sewing machine case
 

Am new to this forum & quilting! Anyone have a recommendation for sewing machine cases? Should I get a rolling one or carry? Someone told me the rolling one may affect the sewing machine due to vibration. Thanks for your help!

yes, but what happens when you drop one because you loose your grip, trip, its too heavy, someone bumps into you etc

I think it depends on your machine. If you have a computerized machine, the vibration may bother it. But if you have a simpler machine that you will be carrying a rolling case is great. You will have room to put rulers, a small mat and accessories

Welcome from MI. How are you going to use the case? To & from the car, on a plane? What all do you want to carry? Just the machine, or additional items? I've never heard of vibrations caused by using a wheeled case, but I agree with the poster who mentioned accidently dropping it! A Tutto machine case is the top of the line. Very well made. I would also check with your machine dealer. Some brands have totes that are custom made for your model, which is what I have. A friend has a compact machine. She took its measurements and just purchased a hard sided wheeled suitcase.

I also have never heard the line about vibration hurting the machine. I kind of laugh at that one. How do they think machines get from the factory to the store. There are generally trucks, trains, and boats involved! I do agree that the OP needs to think about where she will be taking the machine and what she wants to take with it. My favorite "case" is actually a plastic tote that I put on a rolling cart. For a number of years I haued my machine to a sewing group every two weeks, rain or snow, carrying fabric and notions. I used the fabric to pad the machine, and the tote kept my machine out of the muck. I would have a different answer if I travelled with my machine on airplanes though.

Pam

I have 2 rolling cases. When I bought my Janome MC6600P from a LQS I bought the recommended rolling case -a large Tutto case. Figured they would not sell them if they were not good for the machines. And my other one is one I got at Joann's. It was on clearance AND they let me use a 50% off coupon, so it cost about $20.00. And it has been going strong for over 5 years ago. I use it for my FW and my small traveling machine.

Neither is built to go tumbling down a flight of stairs but there are straps in them to secure the machines from moving about. And you can pad them with cushions if you want to protect your machine more, but I don't.

What a great question. I don't take my sewing machine out of the house any more unless it is for servicing. Welcome to the board.

Sounds to me like something a salesman would say about the competitors product! From a car to a building....vibrations....damage... I don't think so. I bought two from JAF on sale...love them...

If someone's concerned about vibration from rolling....try Styrofoam on the bottom to soften the bounce.

I use a rolling bag for a vintage Singer and have plenty of room for other items in the tote. I don't worry about vibration.

Nancy

I have a carry case for a lightweight machine and I wish it was a rolling case. I pack it up with other stuff other than the machine like cutters, templates ect. I have ladies I sew with that have to get someone else to get it in and out of their car. I don't think its a good idea to take the computerized ones to classes. It seems like a big risk for an expensive machine.

I have all kinds of machine cases. Some came with the past machines, some I bought, and some given to me. I would say buy a rolling and a non rolling one. Each has it's own use.

I have a sewing machine case on wheels I got from Hancock's when they were here on sale. I also have a less expensive case without wheels. I don't belong to a guild but wanted the cases to be able to tote and move if need be. the case Ihave is a little large so I use small scatter rugs (heavy) for extra protection.

It seems to me that the main thing is to get a case that is sturdy enough to handle the weight of the sewing machine you have. That may mean you need a specialized case if you've got one of the large modern computerized machines. Or you may be able to get away with a rolling craft tote or suitcase if you've got something smaller.

Rob
<object type="cosymantecnisbfw" cotype="cs" id="SILOBFWOBJECTID" style="width: 0px; height: 0px; display: block;"></object>

when taking mine in to be serviced, i just put the hard case top over it. slips over. then seat belt it in the car. Now if you want a rolling one, i have one available after I move this summer. I doubt i will ever use it. But i will be in Texas (hopefully).

I bought my DD one from JA. smallish not expensive for her machine. She traveled quite a bit with it. It has straps to fasten machine in then she packed clothes, fabric etc around it. She would check the machine case and go. Little case crossed the country many times. She still has it, still in good shape.

Thanks everyone for your replies! My machine is a computerized one, so i'll keep your advice in mind as well as how i'm going to use it. I'm excited to get started, and I know I'll be posting questions to this forum as I go along!

I put my. Bernina in a bernina trolley bag. Vibration no trouble. Then one day the trolley was in the boot of my car when I did an emergency stop ( I could have run over boy rushing out of a side street without looking) when I got to class and took my machine out of the trolley the back had been pushed over the top. Luckily a local shop had a handy man who put it right. Since then my machine travels behind the drivers seat and is far more secure than in the boot.

