Knitting can become an addiction. Avid knitters will agree that the repetitive movements are soothing and relaxing. And what better place to pass the time by knitting than during travel?
I have not had a car for almost three years. My son drives me around when I need to get to the store. My Subaru was traded in so we could get a big truck to pull our camper. The truck is huge, and I don’t drive it. So I am always the one in the passenger seat, and often I take along a small knitting project.
Hats are perfect for travel knitting. My knitting journey began by knitting hats and they are still one of my favorite things to knit.
Ribbed Watchcap by Churchmouse Yarns and Teas
This ribbed beanie takes a long time to knit! It is a 1×1 rib all the way up to the decreases and top, using a size 1 needle. I have knit two hats from this pattern and love wearing them during Florida winter months. This slow and steady project is worth the time spent. Both of my hats were mostly knit while riding.
Keep it Simple
I like to keep it simple when knitting while riding. If I am making a hat, I like to have the cast on completed. That way I can do the knits, or knits and purls, while traveling. Of course you can knit any way you choose, but we are usually pulling the camper and the road is a bit bumpy because I am riding in a truck. Simple stitches are best for me. Choose what you can handle.
Any type of knitting that is round and round, without any guidance needed, is my preferred way to travel knit. If I had something more complicated – like a chart or colorwork – to follow, I’d use Knit Companion on my iPad.
The Musselburgh Hat by Ysolda Teague
I recently jumped on board the Musselburgh knitting bandwagon and knit this unique hat. My goal was to use up some stash yarn. This pattern begins with a tough cast on – it is knit from the center / top out. Get that over with and then it becomes a great take-along project. See my notes on knitting the Musselburgh on this page.
Plan For Mistake Fixing – Bring the Tools
For a short trip to the grocery store a simple project with yarn, stuffed into a small bag, is fine. But for a longer trip, be sure to have the tools that may be needed to cut, mark, and fix mistakes.
A crochet hook is one thing a knitter should always have close by. If a stitch is dropped, the crochet hook (how to fix a dropped stitch video link) is needed for this fix. I’ve gone on short trips and dropped a stitch and had to wait until I got home to use my crochet hook.
Also take a project bag, all needles needed, scissors, stitch markers, measuring tape, the pattern, and enough yarn!
Socks Projects
I’m not much of a sock knitter, but I have made a few pair. Socks are the perfect take-along item because they are small.
A link to my review page (and pattern links) is at the bottom of each photo here.
Make Your Own Pattern
Sometimes it’s nice to take some yarn and wing it. Make some new dishcloths, or begin a simple scarf. Just cast on and knit. It’s a good way to use up stash yarn. (Hint: choose the right type of yarn for the project, cotton for dishcloths, etc.)
Caution – Avoid the Sun!
One thing I have to be careful of where I live is to keep the knitting out of the sun. My little take along project must be kept in a bag, and especially if I am away from the vehicle for a while.
The sun can fade and damage the yarn. The Florida sun is very strong, but I don’t think any project should be sitting in a sunny car. I think it’s risky. So be sure the garment is packed away in case the sun shifts.
More Pattern Ideas For Take-along Knitting
- Classic Ribbed Hat, by Purl Soho (Free Pattern) – DK weight yarn suggested
- Headband With a Twist, by Mirella Moments – Free Pattern
- Small Fry Scarf, by Samantha Guerin
- Scarflette, by Justin Lorkowska (Letesknits) – a more advanced, lace and cable knitting project, but so beautiful.
Do you have any suggestions for good patterns to knit while traveling?
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