Most sewing fanatics attend classes or join a sewing club which means finding a way to get your sewing machine bag, toolkit and projects from home to venue. Your machine might have come with its own hard case or cover but a trolley or a padded bag to protect your machine, equipment or both is even more practical. Some factors to consider are:
- portability;
- capacity and expandability;
- functionality – ease of packing and unpacking including usability, shape and layout;
- durability;
- security; and
- style and design.
If you make the right choice at the beginning, you will have a practical solution that should last for many years.
Portability – moving your sewing machine and tools around
When choosing a sewing machine bag and toolkit, portability is one of the most critical factors. If you are going to attend sewing classes, workshops, sewing meetups or are taking your machine to a technician for a service, having equipment that maximises portability makes a significant difference in convenience and comfort.
Remember you are often not just moving your sewing machine. You are likely to need sewing tools such as fabric scissors, measuring tape, tailor’s chalk, pins, needles, thread, bobbins and many other handy gadgets. You may also carry bulkier items like fabric and patterns.
Portability can also mean being adaptable. Some sewists may want a larger bag for transporting more extensive projects but still need a smaller option for quick trips.
A well-balanced sewing bag with padded shoulder straps or handles can make carrying your machine and supplies more comfortable, especially over long distances.
When your toolkit or sewing machine bag is fully loaded, the distribution of weight becomes important, especially if you’ll be carrying it around. A bag that’s too large may become cumbersome or heavy, causing discomfort in your arms, shoulders or back. Look for options that balance size with portability, ensuring that even when full, the bag won’t strain your hands or shoulders.
A rolling sewing tote with a retractable handle (similar to bags you take on a plane) is an excellent option that can ease pain and strain on the shoulders or back. Many people put their sewing machine in a rolling tote or strap it to a trolley. If the trolley can accommodate the toolkit as well as sewing machine, projects and patterns, that is a bonus and saves time making multiple trips to the car and back for the various bags.
Having tools separate to your sewing machine when on the move will protect them and the machine. It will keep your machine from getting scratched or vital pieces like the needle shank or the spool holder from being broken or bent. If you regularly take your tools with you, look for a bag or toolkit that is lightweight but still sturdy enough to protect your tools.
Capacity – the expandable sewing kit
I’ve seen sewing friends arrive at classes with multiple bags and boxes carrying their equipment.
I have been known to pack my iron and ironing board in the car to take on a long weekend sewing retreat.
For sewing adventures like this or if you’re primarily working away from home, a bigger sewing kit makes sense. Larger toolboxes often come with multiple compartments or trays, helping to keep everything neatly organised.
Keep in mind, you don’t have to take everything with you when you leave your sewing space.
If you only occasionally take your sewing things away from home, then you may not need a very big sewing kit (and you probably won’t need to take your ironing board)! In fact, you might be able to take only the few things you know you will need. You could put them in a pouch or small bag inside your project bag or sewing machine bag so everything is together.
It is not just frequency of occasions you sew away from home that might dictate how big a sewing kit you buy but how long your sewing sessions are and the type and number of projects you intend to work on.
Keep in mind that overstuffing a toolbox or bag can make it difficult to find what you need. Ideally, your storage solution should also allow for easy access to frequently used tools so you can stay productive and focused on your projects.
It is important to look after your tools and not squash them into spaces they don’t fit because they might get damaged or worse, they could fall out and get lost. Sewing tools are too valuable to risk this happening.
Think about how your sewing toolkit might grow over time. As you become more experienced, you may accumulate additional tools like specialty scissors, multiple thread spools and bobbins or even sewing machine attachments. Opt for a storage solution with extra capacity or flexible compartments to ensure you won’t need to replace your sewing machine bag or toolkit as your collection expands.
Consider investing in bags that offer expandable features or those with detachable sections, allowing you to customize the size based on your current needs. This adaptability can enhance your overall sewing experience, ensuring you’re always prepared for various situations.
Useability – easily find your tools in your sewing kit
Look for tool boxes or bags that allow for quick packing and unpacking. It’s a bit awkward when everyone has left the sewing class and you’re the only one left packing all your bits and pieces into various bags or boxes.
