Susan
I agree with you , about sort of being the one to ask the questions. Then point out everything thats in involved.

I'm working on a few give aways myself. And that's just the thing! Most people have no clue as to how long and hard hard we work on some of our projects.

Even when they actually see you working on them... :shock:

I sell my quilts through a consignment shop and after the shop owner's percentage average $45 for baby quilts and $30 or so for table runners (depends on the size). I figure I get about ten cents an hour! Worth it though, because I know they're going to homes where they'll be used, loved and appreciated.
Plus I get to try out my own designs.

Hi ~ I think this is a subject we all struggle with. I make quilts because I enjoy it. I keep records of time and all supply receipts. I always buy the best possible product and try to get it on sale. I basically figure the cost of the supplies plus 12 cents a sq inch for machine quilting, 15 cents an inch to machine & hand sew the binding on and then depending upon the quilt I charge between 15 & 25 cents a sq inch for the all over assembly; cutting & sewing of the quilt. If people want a hand made heirloom quilt they will pay the price. Explain to them, this is not made in China and with proper care instructions it will last a life time. I like to make a lot of scrap quilts which triples my time (because very little assembly line cutting is going on) BUT I enjoy the challenge so I don't pass that time expense onto my customer. I know fellow quilters that double the cost of supplies or charge $10.oo an hour. Some work fast some slow. Let your quilt speak to you. Its definitly not a job paid by the hour...I think more by the completed project. Hope this helps :)

Just joining, but seems the direction I was leaning in has already been covered.

A stroll thru local quilt shops is of immense help. I did that when I moved near the Lancaster, PA area. Beautiful handmade work carries a price and those that know quilts know the prices to expect.

When starting out fresh, the prices seem outrageous or in no way reflect proper compensation. Don't be shy about the commitment you made to your project. I was just on a site that I saw a quilt priced at $10,000.00!!

Another thought, never feel you have to justify your prices by all the explanations as to time, effort, materials and so forth. You need to be compensated satisfactorily for your work.

I've looked at several amish quilt sites in Pa and their quilts are hand sewn many of times. They are true quilters of days gone by. Many are priced well over $1000. But I know they are worth it.

I agree with the Amish If I have to dress like them to get a fair compensation I would do it.! (actually they look pretty cozy in those skirts). I was wondering what rate you charge for the time it takes you to figure out how many inches you sewed :lol: ? That, I think, would take me as much time as the sewing? It sounds to me like its high time we had a Quilt-makers of America Union... What do do you say Ladies and Tim? (I'm not totally joking!) Shall we set a standard for American Made Quilts? The thing which matters the most to me is that these are all INDIVIDUAL works of art. And WE as quilters need to learn to value our own work. Individual not just because ea. work is different but, also done by a single individual. these are Not turned out cheaply on an assembly line by piece work. I believe I am seeing a trend to value this type of industry much more than in the past and We can help by valuing our own contributions more. We should however keep doing what makes us happy tho and if that is selling them for pennies or giving them as gifts or to charity then I say your work has become priceless.

O.K. I'm off the soap box. I believe I was either a preacher or a politician in a past life! :lol: ( not much difference if you ask me).

the difference is that politicians claim to believe but sell their souls to the other side. preachers are there to drag them back.

:D