A girl I know wants to buy one of my quilts, EEEEEK!
01-31-2009, 05:22 AM
#1
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Montreal
Posts: 1,962
What do I do?
I posted some pics of my quilts on facebook because a guy at work asked me to, and someone else I know looked at them and wants to buy one from me. Actually she saw a couple she likes but they're not the right size for her bed.
I wouln't mind making one special for her in her colours, the pattern she chooses, but I have NO CLUE how much to charge!!! I've always made my quilts as gifts ( well, so far, anyway).
She has a double bed, and I think she likes the jewel box pattern.
I posted some pics of my quilts on facebook because a guy at work asked me to, and someone else I know looked at them and wants to buy one from me. Actually she saw a couple she likes but they're not the right size for her bed.
I wouln't mind making one special for her in her colours, the pattern she chooses, but I have NO CLUE how much to charge!!! I've always made my quilts as gifts ( well, so far, anyway).
She has a double bed, and I think she likes the jewel box pattern.
01-31-2009, 08:28 AM
#2
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: California
Posts: 3,502
I have the same question. I've never sold one and a cousin saw one of my almost completed ones and asked if I would sell it to him. I said I would have to think about it. I would have no idea what to charge. I've looked online and the prices are all over the place from a few hundred dollars to thousands.
I have very vague ideas floating around my head of doing quilting when I retire. I'm trying very hard to be able to retire at 55 and if I could earn a little extra it could be more of a possibility.
I have very vague ideas floating around my head of doing quilting when I retire. I'm trying very hard to be able to retire at 55 and if I could earn a little extra it could be more of a possibility.
01-31-2009, 10:13 AM
#4
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: tucson Az
Posts: 1,106
my 2 cents worth, most people don't realize the amount of work that goes into one.So don't be shy, start at least 300.00 for a queen/full size ,some people might say that is not enough,but if you want to sell them that is a place to start,and with todays economy they are willing to pay that then go for it
01-31-2009, 02:51 PM
#6
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Montreal
Posts: 1,962
Thanks for the advice.
With my wedding coming up, I'm really trying to save my pennies and make a little extra, you know what I mean?
My mother has already signed me up for some fairs next summer, and I need to start making some stuff. I'm not in it for the money, I really love doing this stuff, but if I can make some cash along the way, that would be totally awsome!
With my wedding coming up, I'm really trying to save my pennies and make a little extra, you know what I mean?
My mother has already signed me up for some fairs next summer, and I need to start making some stuff. I'm not in it for the money, I really love doing this stuff, but if I can make some cash along the way, that would be totally awsome!
01-31-2009, 03:28 PM
#7
Moderator
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: In the middle of a mess...
Posts: 20,025
Rule of thumb.....charge 3 times what you paid for you materials.
You can come down a bit on the price, but be forwarned....most people who don't quilt or have a clue about quilting will think you are charging too much. I had a couple quilts in the craft fair I did and the prices were REALLY cheap. The baby quilt I had was priced at $50 and had a lady tell me that it was WAAAY too much money. The other 2 I had were twin/lap size and I had them at $100. People would mutter that it was too much to spend on the quilts.
I would ask these people what is the maximum they are willing to spend. IF it's an inconcieveable number they come up with, explain to them the "art of quilting". Once they understand, they may pay what you are wanting and then again, they may not.
You can come down a bit on the price, but be forwarned....most people who don't quilt or have a clue about quilting will think you are charging too much. I had a couple quilts in the craft fair I did and the prices were REALLY cheap. The baby quilt I had was priced at $50 and had a lady tell me that it was WAAAY too much money. The other 2 I had were twin/lap size and I had them at $100. People would mutter that it was too much to spend on the quilts.
I would ask these people what is the maximum they are willing to spend. IF it's an inconcieveable number they come up with, explain to them the "art of quilting". Once they understand, they may pay what you are wanting and then again, they may not.
01-31-2009, 04:15 PM
#8
Power Poster
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 18,726
I recently priced a baby quilt at 100 bucks. It has plenty of applique, pieced blocks and also lots of quilting. I told her if she wants it fine...if she doesn't, thats fine with me too. Frankly, I'd rather donate the quilts than sell them for less than I think they are worth. I love doing it too and am not trying to make a living...thus...I'll give them away before selling them too cheap. Good luck!! :lol:
01-31-2009, 04:57 PM
#9
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: rural Maryland
Posts: 1,564
Melanie,
You have asked the question every quilter faces. How much is our work worth? If the person really wants a quilt take them to a store to look at fabric so they know how much it costs. Let them see how expensive batting can be and the difference between them. Show them a price list from a long armer if they want it machine quilted and then tell them your construction of the quilt would start at $10 a square foot for basic piecing or simple applique. Don't be afraid to raise the price for more complicated patterns. As a handquilter for hire I charge $10 a square foot for basic quilting and go up by 2 cent inquirements if the qulting gets elaborate. I also charge at my cost if I supply the batting and backing. I also charge an extra $15 if I do the binding. I usually charge what the original price of the backing and batting would be if I was not able to find a bargin or discount.
If the person does not supply the fabric or in my case the backing and batting I get a deposit big enough to cover that expense up front. I usually get a $50 deposit if I am supplying the backing and batting. If they decide they don't want the finished quilt the deposit is none refundable and I keep the quilt.
Just for kicks keep a count of the actual hours you spend making a quilt. It will be an eye opener for you and help you realize how much your time is probably worth.
Good luck
You have asked the question every quilter faces. How much is our work worth? If the person really wants a quilt take them to a store to look at fabric so they know how much it costs. Let them see how expensive batting can be and the difference between them. Show them a price list from a long armer if they want it machine quilted and then tell them your construction of the quilt would start at $10 a square foot for basic piecing or simple applique. Don't be afraid to raise the price for more complicated patterns. As a handquilter for hire I charge $10 a square foot for basic quilting and go up by 2 cent inquirements if the qulting gets elaborate. I also charge at my cost if I supply the batting and backing. I also charge an extra $15 if I do the binding. I usually charge what the original price of the backing and batting would be if I was not able to find a bargin or discount.
If the person does not supply the fabric or in my case the backing and batting I get a deposit big enough to cover that expense up front. I usually get a $50 deposit if I am supplying the backing and batting. If they decide they don't want the finished quilt the deposit is none refundable and I keep the quilt.
Just for kicks keep a count of the actual hours you spend making a quilt. It will be an eye opener for you and help you realize how much your time is probably worth.
Good luck
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
melmerr1
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
22
06-30-2015 03:25 PM
Tink's Mom
General Chit-Chat (non-quilting talk)
17
04-29-2009 06:52 PM
