When I travel I always bring along a needlepoint project. It helps pass the time during long flights, and gives me a sense of calm when far from home. Inevitably I am asked by other needlepointers how I cut my strands of wool when travelling, since scissors that can actually cut something are not allowed on the plane.
Luckily, several manufacturers make a handy little yarn cutter that features a sharp, round metal blade enclosed in a sheath of either metal or heavy-duty plastic. The sheath has slits at regular intervals, and the thread is cut by passing it through the slit and across the blade. Because the blade is protected by the outer sheath, it’s safe to bring on board the aircraft and I haven’t had it taken away from me yet! Knock on wood…
The cutters are made by several manufacturers, but I prefer the cutter made by Clover. It’s also a pendant that’s pretty enough to actually wear, which keeps it handy when I need it – no digging around in my bag required!
Comments
The TSA rules have been relaxed – I regularly travel with sharply pointed scissors whose blades are less than four inches. I, too, enjoy needlework as a way to fill long flights – and long nights alone in hotels along the way.
I recently went through security at an airport and they advised me that scissors with a blade shorter than 4″ were allowed in my carry on luggage but the round cutters (like Clover) were not allowed wither in my carry on luggage or my checked bag. Fortunately, I had a stamped padded envelope with me and I mailed my tool home. I was left, however, with no way of cutting my threads as I did not have a small pair of scissors with me.
Hi Marlene – it appears that every security person at the airport is different (which does not surprise me). I have not had any problems getting my round cutter through – maybe because I am usually wearing it? Not sure what the reasons would be for not allowing it, as the blade is securely welded into the protective metal sheathing.