Quiltingboard Forums

Quiltingboard Forums (https://www.quiltingboard.com/)
-   Main (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/)
-   -   How do you transport your machine when you travel? (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/how-do-you-transport-your-machine-when-you-travel-t117383.html)

snipper74 04-19-2011 03:44 PM

I have a brand new Bernina 440 QE which came with a rather skimpy and inconvenient carrying case. I have shoulder problems and need something with wheels. I've tried two pricy Bernina cases and really didn't like either. I like the Tutu (sp) but it costs even more. What do you use? Suggestions please.

TonnieLoree 04-19-2011 03:46 PM

A suitcase with wheels? There would be extra pockets for tools as well.

barb55 04-19-2011 03:48 PM

This is real heavy machine, I have one. So I'm going to witch this and see what other say.

Furza Flyin 04-19-2011 03:51 PM

I bought a rolling fold up box thing from Staples, on sale for 19.95. It comes with pockets on all 4 sides and has low center of gravity(sits close to ground) dosent tip over easy. Machine fits in it and room for extras around the machine, like fabric, thread and such. Will see if they still sell it and post pic if I can find it.

http://www.amazon.com/Cutting-Edge-U.../dp/B0013PW6P8

BellaBoo 04-19-2011 03:51 PM

I found out the expensive way a cheaper rolling case will not protect your expensive machine. I found a hard sided rolling case at a quilt shop, no brand name just a generic one, and it was costly compared to the other soft sided or padded ones. If you are transporting your machine a lot don't skimp on case protection.

RkayD 04-19-2011 03:53 PM

I would love to have a suitcase with wheels..but I really can't justify the price since my machine only goes outside the house when its being serviced. I pack it back in its original box. I did run across a blog somewhere out there where I was amazed to see someone made a custom case. She cut foam out of the shape of her machine..covered that with a silky fabric and off you go! I am amazed at the creativity of some people. =) Don't remember the blog...I wish I did.

Raggiemom 04-19-2011 03:58 PM

I bought a case on wheels at Joanns when it was 50% off. However, I don't transport my heavier machines. I bought a Janome AQS to use for classes.

suezquilts 04-19-2011 04:01 PM

When I carry my machine in the car, it is safely stuck behind the front seat. Snuggled in tightly. When I have traveled with a LA, (did this once) I buckled it in with many seatbelts!
Carrying my sewing machine is ok for me, but I would like to get a lighter one to travel with, I'm not old, but it is tough to haul those big ones around.

craftybear 04-19-2011 04:02 PM

I bought a set of suitcases on wheels from a quilt shop and use them, very sturdy and nice

Dina 04-19-2011 04:08 PM

I got mine from Overstock.com...or whatever it is called now. It was a pretty good price.

luvTooQuilt 04-19-2011 04:24 PM

Mine is just a sewing machine rolling bag.. Was a gift.. I like it but i dont trust 'potholes' or sidewalk cracks.. Don't think its protected enough, so Ill carry it over the 'bumpy' areas..

mic-pa 04-19-2011 04:32 PM

I went to Joann's an bought a case on wheels when they had a special, I think I paid $35.00 for it. I love it. Has all kinds of pockets etc for your extras. I also put my project in with the machine so the fabric gives it extra padding. My machine is a Janome 3500 so a little bigger than their smallest model but not as big as my Emb. machine.

quilter1943 04-19-2011 04:45 PM

My Pfaff came with a case that I buckle into a seat belt in the back seat. I think if you went to some luggage outlets (not sure where you're hiding) that you could find something. Just be sure it's secured in your vehicle in case you brake quickly, it won't go flying.

patchsamkim 04-19-2011 05:08 PM

I have a sewing machine case on wheels...it is plain black...no frills, but it works great, holds both my Bernina 1230 and my Brother...and it has several pockets on the outside to hold extra supplies...I have had it for many years...probably payed about $60.00 for it.

lheartsl 04-19-2011 05:10 PM

I have a case on wheels. I think from joins

purmela 04-19-2011 05:47 PM

I live in the hot desert-- must not leave FW or any thing else in the turned off car. Use case that came with it and put it in an ice chest on wheels with some cooler packs wrapped in towels. Seriously it can get over 160+ in the direct sun here.

