The Crocheter's Road Trip Bag Checklist

As a crocheter, I bring my current wips (works in progress) almost anywhere I can.  Usually it's quick trips while my kids are at their sports, or just being able to do a few rows while I'm waiting to pick them up from school.  Those trips do not require much thinking though, because if I forgot something, I'd be back home within the hour usually.

Taking long road trips are another story.  I check my stash over and over again to make sure I have everything I'll need.  My husband does the driving, so I have plenty of time in the passenger seat to crochet.  Well, in between making sure the kids are entertained enough.  Our trips are usually to go to visit my husband's grandmother, who lives about 8 hours away.  That's a long trip, and you better believe I'm going to take advantage of all that time sitting there to get some inventory completed.  

I thought other crocheters, like myself, could benefit from a handy checklist, in order to make sure your not stranded, in the car, with projects that you can't work on, because of that one item you forgot!

There really is no particular order to this list, but all are equally important, because without one, you won't be able to get too far.  

1.  A Bag - You'll need something to carry everything in.  While I tend to just use bags by the company 31, I really have my eye on one of these Lilly Bloom Rolling bags.  It's great because it has lots of different storage areas to put all our small tools, as well as finished products.  It also has a big open space to put all of the skeins of yarn that you may need!  

2. Crochet hooks - Instead of just bringing the one you need, I suggest you bring the whole set!  I don't know how many times I thought I had the right one, but didn't.  Instead, bring them all, and then if you start a new project you'll have the right one! 

3.  Scissors - Obviously, you'll need your scissors to cut and change yarn, or to tie off your projects.  Whatever the reason, there will definitely BE a reason that you'll need these.  

4.  Crochet Sewing Needle - You'll need these to tie in all of those ends that we all just love!  I personally prefer the metal ones to the plastic, because I tend to break the plastic.  Whichever you choose, just make sure you have some with you! 

5.  Stitch Markers - If you're like me, I tend to lose count of my rows quickly.  Add kids being stuck in the car into that equation, and I will probably lose count more than I'd like to admit.  Therefore, stitch counters are always a good idea, so I don't have to go back and find my starting row to count.  

6.  Measuring tape - Just a simple measuring tape will do.  A lot of patterns call for a certain size, and if you have the wrong gauge, you can make sure you are on track by measuring your work.  

***Side note*** My husband bought me a great set one year that has #2-#6 all included in a nice little carrying case.  You can find it here

7.  Tags - If you are making items in different sizes, I highly suggest getting some tags, and marking them when you finish.  You don't want to get home and forget which size is which, and have to do the tedious task of counting to figure it out! 

8.  Pattern - Don't forget to print out the pattern(s) you are working on!  You can always check from your phone, but I find that either my kids take it, its being used for maps, or the power is low, so it may not always be handy!  

9.  Yarn - This one is a no brainer, but I wouldn't have a complete list if I didn't mention it.  Bring all the yarn you think you may use. Heck, bring more, you can always stash it in the back of the car! 

That's it.  Of course you'll need to add any accessories you plan to add, buttons yarn etc, but for the most part, this list should cover everything you'll need.  Is there something that you like to make sure you have in your Crocheter's Road Trip Bag?