Baggage Regulations TSA Rules & Regulations

Can You Bring Sewing Needles On a Plane?

Updated
A sewing needle inserted inside red fabric

Sewing needles are one of those items that passengers are confused about whether they can bring on a plane or not. After all, they’re sharp and for that might reason might be considered a weapon.

For all the sewers, sewists, seamstresses (or whatever your favorite term is) out there, you’ll be pleased to know that sewing needles are allowed in both your carry on bags and checked bags.

But is there anything else you should be aware of, including what other sewing supplies or crafts you can bring on a plane, and if you’re allowed to knit on a plane too?

Sewing Needles in Your Carry On Bags vs. Checked Bags

To reiterate, sewing needles can be packed in your carry on bags.

However, the TSA state that needlepoint tools and other cutters that contain blades must be placed in your checked baggage.

This includes circular thread cutters and scissors larger than 4 inches.

Other Sewing Supplies or Crafts You Might Want to Bring

  • Sewing Machines: Yes, in both your carry on and checked bags
  • Crochet Hooks: Yes, in both your carry on and checked bags
  • Nail Clippers: Yes, in both your carry on and checked bags
  • Scissors: Yes, but only if under 4″ from the pivot point
  • Knitting Needles: Yes, in both your carry on and checked bags
  • Tweezers: Yes, in both your carry on and checked bags
  • Spray Starch: Yes, in both your carry on and checked bags
  • Staplers: Yes, in both your carry on and checked bags
  • Tape Measures: Yes, in both your carry on and checked bags
  • Rotary Cutters: Yes, in your checked bags but not your carry on
  • Safety Pins: Yes, in both your carry on and checked bags

As you can see, the vast majority of sewing supplies or crafts can be taken on a plane in both your checked bags and carry on bags.

You can even bring scissors on a plane, though if they are over 4″ from the pivot point, the scissors must only be packed in your checked bags.

Rotary cutters (as well as other items with blades must also be packed in your checked bags. 

Can You Sew, Knit or Crochet on a Plane?

If you can’t wait to get to your destination to work on your next piece, or you have a long-haul flight ahead, you’ll be pleased to know that you can sew, knit and crochet on a plane.

There are no restrictions on taking the sewing supplies or crafts out of your carry-on bags and using them to start sewing, knitting or crocheting.

Ella Dunham - Travel Journalist/Marketing Manager

Ella Dunham

Ella Dunham, a Freelance Travel Journalist and Marketing Manager, boasts an impressive career spanning eight years in the travel and tourism sectors.

Honored as one of "30 Under 30" by TTG Media (the world’s very first weekly travel trade newspaper), a "Tour Operator Travel Guru" and "Legend Award" winner, Ella is also a Fellow of the Institute of Travel, a Member of the Association of Women Travel Executives, has completed over 250 travel modules, and hosts travel-focused segments on national radio shows where she provides insights on travel regulations and destinations.

Ella has visited over 40 countries (with 10 more planned this year).

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