How to transport a sewing machine in a car?

If you happen to travel either by air or by road with your portable sewing machine, here are a few tips for you.

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Well, you will not always be traveling with your portable machine, but chances are that you will want to travel with it on vacation or bring it home once you buy it. Here, you must have some advanced planning.

Remember, sewing machines too can get damaged as you carry them from one place to another that’s why we have decided to share these helpful tips to help you travel safely with your portable sewing machine.

Method of Transportation

No matter what mode of transport you will want to use, you will have to prepare your sewing machine so that it does not get damaged. Some people will want to travel by road and some will want to take their sewing machine with them when on an airplane. Either method is just perfect but traveling by car is easy and simple as you will just put the sewing machine at the back seat where it will not feel the bumps on the road.

When it comes to traveling on an airplane, you will have to ask the airline you are traveling with if your portable sewing machine can be carried as carry-on baggage or it must be passed through checks. Most of the portable machines can be carried like carry-on baggage since they are small and can fit with the dimension limits, but you must ensure to pack it securely in its box.

How to Pack Your Portable Sewing Machine Securely for Safe Transport

You want to prepare your portable sewing machine and pack it well so that you travel safely with it. These tips will help you.

• Prepare the Machine by putting your presser foot down and ensure to place a piece of cloth in between the foot and feed dogs. This will keep it safe from scratches which could be caused by foot movement. Ensure to fold all your spools and bobbins separately. Also, ensure to pack the needle so that it does not break.
• If you still have to box you bought the machine with, pack your portable sewing machine inside the box. Insert some foam, fabric, or padding around the machine to prevent it from breaking in case it falls over on its sides. This will also prevent bouncing and friction. Place the sewing machine at the back seat or set it on the floor behind the front seat.

You could also pack the sewing machine inside a plastic bag to prevent it from coming into contact with water in case it rains or in case there some leakages. You just need to do all your best to ensure the machine does not bang around or shift from one side to another inside the box.

• If you wish to travel on an airplane, then you will need to pack your portable sewing machine as carry-on baggage. This is because a portable sewing machine is small in size.
• Put your sewing machine back to its original foam and box. However, you must ensure the box meets the required the dimensions for carry-on baggage. But you could also wrap your portable sewing machine in a sheet with tape.

Equally, ensure to place padding, fabric or pillows on it sides of the machine and secure tape the box to close it. This is to prevent the machine from falling on either side.

The most important thing you should never forget when traveling with your portable sewing machine is the padding since it helps to prevent the machine from vibration or bouncing. Since the original box you bought the machine with is padded, it would be the best to pack your machine securely as airline carry-on baggage. Remember to carry with you the power cord, spare needles, thread, and all the sewing essentials.

How to Choose a Portable Sewing Machine

During the summer, most people prefer to spend time outdoors, traveling and visiting family members. During this time, you may not want to leave your sewing machine behind. Remember, sewing can be done anywhere at any time, so carrying your portable sewing machine could be the best thing you can do.

Portable sewing machines are usually lightweight and can handle basic sewing projects quite efficiently with less or no vibration. Oftentimes, portable sewing machines are mostly used by people with little knowledge of sewing and leaners who will want to carry the machine during their sewing classes.

These machines also occupy a small space and can be placed in a corner. They are designed with very easy to understand and use features and are ideal for new users.

So how do you choose a portable sewing machine?

First things first: Start by shopping around online first. This way you will get a good idea of the types of portable sewing machines and their cost as well. Remember, if you decide to buy from your local shop, the salesperson will encourage you to buy the most costly one not because it is the best for you, but because they want to earn the commission from your purchase.

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Will the budget allow you to buy a portable sewing machine or you will have to make some adjustments so that your budget matches the price of the machine? This is an important question you need to answer as it will affect your buying decision in end.

When it comes to portability, the size and weight of the sewing machine play an important part. You must ensure the machine you buy will fit the size of your room or the corner of your office.

Well, there are so many portable sewing machines out there and so you need to choose one that is designed with excellent features and a powerful motor.

The efficiency of the portable sewing machine you want to buy should also an important factor to consider. Find out whether the machine is capable of handling and completing the sewing project at hand. In this case, the machine should be capable of dealing with tougher fabrics excellently and it should be much fast.

If you’re getting ready to embark on a sewing retreat across the country or just a quick trip for a sewing class down the street, you’ll want to brush up on these quick tips on how to travel with your sewing machine successfully!

It’s a little overwhelming when you first start to navigate the big move… but I promise, you’ll be an expert in no time!

Before you leave home:

1. Put your presser foot down on a piece of fabric.  To protect your presser foot and ensure machine stability during shipping or just general bumps of the travel process, keep it in the down position on a piece of fabric. The piece of fabric in between is to make sure that your feed dogs do not scratch up your presser foot and prevent any damage due to bumps or other transportation issues.
   
   Removing the presser foot is an option, but I’ve seen women accidentally show up to a class without a presser foot! woops… That pretty much kills the sewing day, even if your machine did make it safely. Keeping the foot attached and in one piece lessens the opportunity for something to get separated or lost.
   
2. Don’t travel with your needle down.  Just in case you hit a bump, it’s better not to have that needle down near your bobbin case.
   
3. Box it up!  If you’re flying, it’s preferable to re-pack your machine in the original foam and box. The styrofoam is specially formed to fit around your machine and protect it during shipping. it is meant to be supportive and protective. If you’re brave, you can even check your sewing machine in its original box instead of carrying it on.
   
