How to Avoid Tangling Yarn While Traveling

Crochet and travel—the perfect combo! Whether you’re on a road trip, a long flight, or just commuting, having a crochet project on hand makes the journey so much better. But there’s one big problem that every traveling crocheter knows all too well: tangled yarn.

Few things are more frustrating than pulling your yarn out of your bag only to find it’s turned into a hopeless mess. The good news? With a few simple tricks, you can keep your yarn neat and tangle-free while on the go.

The Best Ways to Keep Yarn from Tangling on the Go

1. Use a Yarn Bag (or Make One!)

A good yarn storage bag is the easiest way to prevent tangles while traveling. These bags are designed with yarn holes or grommets that let the yarn feed smoothly while keeping the skein secure.

If you don’t want to buy one, here’s a DIY solution:

• Use a zippered pouch or small tote bag and poke a small hole in the side.
• Thread the yarn through the hole so it feeds out easily.
• Secure the bag to your armrest, seatbelt, or lap for easy crocheting on the go.

2. Repurpose Everyday Items as Yarn Holders

You don’t need a fancy yarn bag to keep things neat—some of the best travel hacks come from everyday household items:

• Ziplock Bags – Cut a small hole in a ziplock bag, place your yarn inside, and zip it up. This keeps it clean, tangle-free, and easy to pull from.
• Plastic Coffee Canisters – Poke a hole in the lid and use it as a sturdy yarn dispenser.
• Water Bottles – Cut off the top of an empty plastic water bottle, drop your yarn inside, and thread it through the mouthpiece for a no-tangle solution.

3. Keep Skeins and Balls Contained

Loose skeins and yarn balls are the number one cause of travel tangles. Here’s how to keep them in check:

• Use a hair tie or rubber band to keep yarn cakes from unraveling in your bag.
• Wrap a bread clip or binder clip around the loose end of the yarn so it doesn’t unwind.
• Stick with center-pull skeins whenever possible—they stay neater in transit than loose yarn balls.

4. Bring Just Enough Yarn for the Trip

It’s tempting to pack your entire stash, but do you really need five skeins for a weekend getaway? Keep things simple by planning your project before you leave.

• Estimate how much yarn you’ll actually use.
• Pre-wind smaller yarn balls or bobbins if necessary.
• Stick to one or two colors to avoid juggling too many skeins.

5. Choose Travel-Friendly Projects

Some crochet projects are just easier to travel with than others. Instead of a huge, multi-skein blanket, opt for small, portable projects like:

• Granny squares
• Dishcloths
• Simple scarves
• Amigurumi parts (just don’t lose them!)

6. Use a Carabiner or Keyring for Easy Yarn Access

This is a game-changing travel hack! Clip a carabiner or keyring to your bag, thread the yarn through it, and let it hang freely while you crochet. It keeps the yarn from rolling away and makes for super smooth feeding.

7. Pack Smart to Avoid Yarn Messes

Throwing yarn loose into your bag is asking for trouble. Instead, try:

• Rolling yarn in a soft pouch or fabric wrap so it stays contained.
• Using a small drawstring bag to keep yarn separate from other items.
• Avoiding overstuffed bags—if the yarn gets crushed, it’ll tangle more easily.

8. Prevent the “Under-the-Seat Disaster” on Planes

Every crocheter who’s flown before knows the horror: your yarn rolls under the seat mid-flight. Suddenly, you’re trying to fish it out while your seatmate gives you weird looks.

To avoid this disaster, keep your yarn in:

• A crossbody bag that stays in your lap.
• A zippered project pouch inside your carry-on.
• A drawstring bag that clips onto your seat tray for easy access.

Bonus tip: If your yarn does escape under the seat, use your crochet hook to retrieve it instead of awkwardly bending down.

What NOT to Do When Traveling with Yarn

1. Don’t Leave Your Yarn Loose – Always keep it in a container, bag, or tied-up ball.
2. Avoid Fuzzy or Friction-Prone Yarns – Some fibers tangle more easily than others (mohair is a nightmare). Stick to smooth, easy-to-handle yarns when traveling.
3. Don’t Overpack Your Yarn – Bringing too much makes it harder to keep things organized.
4. Skip Large, Complex Projects – Travel time is better suited for simple, repetitive projects that don’t require counting every stitch.

The Secret to Stress-Free Travel Crocheting

Crocheting while traveling should be fun, not frustrating. The key to tangle-free yarn on the go is keeping it contained and controlled—whether that’s in a small pouch, a ziplock bag, or a repurposed coffee can.

The next time you pack your crochet project for a trip, try one of these hacks and see just how much smoother your on-the-go crocheting becomes.

And if you do end up with a tangled mess? Well, at least you’ve got plenty of time to sit and unravel it on the journey!