Flying, especially on long trips, can be boring if you don’t have something to occupy your time. That’s why cross stitchers often take along their projects. Besides stitching on the plane, stitching while waiting to board also keeps stitches occupied, besides calms the nerves of anxious fliers.
However, cross stitching on a plane isn’t quite like stitching at home. Because you’re can’t take as many tools, you have to plan ahead for a successful stitching experience in the air.
Check TSA Guidelines
Check out the current TSA guidelines to make sure your stitching tools are allowed. Although scissors are now allowed, several years ago, following 911 many stitches had their embroidery scissors confiscated and didn’t have a self-return envelop handy so they could be mailed back home to them. But that didn’t stop serious stitchers who often used the edge of dental floss as a substitute. However, rules change, so be up-to-date.
Consider Length of the Flight
If your flight is under two hours, chances are you’ll only get to stitch for about thirty minutes as snack trays have to be put up for taking off and landing time. Unless you have an exceptionally simple project, it can be hard to stitch without the aid of a snack tray holding your tools and chart. Flights longer than two hours are more ideal for stitching.
Choosing a Seat
Right-handed stitchers usually prefer aisle seats to avoid poking an arm into the space of an adjacent passenger. The C seat is an aisle seat for the mid-section arrangement of six seats. On the other hand, a B seat means an aisle seat for two seats on the left side. For the right side, D is the aisle seat. However, if you are stuck in a middle seat, stitch with shorter threads, making your arm movements shorter. Or, you could always asks a neighboring passenger to switch seats with you.
The worst case scenario is a bulkhead seat where you can’t have anything on the floor in front of you. What’s more, the snack tray is challenging because it pulls up and down from the armrest, making it harder than a normal one that pulls down from the seat in front of you.
Supplies
- Choose simple projects – Rather than bring along complicated projects, choose simple ones such as “Weekenders” kits. If you want to stitch those longer projects you can always pack them in your check-in luggage.
- Small frames – Leave your large Q-snaps and stretcher frames at home or pack in them in your suitcase, unassembled, to save space. Frames ideal for flights are no bigger than 8” x 8” Q-snaps. Even more compact is stitching in your lap.
- Tote bag – By using a tote bag large enough to throw in your purse, you can have only one carry-on item. There are totes on wheels made for crafters that are excellent for flights. However, the ones with wheels are too big to cram underneath a seat, so it’s a good idea to have your stitching project in a plastic bag if you have to store your carry-on bag.
Stitching Alternatives
Sometimes flights are too bumpy to work counted cross stitch. That’s when it’s a better option to do stamped cross stitch or stitch small needlepoint project as a substitute. Also, crocheting and knitting take less concentration.
Finally, start your project before boarding the plane. It’s easier to jump into a project that’s already started than staring at a blank canvas.
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