A TikTok video posted by Brittany, known on the platform as @brittstitches, has sparked a heated discussion after a flight attendant asked her to put away her knitting needles. What happened was shared with her followers, highlighting a disagreement between passenger freedoms and flight care authority.
In the viral video, Brittany showed her backpack on the floor next to her seat with her knitting project, an unfinished sock – diligently packed inside. The overlaid text read, “Staring at my knitting in jail because the flight attendant told me to put it away after telling me to ‘think about if I would really want to be holding needles if there was an emergency.” The post was captioned “This was a first, was hoping to finish knitting my sock on this flight, but guess it will have to wait.”
The video quickly gained traction, generating thousands of views and comments. Viewers pointed out the inconsistencies in the logic behind this while other potentially dangerous items are permitted onboard. “By that logic, no one should have anything in their hands during an emergency,” one user wrote. “They serve boiling beverages and meals on lap trays, which is a risk even without an emergency,” added another.
@brittstitches this was a first, was hoping to finish knitting my sock on this flight but guess it will have to wait #knitting #knittok #knittersoftiktok #knittingtiktok #knittingprojects #knittingwip #sockknitting #crazysocklady #vanillasocks #vanillasockson9incirculars #knittingonthego #knittingonaplane #travelknitting ♬ original sound – estwne
Brittany explained in the comments that she complied with the request although she was frustrated. “Knitting needles are allowed per TSA’s website, but I wasn’t going to put up a fight. If she wasn’t comfortable with the needles, that’s fine, but I didn’t appreciate her condescending approach,” she wrote. The TikToker felt it was acceptable if the flight attendant was uneasy about needles but she disliked “her condescending approach.”
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) permits knitting needles in both carry-on and checked baggage, stating on their website that they do not pose a security threat. This information pushed the debate further, with some viewers arguing that Brittany should have challenged the flight attendant’s request. “Unless there’s a rule against it, I’d keep knitting. TSA clearly didn’t have an issue,” one user commented.
Great question! Knitting needles are allowed in carry-on bags. Please visit: https://t.co/UCRGI6SlJb
— AskTSA (@AskTSA) April 16, 2025
While TSA guidelines are clear, airlines and crew members may impose stricter rules based on safety concerns or personal judgment. For example, some commenters took the flight attendant’s side, arguing that pointed objects could become hazardous in turbulent conditions. “If the plane jerks and you’re holding needles near your face, you might have a worse day than everyone else,” one user wrote.
Other knitters shared stories, with some reporting no issues bringing knitting needles on flights. “I bring small plastic knitting needles and work on small projects. I’ve always had nice interactions with flight attendants,” one commenter noted.
