Going on holiday soon and planning to take your beads? In this article, I’ll be sharing some of my personal tips for travelling with beads – and some of my must-have gadgets.
I get a lot of questions from beaders about the rules for needles and scissors on planes, for example, as well as what’s the best bead board to travel with! I’ll answer all your questions….
Thread cutters
Most airlines allow a blade under 6cm, however if you’re worried about having your favourite pair of embroidery scissors confiscated at customs then these thread cutter pendants are a perfect solution! (I found this one online at Tanzee)
Travel boards
My newest addition to my bead accessories is this ThreadABead board which comes with a magnetic lid and its clever design means all your Delicas and seed beads will stay exactly where you leave them! I’ll definitely be taking this with me.
I also love my Ezel fold up board which I’ve had for years. It’s ideal on a plane or train as it fits perfectly on the fold down tray. I like that it has spaces to store the essentials for my current project and keeps it all in one place. Plus it has a slimline needle case.
I’m planning to take this (with my ThreadABead board inside) – plus it’s pink!
Kits & prep
I recommend making time to carefully prep your beads for your trip, to make sure you have absolutely everything you will need. (I once got on a plane to find I had everything I needed – except a needle! Arghhh!)
This is where kits are great as the planning is taken out of it, so if you’re rushing to pack then grab a kit and your bag of essentials and you’ll be good to go!
What to pack? Your bead kit essentials
- Needles – always check with your airline but generally most airlines are fine with beading needles being taken in hand luggage. At bead group this week we were discussing this and none of us has ever had a needle confiscated. It’s worth packing some extras in your suitcase though, just in case!
- Small scissors or thread cutter (the general rule is that it’s ok to take blades under 6cm but do check with your airline. I once had tiny rounded scissors from a first aid kit confiscated at customs in India).
- Several spools of thread in your most-used colours. One-G is good as it packs flatter than KO!
Anyone who has seen me at an event knows I struggle to pack light, and usually take the kitchen sink. So in addition to these, I like to throw in a few extras:
- Small portable beading light
- My A-Z letter bead boxes
- A tube of size 15s in silver and gold (they go with everything)
- A tape measure
- Beading (extra strength) glasses
- Fold up thread bin
- Bead scoop
- and a pen!
Shop kits for your holiday
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Crescent Mandala Kit
£30.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Jane Austen’s Pendant Kit
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Kajagoogoo Necklace Kit
£39.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page