1. Plan before you go
Choose a small practice piece, gather the thread and needle you need, and keep the pattern or book with the project. Save a larger project for when you have more space.
Hobbies for the road
Make room for a quiet project between the miles. These sashiko books, stitching supplies and flower presses offer a starting point for unhurried afternoons at camp, rainy days in the camper, and small creative moments along the way.
Explore the hobby collection ↓Start small
You do not need to pack an entire craft room. Choose one pattern and a small piece of fabric, then keep the supplies together so it is easy to start and easy to put away.
Choose a small practice piece, gather the thread and needle you need, and keep the pattern or book with the project. Save a larger project for when you have more space.
Work while parked, with good light and a steady surface. Try a short session and give yourself time to become familiar with the instructions in your book or kit.
Count your needles, close the needle case, cover the scissors and tuck loose thread away. Keep sharp tools out of reach of children and pets before you travel.
The hobby collection
Books for inspiration. Simple supplies for getting started.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Check each listing for current contents and details. The two stencil ideas below feature the same product. Product images show the linked listings; check the selected option before ordering.
Sashiko 365 by Susan Briscoe offers a collection of patterns to explore a little at a time. Choose a small swatch as a manageable project for your next stop.
Road idea: pack one small swatch rather than a whole quilt.
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The Ultimate Sashiko Sourcebook by Susan Briscoe brings techniques, patterns and project ideas together. Keep a reference nearby as you plan and practice.
Road idea: choose your pattern before leaving home.
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Use a reusable stencil to plan a design on your fabric before stitching. A small practice square is a useful place to try your marker and thread.
Try your fabric marker on a scrap first and follow its removal instructions.
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Use the stencil set for a different project idea: adding a stitched design to a plain fabric tote. This is the same stencil product shown above, with a different pin and affiliate link.
Keep the bag opening and handles clear of your stitching area.
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Explore a sashiko starter kit for gathering thread, needles and pattern-making supplies. Check the listing for current contents and add suitable fabric for your project.
Store needles in a closed case and scissors with their blades covered.
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Bring flowing wave designs to your next fabric project. This reusable PET stencil set includes four patterns in two square sizes: approximately 5.5 and 8.7 inches, for eight templates in total.
Road idea: choose one wave design for a small fabric sampler. Test your marking tool on a scrap before tracing your project, and pack the templates flat.
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A wooden flower press with a central screw mechanism and six pressing layers. The listed 10 × 6-inch size offers a smaller option for a travel craft collection.
Use flowers from your own garden or purchased blooms. Follow the included pressing instructions and allow space to store the press securely.
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A 17 × 11.8-inch wooden press with five layers, blotting papers and storage boxes for dried flowers. Consider this larger option when your project needs more workspace.
Measure your camper storage space before ordering. Keep dried materials protected and follow the kit’s guidance for different flowers.
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A compact flower press designed for microwave use, with reusable absorbent cloth and felt. Explore small pressed-flower projects such as cards and bookmarks.
Use only as directed by the manufacturer with a suitable microwave. Follow the specified heating and cooling instructions; this is a different method from a wooden screw press.
View on Amazon ↗Your travel craft pouch
Before marking your main fabric, try the tool on a scrap and check how the marks are removed. Follow the instructions supplied with your fabric, pattern and tools.
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