Knitting on the Go: Three Portable Projects for Your Next Road Trip

Today's blog post is an especially exciting one as it combines my passions for slow fashion and travel - and it involves getting a little crafty!

It didn’t take me long to jump from casting on my very first knitting projects on my sofa to considering the possibility of traveling with my works in progress. As much as I loathe our society’s inclination to always be productive, my hands began to itch to hold my needles when hitting the road for all of the local weekend getaways we took last year, so I started packing my knitting along with the rest of my travel essentials.

My first few road trip projects were easy and mindless – a garter stitch scarf here, a ribbed beanie there – but my mind began to crave something just a little more challenging to pass the hours and the miles.

I quickly learned there is an important balance to knitting in the car. Too easy, and I grow restless – leading to frustration and, somewhat inexplicably, mistakes.

Too challenging, and the project that is manageable at home turns into one that’s, well, also frustrating and full of mistakes.

Something in the middle is the sweet spot for knitting in the car – something that holds your attention and is satisfying to knit but isn’t too complex you can’t do it while barking out directions or belting out your favorite song (or vice versa).

Today I present three knitting projects that hang squarely in the balance – and a few helpful tips to get you a little more comfortable with knitting on the road. These projects are sorted by duration¹ and linked on Ravelry for you because it’s such an easy place to track your projects (plus it’s free! And we can be friends!). The best part is these knits require a minimum of just one skein of gorgeous yarn each, which makes them easier on the wallet and lighter to pack. Who’s ready to hit the road?

The yarn for the projects in today's post was generously provided by Universal Yarn, a local mill based right here in North Carolina, with a wide range of natural fiber and Oeko-Tex Certified yarns. You can find all of these yarns and more online or at your local yarn shop.

THREE KNITTING PROJECTS FOR ROAD TRIPS

An Essential Beret

Pattern | Colette
Yarn | Deluxe Worsted in Musket
Designer | Julie Hayes
Time to Complete | 6 Hours

I am partial to the beanie’s French cousin when it comes to my wardrobe – and apparently when it comes to my car knitting as well. This pattern is a little more engaging than a stockinette cap, and crafts one sweet, slouchy beret with the cutest I-cord top. Plus, in this pretty beige worsted wool, it’s a neutral lover’s dream and is free of synthetic fibers. Don’t be frightened of using double-pointed needles in the car; just be choosy. I like bamboo for its grippiness, but you can also sub in extra circular needles for more security.

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A Charming Neck Scarf

Pattern | Sophie Scarf
Yarn | Truva in Medallion
Designer | PetiteKnit
Time to Complete | 7 Hours

This gorgeous neck scarf pattern comes in two lengths, but you can always meet in the middle by beginning the decrease rows halfway through your skein. In a pattern that repeats every eight rows, this scarf grows quickly while keeping your mind comfortably on the project. I made the short version here in this luxurious cotton and cashmere blend, but next time I might make it longer and thinner by increasing/decreasing every 10 rows instead (shh! – don’t tell!).

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A Size-Inclusive Crop Top

Pattern | Summer Secret Crop
Yarn | Bamboo Pop in Sand
Designer | Jessie Maed Designs
Time to Complete | 15 Hours

Yes, you can make a whole top while on the road! This size-inclusive crop top pattern is free (my favorite price) and is easily modifiable. Like the other projects shown here, I stuck to the pattern and took the waist-shaping route with straight straps. But for my next one (yes, I’m certain there will be a next one!), I might make it a little less cropped and widen the straps for a more bra-friendly top. In any case, this cutie, knit in a super soft bamboo/cotton blend, is lightweight and ready for the warmest days. Plus – no DPNs necessary!

¹I'm sharing the time it took me to knit each project, but depending on your knitting speed, it could take you more or less time to complete (that's all part of the fun!).

TIPS FOR KNITTING IN THE CAR

1. Set yourself up for success

A little prep can go a long way! Before you leave home, gather all the needles you’ll need for your project and a few just-in-case items, like crochet hooks for dropped stitches, extra skeins of yarn, stitch markers, measuring tape, and a tote bag for increased portability. Oh – and go ahead and print your pattern, just in case you lose cell service.

2. Don’t get carsick

I know, I know – easier said than done for the puke-prone among us. Some helpful tips for fighting the queasy feelings are knowing your weaknesses, popping an anti-motion sickness pill, taking frequent breaks, and looking at the horizon (it’s a good time to practice knitting without looking!).

3. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself

Road trips are generally fun – and knitting while you ride along should add to the experience, not make it stressful. Knit what you can (if you want!) and don’t worry if you can’t finish by the time you arrive at your destination.

4. Embrace small imperfections as a design feature

Car rides can be bumpy. And you might be easily distracted by a beautiful vista or have to dual-task by serving as navigator, leading to “errors” such as a twisted stitch or knitting a section you’re supposed to be purling. Embrace the human!

5. Stretch!

Road trips are already pretty rough on the body – keep your hands and wrists safe by stretching frequently (or better yet, finding a yoga video you love).

6. If you choose to fly instead, know where you can or can’t take your needles

Prefer to road trip through the sky? Don’t get stuck frogging your project at security because you can’t take your knitting needles through. A little prep can give some peace of mind!

FINAL THOUGHTS ON ROAD TRIP KNITTING

Knitting while on a long car ride can be a great way to pass the time, and you can end up with your very own DIY souvenir by the time you’re back home. But doing a little prep work and taking a lot of breaks go a long way when it comes to completing your projects safely and comfortably. Happy knitting!

Enjoyed this post? You may also like:

Have you ever attempted knitting in the car? How did it go?

If not – what are some of your favorite ways to pass the time during a road trip?

One Comment on “Knitting on the Go: Three Portable Projects for Your Next Road Trip”

Leigh says:

July 19, 2023 at 1:39 pm

Knitting in the car is one of the reasons I prefer being a passenger to driving (plus, spontaneous naps are less hazardous when all you’re in charge of is a pair of circular needles). Relatively simple patterns are a godsend for road trips, and I think this neck scarf is the perfect piece to make next time I find myself in a car for several hours. Thank you! 🙂