It would depend on the size. My Ruby I couldn't afford to buy both the arm tote and the machine tote so I just got the are tote so that it was protected. Then I traded it in for the Diamond Deluxe and got the new luggage with it and it also came with an arm tote so that just sits in the closet; I'd love to sell it. If the machine is small enough you might be able to get away with one of the totes from Hancocks or Joanns. I'd make sure though that it had the double carrying straps on it along with the extendable handle. My first one didn't and it was hard to carry on the stairs. They have them on sale alot plus coupons. I'd at least make sure the arm is protected because most machines come with a hard shell. For my Ruby I got a luggage carrying rack to strap it and the arm tote to that made it easier to get into the store, etc. I know the totes are expensive, but for most, compare it to what you paid for your machine and how much it'd cost to replace or repair if if it got dropped. At home I leave it all together because I can park the arm out of the way. The only time it comes off is if I'm doing something that I need to use bed of the machine for like arm holes or quilting