Traveling with a Sewing Machine

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NSC Question

Hello! I hope you can help me. I will be traveling soon (flying abroad) and I would like to take my sewing machine with me. Should I keep it in hand luggage? What do others do when flying with their machines? Any tips would be great. Thank you!

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NSC Answer

This is a great question. I would recommend traveling with your sewing machine as carry-on luggage, as that would be safer than checking it and risking it being dropped or roughly handled. There are many different varieties of carrying cases that you can purchase, many of which are hard sided and come on rollers. (Here are some good ones.) If you plan on getting one of those just make sure that it fits the dimensions of standard carry-on luggage.

I also recommend removing anything that could potentially be an issue with security, as they will most likely make you open the case and show them the machine – this could include needles, scissors, snips, screwdrivers, and other tools. All of these should be packed in another bag and checked.

Hope this helps! And happy traveling!

Ashley



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Discussion
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8 Responses to “Traveling with a Sewing Machine”
  1. Joanie

    I have a friend moving back to Australia and wants to take her babylock. Will a grounded international adapter plug work to enable her to use her machine?

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hi,

      I have to admit that I do not know about using your machine in another country. I believe an adapter plug would work however you may want to contact the sewing machine manufacturer to ensure nothing other than an adapter is required.

      Cheers!

      Reply
      • Anita

        I have a sewing machine that I took to France and I use an adapter to plug in. It works OK.

        Reply
    • Jenny

      If the voltage is different – i.e. 130 in the US versus 240v in Australia – then she will need a transformer which transforms the voltage. An adaptor plug will not do this.

      Reply
  2. Teresa E

    I would like to know the best way to hem or sew T-Shirt material I can never get an even stitch and when I’m done sewing if the material is stretched the stitching (hem) brakes.

    Reply
    • National Sewing Circle

      Hi,
      When sewing with stretchy fabrics such as t-shirt material it is always best to use a jersey, stretch or ball point needle. This can help with your stitch quality. Also using a stretch stitch on your machine will give you a nice hem that should not break. Another tip that can help ensure your hems do not break is to use a polyester thread, as opposed to cotton, as it has a slight stretch to it.

      Hope this helps!
      Cheers,
      Ashley

      Reply
  3. Judy

    I wold like to know the ratio of elastic to a waist when the application used is a serger. Specifically leggings for children. Thank you.

    Reply