I am starting to get a few requests for quilts from non-family members.

I always tell them they have to pay for materials. That hasn't deterred them yet. Probably because I tell them labor is free.

I have never been able to figure out a fair price to charge for my time. I also crochet and have had the same problem.

Some general guidelines would be helpful.

Thank you!

Connie- there's a thread going right now that you should read.
Let me see if I can get it to you.

Depends of who I'm making a quilt for. If they are giving of their time, etc. I may say nothing. If they are just wanting my skills, I think you are supposed to multiply cost of materials by 3.

Problem: Expected quilts

Darn- I can't figure out how to send you the link.
But that's the title.

My time is too valuable for anyone who isn't family or very special to me. So I don't have any advice for you, sorry!!

I read that link. It doesn't say anything about how to charge. Just that people expect free quilts and learning to say no. I don't want to say no but do want to be paid for my time.

Thank you for looking that up for me :)

when i started researching this several years ago, the average rate i read was $15 per hour. i wouldn't hesitate to charge $20 per hour - plus supplies. supplies include but are not limited to fabrics, batting, needles, thread and rotary blades. if embroidery is involved add the cost of stabilizers.

of course, that formula doesn't work for me. i'm pretty methodical and meticulous which slows me down. if i charged by the hour, i couldn't sell a placemat for under $100. somehow, i don't think i'd get many customers. :lol:

i just look at the quilt in my imagination and pick an arbitrary price that feels right.

Connie, You are asking the 64 dollar question. I just e-mailed a lady that called my guild requesting information about having a quilt quilted. We have several good longarmers in our guild but all have waiting lists. I know from experience that their prices are starting to go up. When it comes to making a quilt from start to finish we are talking a different kettle of fish. Keep track of how many hours it takes you to make and finish a quilt then multiply by at least $10. By the time you add in the price of the fabrics etc. we are talking a lot of money. There is an Amish market in my general area. They have some handmade quilts for sale. There was one beautiful, probably king size white on white so it was wholecloth, beautifully handquilted. The price tag was at least $1100. I wouldn't have purchased it because it was marked with #2 pencil that usually doesn't come out. I have seen smaller quilts done by the Amish in the Lancaster area for up to $5000.
Several years ago I handquilted at least 6 quilts for a local lady who owns a custom framing shop and who was formerly the curator of our local Historical Society. She had no problem paying me at least $.10 a square inch to finish her grandmother's quilts. She routinely gives local people a 10% discount. I did the same for her. Those people who keep asking you to make them a quilt need to realize that your time is just as valueable as theirs.
These are the same people who will pay $25 an hour to have say a wedding gown altered. Almost 20 years ago I worked in a shop that did custom dressmaking and alterations. People were willing to pay us $14 an hour to sew on buttons and repair zippers etc. If you can't do it yourself you have to pay.

I just told a friend if she buys the material I will charge her $50.00 to make one for her.

Offer to pay for them to go to a quilting class - it would probably be cheaper for you! Or, ask them to pay you in kind - what skills do they have? Plumbing? Carpentry? Car repairs? Cleaning? Cooking? Child minding?
As many hours as you spend on their quilt. Watch them back slowly out the door!

I had a neighbor who wanted me to make a quilt for a friend of hers who had a baby. I made her go shopping with me to buy the material so that she could see that she was only going to pay me for labor. I did not charge her much as she was always there for me when there was a medical crisis.