Whether you are an experienced seamstress or just learning how to sew, leaving your sewing machine at home while away at college is something that has probably crossed your mind. I know it crossed mine!
But can you even bring a sewing machine to college? And should you? Here is my honest opinion:
Bringing your sewing machine to college can be a great way to practice a marketable skill, have a hobby, and save money by learning to tailor your own clothing. However, you should keep in mind any space restraints in your dorm room, in your luggage (if you will be flying), and in your schedule.
Let’s dive deeper into a few of the important questions you might have about bringing your sewing machine to college.
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Can You Bring Your Sewing Machine To College?
You can absolutely bring your sewing machine to college! In fact, for the students at school who are taking sewing, design, or costuming classes, personal sewing machines are a MUST.
If you want to be extra sure your sewing machine is allowed, you can check your college’s “What not to bring” list if they have one.
Some “What not to bring” lists at universities and colleges specify that appliances that are not UL listed are not allowed for safety reasons, but most sewing machines ARE UL listed. (You can check this on the back of the sewing machine, it should have the UL symbol)
Should You Bring Your Sewing Machine To College?
Now this is a different question entirely, and there are defineitly things you will need to plan for if you bring your sewing machine.
Considerations About Bringing Your Sewing Machine To College
- If you are flying to college, how will you get your sewing machine there?
Sewing machines ARE allowed by the TSA as carry ons and in checked bags, but they will take up quite a bit of space.
Some solutions are to buy an additional checked bag if you can, ship the sewing machine through the mail, purchase a mini sized sewing machine, or purchase a new sewing machine when you get to school and have it shipped to your dorm.
If you are driving to college, you can just bring it with you in your car, of course!
- Dorm rooms can be small and sewing machines take up a decent amount of desk space.
Will you have enough room to store your books and other items?
My tiny dorm room desk was not big enough for me to store my sewing machine on top of when I wasn’t using it. I made sure to bring along a dust cover/sewing machine case so that I could store it in a closet when I needed the space to study.
You will also need to think about where you will store any notions, tools, or fabric you bring with you. My recommendation is to not bring too much fabric, I definitely brought too much (a whole bin!) and it was a waste of space in my little room.
Less is probably more in this case, you can always buy fabric while you are away at school.
Here are some simple organizational tips from seamstress and blogger Alyssa,
“Storing a sewing machine in college can be tough! One thing you’ll want to keep in mind is how to keep your sewing machine safe and clean. I stored mine under my desk, against the wall, where it was out of the way and safe from most people.
If you don’t have a cover for your machine this might be the time to invest in one, but at the very least sew yourself a quick fabric cover to keep the dust out of your machine while you’re not using it.
A simple, inexpensive plastic organizer is a great way to store your sewing essentials—thread, bobbins, needles, etc.”
Make sure to look through some of my favorite sewing machine dust covers plus CUTE patterns to make your own!
- Sewing might not be the top priority while you are at college
The last thing to consider is if you will have time to sew while in college, or if you will even want to. For me, it was an easy answer, there was NO way I could go that long without sewing!
But if you feel like you might need to devote all your time to working a job, studying, and going out with friends, then maybe your sewing machine should take a lower spot on your list of priorities— for now.
Okay, those are the three important things you should think about before you decide to bring your sewing machine to college. Let’s move on to some benefits to bringing your sewing machine to college!
Benefits to Bringing Your Sewing Machine To College
- Sewing is a great way to make money while in school
Sewing has been a great source of income for me, and it could be a good way for you to make some extra money on the side as well.
The first time I used my sewing machine to make money in college was to sew a custom skirt for my roommate. She was a plus sized girl who paid me to make her a cute maxi skirt. I was happy to do so!
I have also had great success selling sewn items on Etsy. Etsy is a great college side hustle because you can pick your hours. There are all kinds of products you can sew and sell! (Like these super cute and easy scrunchies!)
You can also use your sewing skills to get sewing jobs on or off campus. The drama department will need seamstresses for sure!
Related: Is Sewing considered a Trade? (Plus what kind of sewing jobs you can get.)
- Sewing is a great way to save money while in school
If the budget will be tight for you while in college, learning to thrift and refashion or alter your clothes is a great way to save dollars.
Tailoring your own (and even others’) clothes is a good way to be frugal, unique, and fashionable at the same time.
- You’ll need something to take your mind off of studying!
This was an important benefit to me. Bringing my sewing machine to college meant I was still able to do what I loved. This was a needed de-stressor in the midst of exams, new places, and lots of homework.
Here are some insights from blogger and sew-er Quin:
“Taking my sewing machine with me to university was a solid move. It may not have strictly been something I needed, but it was so great to just be able to reach for it when I wanted. Quick fix to extend the life of some pants 6 months? Got it. Make myself a Halloween costume? Done.
That plus it meant I could make new garb for my LARP characters whenever I wanted, which kept me very engaged with that community – where I still have friends 10 years later even if I don’t play anymore.”
Sewing is a great and useful hobby, and being in college doesn’t change that!
Best sewing machine for college students
Chances are you already have a sewing machine, but if you don’t, here is my pick for the best sewing machine for college students. (Hint, it’s the one I still use!)
The Brother CS6000i is a good sewing machine for college students because it is not bulky, it is inexpensive, and comes with additional capabilities and accessories that give it a wide range of uses.
For example, the machine comes with an arm extension that helps you quilt, lots of built in decorative stitches, and several types of specialty presser feet!
This is the exact machine I brought with me to college, and a few years later, it is still the one I go to every day! The Brother cs6000i has lasted me a long time of very heavy use. (I sew for clients on this machine.)
It is available at a lot of online and physical retailers, as well. That’s a plus!
Conclusion
Bringing my sewing machine to college was something I am glad I did. Although I do think I took too much fabric, and I didn’t use it every day like I do now that I am out of college, I was able to fix and make my own clothes, sew for others, and keep my favorite hobby alive. I also applied for sewing jobs and made money on the side!
Hope this post helped. Leave a comment below if you have any more questions, and be sure to subscribe to the email list!
Great tips!