I have a rolling case for my machine that I bought about 15 years ago. I have a computerized machine and have never had problems. I can't imagine that the vibration would hurt the machine unless you are planning to roll it around for 3 or 4 hours. Machines vibrate when they are used and that doesn't hurt them. I only use mine to take the machine up and down stairs and to the car. It works great.

considering how the machine vibrates while stitching out a design, I would doubt the vibration from wheels would do much. Sounds to me like they were trying to pitch their products

I was taught by the sewing machine repair guy to always put the need down when transporting a sewing machine.

I love my rolling 4-wheel Tutto bag. I like the smooth casters and the ability to load and unload it from the car just by grabbing it by the bottom frame. It is sturdy. It does not strain my arms like carrying the machine by itself. I hated my 2 wheel rolling case. Too cumbersome. I travel with my Janome 3050. My big machine stays home. Yes, they are pricey but the investment is worth it.

Sandy

Remember even with a rolling case you still have to be able to pick it all up to take it in and out of the car. I have mine in a bag and use a rolling cart. Yes, I have to put it on and off the cart but it is easier for me to lift the whole assembly in pieces than if I had to lift it all together like you do with the rolling machine cases.

I have a Tutto for my computerized machine and I have never had any issues with vibrations hurting my machine. Hope it helps.

I had rolling ones but got too heavy to lift in and out of the vehicle. I bought a garden cart at Costco and fill it up with my traveling machine and all the equipment. I roll it out the door. Unload into car. Drive to classes. Load back in cart and roll into class. This only works if you don't have stairs. I use this in Arizona but not in North Dakota. The extra equipment is also in totes so I am only lifting about 3 things in and out of the cart.

When I purchased my Singer 2662 portable, I put it behind the driver seat and strapped it in with the seat belt.Glad I did. I was rearended and some old glass vases headed for the thrift store all broke. I was able to get out and grab mypurse, phone and sewing machine before it burst into flames. At least I got the essentials out and slightly pulled back muscle. Btu the machine was saved.

I bought a cooler last night for transporting my hand crank when we go fishing. It will also serve as my seat so all I need to take along is the folding wooden TV tray..

Welcome from AZ. As you will soon see for every question, you will find 100 answers LOL. And as with most issues, do what works for you. While attending classes, I've seen a lot, if not all, variations of transport. From fancy $3 or 400 cases to milk crates zip tied to folding hand carts. If you are rolling your machine hundreds of yards to get to where you are going (plane), use a well padded container, if you are parked in front of the shop, usually no cart is needed, depending on your physical condition. You will see the statement "your quilt, your rules" multiple times on the Board. It applies to most questions, just use the answers as a general guideline.

Years ago I purchased a a rolling cart that was for shopping I guess. I lined it with fabric. It holds my machine and all my notions. I bought it at Target 25 years ago. Now, the same cart has wheels which you can use to climb the stairs. With the pockets, etc., I have put on my liner, many people have offered to buy it.

I only take my Featherweight or Bernina 1020 from home. My computerized Bernina never goes out except for service. Having said that, I do have 2 Bernina rolling totes (from an estate sale, yeah!) and one from JA bought with a coupon. I agree with previous advice regarding travel mode, etc. There are lots to choose from. I was considering buying a Tutoo before my estate sale purchases. The Bernina cases are well designed and very well padded although a bit heavy when loaded with machine, tools, and fabric.

I too have a Tutto. I love it. I put my machine in it and away we go. I just make sure the machine is strapped in good. I travel all over with it.

My machine has the case that came with it, and I use a folding dolly to roll it to the car. Then I make sure its seatbelt is fastened -- tipping over has caused more damage than rolling.

Definitely the rolling one. I have two, one for my machine and one for extra fabric and projects that I take on getaways. How much rolling are you going to do, out to the car, into a building. I've been using a rolling machine case for years and have never had a problem and I've never heard of anyone else having a problem too.

***
*** Hi! Y'all from the upstate of South Carolina.
***

I love my Tuttos. Just make sure you get the right size. I found the Serger case was perfect for my FW case. I can put my FW, my accessory case (i.e. holds extra bobbins, cleaning supplies, etc.), and even my Omnigrid case that holds my rotating mat, rotary cutter, and a small scissor. I can also fit in a small project if it's in a project bag.

I have the XL for my Janome 8900, but that is mainly to take it in for servicing. I still have to see which Tutto works best for my 301.

I use rolling soft sided coolers I find at thrift stores. They are as well padded(if not more so) as a sewing machine case and much less expensive. The last one I bought was $5.00 at Goodwill and in perfect condition.

Cari