Wine Woman 04-19-2011 06:05 PM

I too used to take my Bernina 440 QE with me to classes and weekends away. I was really nervous transporting it though. But when I did transport it I used the padded case it came with and bought a small luggage cart with wheels. It fit perfect and I just strapped it on and off I went.

Then I got hooked on FW's and now everywhere I go when it comes to sewing- it comes with me. I bought a rolling cart from Joann's and I really like it. I found I packed it too much and it was heavy getting it from the car. Then I was in trouble when it came to the stairs! Then I found a perfect bag at Cabella's that fits exactly what I need. It has lots of pockets and just enough space around my machine to put my project.

lclang 04-19-2011 07:47 PM

I have a Featherweight that I transport in a 12 can cooler bag, nicely oadded/insulated with expansion area on top and net pockets on three sides (on the outside). Purchased at Walmart fot under $14.00. If I decide that I need to take my pfaff, I have a hard cover for it and then strap it to a two wheeled luggage cart. These are also available to Walmart in the luggage department. Have not had any problems with either way to transport.

pjemark 04-19-2011 08:05 PM

My Bernina came with a heavily padded rolling carrying case. It is bulky and awkward and heavy but I use it bacause I think it protects the machine. So, I dropped my machine off to have it's yearly cleaning and they took it out of the case and sent the case back home with me. What a pain in the rear. So now I'm packing the darn case around in my work van because the sewing shop is 30 miles away and I want to have the case with me to pick it up immediatly when they call. (yea, I'm having withdrawals)

Elisabeth J 04-20-2011 03:05 AM

I know this sounds crazy but I bought an ice chest. the wheels are large, it can handle the weight it is hard sided and light weight. Plus when I show up everyone thinks I brought refreshments!! LOL

stitchofclass2 04-20-2011 03:27 AM

I have a special carrying case for sewing machines that I bought at least 7 years ago at Hancock's. It has wheels and an adjustable handle. It has at least 5 pockets and my machine fits in it (without its plastic cover) just fine. I travel back and forth to Wisconsin from Illinois at least twice a month and "where I go my Pfaff goes too". These bags came in all kinds of patterns and colors. I bought 2, one for my daughter and 1 for me. Love it. Good luck.

SandyMac 04-20-2011 04:05 AM

Bought a machine tote on wheels at walmart for 48.00 dollars and love it.

mar32428 04-20-2011 04:09 AM

I bought a two level case with wheels when they first came out. It was $65 but well worth it. The bottom case holds the machine and I stick a couple of styrafoam packing pieces on the sides for added protection.

The second case is the same size and sits on top. It buckles to the bottom case and can be removed. It's large enough to hold everything but a long ruler and a cutting mat. Had to rig something up for that. For an overnighter, there's room for PJ's and clean undies. It has held up well for several years and has gotten a lot of use.

sandyl 04-20-2011 04:24 AM

Tutto for my 440QE. And I also have the extra embroidery module so I purchased the embroidery bag also. It hooks to the top of the sewing machine tote when traveling. The Tutto is a very heavy duty, has pockets, and wheels that turn on a dime! Love my Tuttos.

quiltinggirl 04-20-2011 04:35 AM


Originally Posted by BellaBoo
I found out the expensive way a cheaper rolling case will not protect your expensive machine. I found a hard sided rolling case at a quilt shop, no brand name just a generic one, and it was costly compared to the other soft sided or padded ones. If you are transporting your machine a lot don't skimp on case protection.


