Thread: What to charge for our services?

I have had a co-worker approach me and ask if I would make a quilt(s) for her. Her dad just died recently after a long battle with lung disease and she wants me to make a quilt out of some of the many shirts he had. I have no problem doing this for her, I just don't know what to charge. Can anyone give me ideas on what to charge? I am thinking of a rather simple pattern, lap size quilt (60x60-ish) with fmq and binding. This one quilt may turn in to 4 as the girl has her mom, 2 sisters and plenty of dad's shirts. Thanks~

I have only made T shirt quilts for others and I charge basically 6 cents a square inch plus any materials like batting stablilizers and backing that I supply. That would be for simple squares. The smaller the pieces I have to work with the price goes up. The more piecing I have to do the higher the price. It is a matter of time spent in labor. Don't forget you will have to process all of the shirts, launder, iron and then cut up etc.

It's always hard for quilters to put a price on our work. My suggestions...have her pay for batting, thread, and backing. You may want to buy it yourself so what you want. Of course, save receipts. If you do charge, think about what long armers charge for their services. Since you MAY end up doing more than one quilt, I do suggest charging for the first one. Bless your heard for doing this. Just a guideline. Good luck.

P>S>Make sure she cuts off all the buttons, collar and cuffs. That will speed up the process for you. I'd have her open up the seams to cut down the time for you.

Hi Julie in NM I am Alamoaa and I live in NM too. I am looking for a pattern for the men shirt with buttons fronts. They were about a 12" sq and a 3" sashing. I have a photo only and would like to know for a twin bed how much fabric is needed for the sash? I have hunted high and low to find it again and it is not to be found.

mpspeedy's estimate is a pretty good one I would say, if you are making it to earn at least a little something for your time and skills. If you are doing it as a labor of love for a friend, that's a different ball game. But then, if other family members want one, can you cut them the same deal you did for your friend? Just noticed you said co-worker, maybe you aren't that close, so then set a price with the idea that you may be making four. How badly do you want to be making shirt quilts for the next ?? months? Charge enough to make it worth your time and effort. I don't think people who've never made a quilt realize all that goes into it!

I agree with MarthaT. And amen to your last sentence about people not realizing all that goes into a quilt.

Yes, she's just a co-worker, and while I like her, it's not like we hang out after work or go to lunch or anything. I like the idea of removing the cuffs and buttons and may just charge her a flat fee/hr for the time spent. Is $7.50 an appropriate hourly charge? I'm well paid as an RN so not sure.

Best of luck to you, as I find people don't relize how much work goes into a quilt. Therefore they will think your charging to much.