Bags with wide openings, sturdy zippers or magnetic closures can make it easier to get organised. Some bags also feature specific tool slots or elastic bands to keep items in place, minimising the time spent setting up or cleaning up after a sewing session. A well-designed toolbox or bag will have different-sized compartments or adjustable dividers, allowing you to organize your tools efficiently. Get to know your toolkit and where things are kept because these features allow you to quickly grab what you need without rummaging through the entire bag, making your workflow smoother, especially in environments where you may need to set up and pack away quickly.
Larger tools like fabric shears and rulers should fit comfortably without crowding smaller items like pins and needles. Look for cases with a mix of small and large sections or expandable trays to accommodate your diverse toolset without clutter.
Consider the overall shape and layout of the bag or toolbox. A compact but deep storage box might have plenty of capacity but if the compartments are too deep, you may find it difficult to retrieve smaller items and if tools are loose on the bottom of a compartment, it might mean the top becomes unutilised space. It could also make the sewing kit rattle when you move it and a rattle can be annoying, especially if travelling a long distance with your sewing kit in the car. A well-organised layout, with easily accessible pockets and trays, can save time and reduce frustration during your sewing projects.
Security – keep your sewing kit safe
When purchasing a sewing machine bag and toolkit, security might be something you want to think about, especially if you are traveling or storing your machine in shared spaces.
A bag with sturdy lockable zippers or built-in locking mechanisms offers peace of mind, protecting your equipment from theft or opportunistic tampering. In communal environments, such as workshops or sewing classes, these features act as an effective deterrent against unauthorized access. Of course, we want to trust our sewing friends but mistakes can happen.
For added security, consider marking your sewing machine bag (and the machine itself), toolkit and any other equipment with your name or a unique identifier. This can be done with personalised luggage tags, danglers, embroidered patches or permanent labels.
Not only does this discourage theft but it also helps prevent mix-ups in busy spaces. Having some kind of marker on your individual tools is also a good idea, especially if people are working in a busy classroom and everyone has the same equipment. You don’t want to pick up someone’s blunt scissors and have them walk away with your brand new ones. A small splodge of nail varnish works well.
Opt for a bag made of tear-resistant material. While it may not be 100 per cent tamper-proof, it offers an extra layer of security other bags may not have.
Durability – buy a sewing bag and toolkit that will last
Heavy-duty materials like hard plastic or canvas offer better protection for your tools while maintaining structure over time. If the toolbox or bag is large but made from lightweight or flimsy materials, it may lose its shape or not fully support your tools. It might develop holes through which your tools might fall out.
Examine the quality of the straps and handles and how they are attached to the sewing machine bag or your toolkit. Is the stitching strong? Are the handles stitched into leather or fabric that will not tear under strain? Are the joints strong?
If you plan to take your sewing tools outside, consider a toolbox or bag made from weather-resistant materials or a waterproof cover. Even taking your sewing gear between the carpark and class venue and back again and from the car to inside your home will mean things get wet in heavy rain.
Water-resistant fabrics or hard cases can protect your tools from rain or spills, ensuring that everything stays dry and safe. Try a waterproof spray to protect a fabric bag. Some bags also come with reinforced seams and zippers that help keep moisture out, adding an extra layer of protection.
Functionality and style – can you pick out your sewing machine in a crowd?
None of the above factors mean you need to sacrifice style. Many sewing machine bags and toolkits now combine aesthetic appeal with functionality. Choosing a bag that reflects your personal style can make transporting your tools feel more enjoyable. Look for designs that feature bright colours or patterns, making it easy to spot your bag in a crowded classroom or workshop setting.
You may even choose to make your own bag to fit on a trolley for portability. That way you can choose your own fabrics. Check out this pattern to make your own sewing machine bag and customise it to your needs.
Summary
Remember when choosing a sewing machine bag, toolkit and ways to carry them and other items, portability, capacity and expandability, functionality including ease of packing and unpacking, shape and layout, durability, security and style and design are all factors to consider.
If you find yourself with equipment that is not working for you, think about why it is not working and what you could do to improve it. Don’t be afraid to try different things. You can always sell or donate items you’ve bought that aren’t working for you. They might be just the right thing for someone else.
By considering these factors, you can find a sewing machine bag and toolbox and a way to move them around that will serve you well both now and as your sewing practice grows.