I agree with BellaBoo! I decided to buy the rolling case for my Viking Sapphire 875Q at the time I purchased it. It was expensive but the dealer gave me 20% off. IMHO, buying the rolling case that fits your machine is the best way to go.

jhoward 04-20-2011 04:35 AM

Tuesday Mornings had a case on wheels, recently. It was resonable.

qbquilts 04-20-2011 04:41 AM

I have a rolling bag that I picked up at Joann's - it was one of their "Black Friday" specials one year. I've very rarely let it out of my hand when moving it - a few times someone's tried to be helpful and grab it for me :-(. The pull handle works great on flat surfaces, but I carry it with the canvas handles on the side up/down any steps and when on uneven surfaces.

Gayle 04-20-2011 04:46 AM

I have the same machine and purchased a case with wheels from JoAnn's. However, a friend of mine was having trouble with her computerized machine, Viking, and the repairman said those machines should not be routinely transported. He said the computer in the machine is delicate and those bumps can cause it to malfunction. I stopped transporting my machine except to take it for servicing. I was going to buy a smaller machine to take to our sewing circle, but it has disbanded so I never did. But if they ever start up again, I will buy a smaller machine to take with me.

Baloonatic 04-20-2011 04:57 AM

Until I can afford a Tutu, I use a wheeled crate from Office Max ~$30

mltquilt 04-20-2011 05:05 AM

I like my Tutto for my Bernina 150 and 200. If you watch Allbrands has them at a good price.

mltquilt

RV Quilter 04-20-2011 05:22 AM

I bought a Jeep diaper bag at Walmart for mine. It opens wide, is heavy duty fabric, nice handles, lots of pockets on outside and it was only $20.

juliea9967 04-20-2011 05:25 AM

Hey - this does look like a good idea.


Originally Posted by Furza Flyin
I bought a rolling fold up box thing from Staples, on sale for 19.95. It comes with pockets on all 4 sides and has low center of gravity(sits close to ground) dosent tip over easy. Machine fits in it and room for extras around the machine, like fabric, thread and such. Will see if they still sell it and post pic if I can find it.

http://www.amazon.com/Cutting-Edge-U.../dp/B0013PW6P8


Jeanniejo 04-20-2011 05:27 AM

I use a case with rollers made for machine transport at Joann's and used a 50% off coupon so it made the price reasonable. I think it's important to carry your machine in a well protected case so it doesn't slide around it it. My has velcro straps to hold it tight in the case.

Pam S 04-20-2011 05:31 AM


Originally Posted by sandyl
Tutto for my 440QE. And I also have the extra embroidery module so I purchased the embroidery bag also. It hooks to the top of the sewing machine tote when traveling. The Tutto is a very heavy duty, has pockets, and wheels that turn on a dime! Love my Tuttos.

I also have a Tutto for transporting my Brother 2002D with the embroidery bag too. Yes, they are pricey but so was the machine so I think the extra protection is worth it. Besides, the Tutto's have loads of pockets for all your extra stuff and they roll so much easier than the cheaper models.

LyndaK 04-20-2011 05:37 AM

I use a rolling tote and seat belt it in the back seat. My big machine is heavy too and the wheels do help. Realistically though, if I'm only going to be away for one class, or a weekend, I take a smaller machine. The big girl only goes if I'm away at a retreat longer than 3 days.

Sienna's GiGi 04-20-2011 05:41 AM

Crop-in-Style XXL Tote with wheels. Lots of pockets, sturdy and cheap.

brightstar_202 04-20-2011 05:56 AM

I used my 59% coupon and git the large one at Joanns and it holds it plus extra

brightstar_202 04-20-2011 05:56 AM

sorry it was a 50% coupon

GammaLou 04-20-2011 05:57 AM

I got a great deal on HSN on an extra large rolling tote along with two extra bags for mats and embroidery hoops, etc. I think the three pieces were about $150. Not bad compared to others I priced :thumbup:

Maggiesmom 04-20-2011 06:01 AM

My big Quatro came with a very nice sturdy, padded bag and an accessory bag that sits on top. I also have a nice little bag that came with my small travel machine. I strap them in when I drive somewhere.


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 03:05 AM.