sun or escaping the winter to somewhere tropical, these mid-year getaways are just what we need for an escape. And who can truly relax and unwind without our favourite projects?
We wanted to share some of our favourite travel-friendly crafts, along with a few tools you may want to pack so you are not left thinking, “I can’t believe I left that at home.”
At the end of this post, we will include a Travel Craft Checklist PDF for you. Just as each craft and each project requires different things, we may miss a few items. But hopefully the checklist will help you get started on your travel packing so you have everything you need to rest, relax, and reclaim your craft time.
Knitting & Crochet
The ultimate travel projects. You can fill a bag with scrap yarn to make various granny squares, and join them when you get home. Or a single skein of yarn can make a pair of hand-knit socks, a project small enough to bring along in most handbags. But before you walk out the door, grab a small notions pouch and pop in a few essentials.
Project Bags & Notions Pouches
Who doesn’t love a good project bag? We see so many beautiful options at yarn festivals, but you don’t need to buy one. There are plenty of free patterns and tutorials if you would like to make your own. Or simply use a tote or a ziplock bag. It doesn’t need to be fancy, although we do appreciate a bag that closes. It keeps everything contained, so if something tips over, your yarn and stitch markers haven’t escaped.
Accessories & Extra Yarn
What you bring will depend on your project, but a few basics go a long way. Stitch markers for keeping your place or marking rows/stitches, a darning needle for finishing, and a pair of scissors will cover most needs. Blocking can always wait until you return home. A small bottle of wool wash can also be helpful if you are travelling for a longer period and may need to wash your project along the way.
Usually, one of two things happens. You either work on your project during the travel time, then set it aside for the rest of the trip, or you finish it sooner than expected. That is why we like to pack an extra project, or at least an extra ball of yarn, just in case our hands get twitchy and are looking for something to do. And don’t forget to wind your yarn into a ball before you leave.
Spinning
There are so many ways we can take our spinning with us. Some spinning wheels can be folded down on a plane as overhead luggage, but not many. You could check it, but if you are like us, we prefer to keep our precious tools nearby and safe.
This is where spindles and e-Spinners shine. They are compact, easy to pack, and some e-spinners even fold down flat. But like any craft, a few thoughtful accessories can make all the difference.
Carrying Cases
A good carrying option makes travel much easier. Some e-Spinners, like the Ashford e-Spinner 3, come with a fully lined case that keeps everything secure, with space for a lazy kate, bobbins, and fibre. If your e-Spinner doesn’t come with a case, a simple tote bag works just as well.
And for spindles, we have seen everything from beautifully sewn spindle bags to practical solutions like wine boxes because their shape works surprisingly well. The dollar store also has some great storage boxes in a wide range of sizes. We like the box options because they are especially good at protecting the tips of the spindle. You can even line them with fibre for a bit of extra cushioning.
Accessories & Fibre
It may be worth packing an extra bobbin or two. Some e-Spinners come with collapsible bobbins. A quick Etsy search will show a range of makers offering 3D printed bobbins that can break down flat for most wheels on the market. And if you are a spindle spinner, a backup spindle is a great idea.
A few small extras can be very helpful. Waste yarn for a new leader, an orifice hook, and a kate with a niddy noddy if you plan to ply. If you would like to finish your yarn while away, a small amount of wool wash is useful as well.
You may also find yourself spinning more than expected, so tucking in an extra braid or two of fibre is always a good idea. Wool compresses easily, so it takes up very little space and can be fluffed back up with a quick couple of shakes.
Weaving
Bringing a floor loom on vacation is unlikely, but that doesn’t mean weaving is off the table. It simply means shifting the scale of your project.
Table and rigid heddle looms are excellent travel companions, and something like the Ashford Katie often fits in overhead storage. Smaller options are just as appealing. Tapestry looms, lap looms, pin looms, and inkle looms all make wonderful travel projects. If these smaller looms tend to sit unused at home, travel is a lovely opportunity to spend time with them.
Setting Up Before You Go
Because the range of weaving equipment varies so much, it is hard to narrow down all of the tools you may need. Setting up as much as possible before you leave means less to pack and more time to enjoy your project.
Dressing your loom ahead of time is a real time saver. It also reduces the number of tools you need to bring. The same applies to winding bobbins. Preparing yarn in advance removes an extra step and keeps your packing simple. If you can get your loom fully dressed and ready for your first pick, you are in a great place to start weaving when your vacation begins!
Accessories & Fixing Mistakes
It has happened to all of us. We are weaving along, and then we notice a threading error. Seriously, how did we not see that sooner?
Option one is to leave it. You are on vacation. If it took you that long to notice, chances are that no one else will either.
Option two is to fix it. If you choose to fix it, you may need to resley the reed or adjust heddles. Bringing a bit of seine twine or waste yarn allows you to make heddles if needed, which can save you from rethreading an entire section. But still a good idea to bring along a sleying hook, just to be safe!
It is also helpful to pack a few essentials. Scissors, a retractable measuring tape, and a darning needle are always useful. A T-pin can help repair a broken warp, while small weights with hooks can assist with uneven tension on warp ends. Extra warp yarn is also worth including, especially if it is different from your weft.
Resources
When you start a new craft, it is easy to become completely obsessed and want to bring it with you. Trust us, we get it! But what if you have never broken a warp end before or dropped a stitch? Having the right resources available to help you fix these issues is invaluable.
School of SweetGeorgia
The School of SweetGeorgia has over 120 video-based courses covering spinning, weaving, knitting, crocheting, dyeing, and more. Whether you are reviewing the basics or troubleshooting an issue, these resources help you move forward with confidence.
SweetGeorgia + Co
Having a space to ask questions and connect in real time is incredibly valuable. It is not just about sharing photos, but about building connections with like-minded makers. It is a place to exchange ideas, share knowledge, and offer support and encouragement. That sense of community can be just as important as the tools you bring with you. We hope you will join us at SweetGeorgia + Co.
Final Thoughts
We love bringing our crafts with us wherever we go. Whether it is having an afternoon of knitting on the beach, spinning in a quiet place in the woods, or weaving on a road trip, being able to carve out a bit of time each day to be creative feels essential in itself. While each project and craft has travel needs, we hope we covered some of the basics for you to get you and your projects out the door!
Travel Craft Checklist PDF
Here is the free PDF to download. There is no right or wrong way to fill out or what to check off. Feel free to add to it as well. We hope you join us at SweetGeorgia + Co and share additional tools you like to bring with you on your travels!
The post Pack Light, Pack Right: Travel-Friendly Crafts & Essential Tools appeared first on SweetGeorgia Yarns.
