Quilting Travel Essentials

Between Quilt Guild Sew-Ins and several trips where I brought along a machine and projects, I've learned a lot about what to bring with you for quilting while you travel.

Sewing Machine set up in my hotel room at the Hilton!

THE CASE:

All of my supplies are packed into a machine case and a bag in order to keep supplies together and easy to transport. This is my travel case.

The Sewing Machine Travel Case

THE SUPPLIES:

Download my checklist below of the essentials, but keep reading for a few more things I've learned about quitling on the go!

Click here if you can't see the form.

TRAVEL SEWING MACHINE:

I prefer a lightweight machine for travel. Lightweight means it is so much easier to transport. My personal preference is a machine under 14lbs. I found a used White Quilt 'n Sew on Facebook Marketplace for $50 and it has been my travel machine for several years. There are several women who swear that the Singer Featherweight is the best to travel with but there are comparable machines in size and weight on the market. In order to help you shop and compare, I've compiled a list of most of the lightweight machines I could find. Almost all are under 15lbs, Bernina does not currently have one under 15lbs, so I listed their lightest machine and one Juki that is 16lbs because it does have a hard cover.

Click here if you can't see the form.

*If you would like me to add a machine to the list or have an edit to suggest feel free to message me.

PROJECTS TO BRING:

One thing I've learned is that it's easiest to bring pre-cut projects. Specifically quilt tops or blocks to piece. I prefer to cut fabric on a large cutting mat and transporting that is more work. If you do need to cut out yardage, you may consider bringing a larger cutting mat or a measuring tape to aid you in the cutting process. Since my machine is too small to quilt on, once the top is assembled, I move on the next piecing project. I also like to bring hand stitching projects depending on the trip, project size, and how much room I have. Usually that is an EPP style project.

Hillkeep Quilt blocks laid out on the hotel bed to plan the layout.

PRESSING:

I always bring a mini iron, wool mat, a clapper and a thermal ironing pad for underneath the wool mat. This gives an extra layer of protection to any surface I'm pressing on. You can also ask ahead to find out what will be available if you want to pack even lighter. Most hotels have an iron and ironing board, and many retreats and classes have shared irons and boards.

Mini Iron, Wool Pressing Mat, a Clapper and a Thermal Ironing Pad.

A row of the Hillkeep quilt on an ironing board with an iron in the hotel room.