charge for making a quilt
10-04-2013, 11:16 PM
#41
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Florida
Posts: 3,830
How we price our services depends upon how we view society and ourselves in that society.
If you believe in a communal state where everything is shared, than you'll share your services.
If you believe in a reward for your efforts, then you'll charge.
Do you believe in a hand out or a hand up?
I try to find some kind of work for the person who needs help. But I refuse to pity them, I think that's degrading.
I once sold a refrigerator, delivered, for $5. She came back later and wanted it for free.
Been there, done that, got burned!
If you believe in a communal state where everything is shared, than you'll share your services.
If you believe in a reward for your efforts, then you'll charge.
Do you believe in a hand out or a hand up?
I try to find some kind of work for the person who needs help. But I refuse to pity them, I think that's degrading.
I once sold a refrigerator, delivered, for $5. She came back later and wanted it for free.
Been there, done that, got burned!
10-05-2013, 03:39 AM
#42
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: St. Paul, Minnesota
Posts: 2,616
I don't want to do anything that will burn me out. I make quilts for gifts, for a thank you and for "just because I wanted to." When my husband was ill, I had two neighbors watch Miss Bess, let her out, take her for a walk, etc., while he was in the hospital. The first time, in December, I told the neighbor I would pay him, he said no. "What can I do for you." "Make me a quilt." I did, I didn't have to rush (I was going through a very heart breaking period in my life) and it took me about four months to make it. Then I told the other neighbor I would pay her - "No." "What can I do for you?" "Make me a quilt". Well, I started it the first part of August and I will probably finish it in the next couple of weeks (It is 52x80). My husband passed away in March and being able to sit down at the sewing machine and just sew and remember and cry and laugh and sew and remember, I was not under any pressure and I didn't push myself or anything.
It is going to be a sampler in shades of green - 15 different blocks that pertain to the person. I write a little story of why I used those particular blocks, etc. That whole spiel being said, No, I will not make a quilt for any amount of money. I will not let them buy the fabric because if I do something wrong, I cannot fix it because I don't know if I can get the fabric again. This way, it is my design, their color, my time frame and it works beautifully. I don't ever want to burn out from quilting. Also, I don't get burned. That would kill me! The only thing I really miss the most is when my husband was in bed I would come in and lay the quilt on the bed to show him it was done and he would always say "That's the best one yet." Worth more than anything in the world. Happy Quilting. Edie
It is going to be a sampler in shades of green - 15 different blocks that pertain to the person. I write a little story of why I used those particular blocks, etc. That whole spiel being said, No, I will not make a quilt for any amount of money. I will not let them buy the fabric because if I do something wrong, I cannot fix it because I don't know if I can get the fabric again. This way, it is my design, their color, my time frame and it works beautifully. I don't ever want to burn out from quilting. Also, I don't get burned. That would kill me! The only thing I really miss the most is when my husband was in bed I would come in and lay the quilt on the bed to show him it was done and he would always say "That's the best one yet." Worth more than anything in the world. Happy Quilting. Edie
10-05-2013, 05:07 AM
#43
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Guelph, On. -
Posts: 2,021
Touchy subject. All of my immediate family have received FREE, 1 quilt. If they request another they pay material cost only.
MY extended family pay 2x the material cost regardless of size. Anyone outside the family pays at least 3x material costs. I love my family, I love my quilts, but I can't do it for free on a seniors' pension and fabric is much more expensive in Canada.
MaryKatherine
MY extended family pay 2x the material cost regardless of size. Anyone outside the family pays at least 3x material costs. I love my family, I love my quilts, but I can't do it for free on a seniors' pension and fabric is much more expensive in Canada.
MaryKatherine
10-05-2013, 05:29 AM
#45
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Behind my sewing machine
Posts: 7,202
I also get asked all the time...once I tell them the cost of the materials that solves that problem. I did make one for a friend of mine. She bought batting...which I would never use and if I ever do another one for a friend I will tell them W&N not Poly. it was hard to sew though. She also did not give me enough fabric...just enough for the front...which was fine. I used Flannel I had. It came out nice but I have to say I like just making them on my own, and no pressure. I rather make them for free on my own time and give who I want to. I love my hobby and want to keep it that way...I would not find it fun if I had to make and sell for people.
I had this question just the other day on Facebook. Someone messaged me and asked how long it took and how much I charged. I proceeded to tell them about a queen-sized quilt I am working on as a wedding gift and that the supplies alone cost me roughly $250. I then proceeded to tell them that constructing the quilt would be an additional $250-300. They wanted a baby quilt by sometime in January. I told them if they purchased the supplies, the cost for constructing the quilt would be roughly $100. I then went on to explain the cost of the yard goods (at $8-10/yard), etc. and how much materials would cost them. I got a thank you and have not heard back from them since.
I thought my prices were reasonable, and everyone here is correct. Non-sewers do not have any idea what it takes to construct a quilt. They just know what they "think" they should be paying based on the quilts they see in the big box stores that are made overseas.