   If you do not have the original box, definitely opt for the hardshell case or look for an aftermarket bag that is specifically for traveling with a sewing machine.
   
4. Car seatbelts for travel! When you’re going across town or taking a driving trip, it’s important to make sure your machine is secure. It could be beneficial to invest in a trolley case and place the machine either on the floor of your car or securely strapped down in the backseat so that nothing can tip over while driving.
   
   Make sure to cushion it with fabric (no sharp scissors sticking out to accidentally slice your car seats!) for an extra layer of protection. That way, when you arrive at your destination, everything will be exactly as you left it – safe and sound. 
   
   Another note is to safely cover any computer screens with a soft cloth to prevent any rubbing or scratches during travel.
   
5. The Smart/Easy Way! For easy carrying and less lugging of heavy machine parts… it’s a really good idea to have a trolley or rolling cart for your machine. I’ve seen women DIY all kinds of contraptions from foldable wagons to luggage! This protects your machine from bumps and other things but also is less stressful on your ability to safely carry your machine.
   
6. Don’t forget your power cord!  This is very important- Obviously, your machine won’t work without it, but it is one of the most common items forgotten!
   
   This goes for extra bobbins and a bobbin case too.
   
7. Should you carry on when traveling by plane? In short… this is a session that you have to make. There is the benefit of knowing that you’re the only one handling your machine and you don’t have to worry about seeing it tumble down the luggage rack at baggage claim in a few pieces… but you also have the be the muscle that carries it through the airport and keeps tabs on it while traveling.
   
   People who travel with their sewing machines and do carry-on store their machines in the overhead luggage compartment. You may need to scout out a tall, handsome stranger to help you load it overhead, but it is the safest place for your machine if you don’t end up with an empty seat next to you.

Usually, when you’re meeting up with a group of quilters… everyone will understand a few forgotten items! You may be close enough to a quilt shop to replace what you need quickly and not lose too much sewing time… or another quilter will lend you the item you forgot if she has an extra.

When you get to your second location:

1. Ask for help You’ve already schlept your machine through multiple locations and loaded and unloaded it multiple times. Others available will be happy to help you remove your sewing machine and help you get settled.
   
   Everyone would much rather chip in and help than have you make it this far, struggle and end up with a loud crack as your machine tumbles out of the car at the doorstep of your destination…
   
2. Set up your space and re-thread your machine.  Before you jump into your projects and get on your sewing buzz… do a good once over on your machine and your supplies. Make sure it all made it with you. You’ll also want to give a good once-over to your machine and threads. You may have left with it threaded correctly, but any travel trip is bound to jiggle things more and bounce things out of place slightly. Check your tension and thread for any tangles.
   
3. Uh oh… You Forgot____ Really? after all that planning, list checking and thinking about what you needed to bring, and you STILL forgot something?
   
   It’s ok. It really is. We all realize how easily someone can make a quick mistake with so much to pack and bring with you. The only sewers who never ever forget something are people who travel with their machines often or they are very big type A people who have it down to a science because they’ve stressed about it already.
   
   You can check the area to see if there are any quilt shops nearby that you can pop into quickly (likely, as most retreats and classes are hosted close to quilt shops). You can ask around to see if anyone has an extra you could borrow (and then make sure you return it after use). Or you can check with the retreat host or class instructor to see if they an assist or come up with an alternative solution with you.

Tips for traveling through airport security

It is always wise to check the TSA website prior to traveling with anything unfamiliar just to lessen the stress and hassle while you’re standing in line and feeling the prying eyes of those behind you…. ugh… the stress!

Essentially, with my experience, I’ve discovered that small hand-sewing needles are fine to travel with in a sewing kit.

Scissors should be in your checked baggage unless they are shorter than 4 inches – embroidery scissors are ok.

If you do happen to need to travel by air with your machine, here are a few tips:

1. Take the lightest machine you own (only because it’ll be easier for you to carry through the airport. Most airlines don’t weigh carry-on bags). You may be tempted to take your beautiful big sewing machine, but a trip through a large airport will take a lot of strength out of your sewing arms!
   
2. Be patient as you travel. (Actually, that’s just a good rule in general.) It is easy to forget that your stressful day traveling is only really your problem. The TSA officers are just doing their jobs and sometimes they have different interpretations of what is or is not allowed. Also regulations change from time to time and while they may seem like they’re just being difficult… their number one priority should be to keep other travelers safe – no matter how non-threatening you look in your crocheted sweater!
   
3. Your sewing machine is best stored as a carry-on item in the upper luggage compartment on the airplane. Look for someone who can help you lift it up there if you are unable.
   
4. Check into a rolling cart or storage bag for your sewing machine. I like the ones down below.

Congratulations! Now that you have prepared and reviewed what is necessary to take your sewing machine on the road, you are set for an exciting adventure. Your diligent commitment to making sure it is safely packaged and ready for transport will give you peace of mind as you travel with confidence.

The satisfaction of knowing that all components of the packing process have been taken care of will allow you to enjoy every moment of your sewing retreat. Don’t forget to take some time for yourself to reflect and savor your creative processes. Remember, this journey isn’t just about results but about experiences too! Once again good luck in your journey, if ever in doubt look at this blog post as a reference guide along the way!

Also, leave a comment below if you have any other thoughts or suggestions….happy travels!

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