These days, I am happy to be able to just do this for myself and for gifts for others at my leisure. With a full-time job already, I do not need the added pressure of paying customers. I put enough pressure on myself as it is!
I thought my prices were reasonable, and everyone here is correct. Non-sewers do not have any idea what it takes to construct a quilt. They just know what they "think" they should be paying based on the quilts they see in the big box stores that are made overseas.
These days, I am happy to be able to just do this for myself and for gifts for others at my leisure. With a full-time job already, I do not need the added pressure of paying customers. I put enough pressure on myself as it is!
10-05-2013, 05:50 AM
#46
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Currently Mosquito (which is outside of Placerville) California
Posts: 752
Nicely said! I had a client, in my day job, approach me about making a quilt for his wife for next Christmas. I asked what size, and he said queen. I told him how much the quilting alone would cost, gave him a rough idea of the materials, plus he knows I design many of my own, and that I would need to know by January 1....he's thinking about it. But, I will get it all in writing....
The first thing to do is have a sit down conversation with customer and discuss basic prices of fabric and how much it will take. Most will walk away after learning how much it will cost in just materials. If they don't faint right there, the next step is to determine exactly what size they want in inches....there is quite a bit of difference in what one person says is queen size and the next. You also have to decide on a pattern, fabric colors. quilting style, batting preferences (some want very warm, some want lightweight, some want poofy), quilting thread color, how quickly they want quilt versus how quickly you can make it, and lastly add in your labor (don't shortchange yourself, but don't overprice either)....and get all this in writing. Then tell them that you need the cost of all the materials in advance....non-refundable.....balance due upon completion. Have the customer sign the paper showing all details and that he agrees (even for best friends). I am sure there are probably details that I have left out....but you get the picture.....everything in writing, assume nothing.....this way you are covered if customer defaults on final payment (you keep the quilt).
If after all that, and the customer still wants to proceed then you can rest assured that they understand the true value of a handmade quilt.
If after all that, and the customer still wants to proceed then you can rest assured that they understand the true value of a handmade quilt.
10-05-2013, 06:03 AM
#47
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 368
I've only pieced two quilts for hire. A LA friend quilted them, then gave it back to me to do the binding. She collected for the quilting herself. Because it was for friends I doubled the price of the fabric and rounded up. One was $260 for a full size little girl quilt with intricate piecing and the other a simple pieced design in queen size. I don't remember how much I charged for it. The grandma gave me $300 which I thought was very generous. Both of these experiences were very positive for me, but I prefer to work for myself only and then gift a quilt if the Spirit moves me to do so. I find it hard to work on a project when I don't enjoy the colors, pattern or whatever. My time is limited and I don't like to waste it.
10-05-2013, 06:44 AM
#48
Super Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Indiana
Posts: 1,544
Just my two cents on what a quilter's time and skills are worth. How much did you pay the last plumber who came to your house? Do you know why he/she could charge what they did? It's because the plumbing community/industry doesn't sell their skills short. The quilting community as a whole will never get the recognition we deserve until people stop feeling bad for charging a price that's an honest reflection of their time, materials, effort, and skills.
*stepping off my soap box now*
*stepping off my soap box now*
10-05-2013, 07:17 AM
#49
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Posts: 3,453
Good for you. That's *your* decision and works for you but certainly does not represent everyone.
I consider myself a skilled laborer/artist with years of experience in my craft; and expect to be paid surely as least partly as well as a skilled plumber. Or tree trimmer. Or house painter, for Pete's sake, without demeaning criticism from fellow quilters.
I purely hope this new member to the board searches for other topics on this very subject which are archived here, and does not end up feeling the need to diminish her worth as a quilter/artist/sewist.
Jan in VA
I consider myself a skilled laborer/artist with years of experience in my craft; and expect to be paid surely as least partly as well as a skilled plumber. Or tree trimmer. Or house painter, for Pete's sake, without demeaning criticism from fellow quilters.
I purely hope this new member to the board searches for other topics on this very subject which are archived here, and does not end up feeling the need to diminish her worth as a quilter/artist/sewist.
Jan in VA
Well put Jan.
10-05-2013, 07:36 AM
#50
Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Oregon City, OR
Posts: 214
I was asked to do the quilting on a t-shirt quilt. Long conversation ensued and I agreed to meet. The quilt top that was supposedly done was a king size, pinned together, and not at all well done. She had cut the arms off the tshirts and folded the excess to the back. It was a complete mess! So, I told her there would be a huge cost of material (batting and backing), a charge of $20/hr for the work, it would be tied and not quilted, and $0.35/" for the binding. I quoted her about $1000 hoping she would faint and run away, but she didn't. I got a healthy deposit to cover my cost, and eventually finished the quilt. I hated it by the time I was done, spent many hours, and the hourly charge was not nearly enough. It was not a labor of love, and I doubt I will ever do another one. At least not one in the condition that this one started. I thought I was really overcharging - ha!
I give away tons of quilts to Project Linus and those I enjoy.
I give away tons of quilts to Project Linus and those I enjoy.
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