Thread: A gentle discussion about $ for long arm quilting

Kathy-
I have a grace frame set up and just extended it out to the king size.It is now 109 inches long and I have it along a wall with room in the back side and the front edge is 45" from the wall. There isn't enough room to work from the back side unless I pull it out a little further. I do all mine from the front so I can see better. I just do free motion. If you need to follow a pattern then you would be on the backside. Hope that helps. More? Let me know. :)

Take a look at this site. There is a discussion about quilting for others and just wait until you read how long it takes for one quilt. Read it and see it at:


http://www.apqs.com/quiltboard/viewthread.php?tid=8329

Most interesting.

June in Cincinnati

I have not yet, nor do I have any immediate plans to handquilt. It would be too slow and I have carpal tunnel as well. I use a zig zag singer that's over 30 yrs old and just do what ever type of manipulation I have to in order to quilt them. Or I should say so far it, as I've only barely finished 1 large throw size. :lol: :lol: :lol:

CLARIFICATION: Susan, please note the number of bobbins she used. This is not hand quilting. It is done on a long arm machine. I was not sure you understood, or perhaps that was not what you had reference to in your post.
June

I'm thinking of purchasing a frame/machine combo. But not sure what to look for. Can you tell me what a CAD is? What else should I consider when purchasing one?
HELP!

I am impressed with the Bailey machine for the price. I most likely will buy one, depending on the warranty. Even tho they are quite inexpensive comparably they still are a lot of money. But, I think it would pay for itself eventually, provided the machine has longevity.

I am looking at Grace Frames. There is a company that sells them reasonably with a Juki sewing machine. Do you know anything about those? I need to upgrade sewing machines. I am still using a very inexpensive Brother so want to buy frame and machine together.

Did you find it difficult to learn how to use your sewing machine with frame for quilting? I've been looking at them for the last year and would love to invest in one, but I'm intimidated about learning to use it properly. Is it a hassle to load the quilt and batting onto the poles? Will be interested in hearing your reply.

Originally Posted by Gale in SF

Think my subject line covers it all but... I love piecing but I don't have the stamina or determination to learn how to do an overall quilting design with my little sewing machine. So, I send out an occasional quilt top. However, I just contacted someone referred by someone who showed examples of the quilts she had quilted, and admittedly, they were beautifully done. But the cost floored me! What seems to be the going rate for doing a quilt top, say 50" x50" or a single bed size?

I really want to know so I can just make pieced tops and be happy or learn how to do free motion quilting.

you need to checkout bellaquilting.com her prices are much better. Tell Claire that Wendy sent you.

Maybe I can help by telling you my quilting ratesand I would be happy to send you a brochure which has the rates.
50x50=2500 sq. Inches is the size of your quilt.

If I baste a QT 2500 I charge 1/2 cent psi = $12.50
Edge to Edge is 1.5 psi = $37.50 ( edge to edge is usually freehand or pantograph)

Custom Quilting is where you request a certain pattern quilting onto your quilt and is usually very detailed with in the ditch, outline, or specialty stitching. For this I charge 3 cents PSI 50x50 =2500 x $75.00.
If you request specialty stitching in borders I charge $20 per border.
I also charge $1 for new needle, $1 for each bobbin, and if I change colors $4 per color.
I hope this will help you.

Thank You :)

Do you know that Gammil has a machine for in the home quilting.
I have 14ft gammill in my shop, but if I were just doing my oen quilting I would invest in one of them as I do not think you would be dissapointed with the price or machine versing one of the other frames where you use your domistic machine.

Happy Quilting :-)

I forgot to say the Gammill machine is called a shortarm machine, rather than a longarm likemine. :oops:

Great discussion!! Hi Gale. I have had a few quilts sent out to be quilted. Every time I sent out a quit, it costed more and more. I simply cannot afford to send out quilts and recently got a machine that could handle quilting a large top. My goal is to learn how to quilt and to get a long arm or Gracey quilt frame in the future. Once I become accomplished enough I will join the ranks of those who make a living from quilting others tops, though that is a few years off at the moment. I'm just getting started in learning machine quilting and I need to take a few classes and practice, practice, practice.
~Tiffany

I just got my frame this summer and It came with a dvd. It made it easier as if I didn't understand or forgot between quilting then I just watch it again. Most shops that sell them should be helpful with any other questions you have about using it. Or even ask here. I am sure someone will have an answer for you.

Hello Gale,
I am south of Fresno (also in California) and had the quilt pictured in my avatar machine quilted for $35. I supplied the batting, backing and I put the binding on. The lady works next to a quilting store here. She had many, many designs to pick from and I was very happy with her work. (quilt was crib size)
~Joan

:-) :-)

I have not had problem with my pricing for quilting.
I charge 1.5 PSI for freehand or panto. 3. for custom. I offer batting and do very few quilts using clients batting.Customers seem to enjoy not having to purchase batting.


Piece........

:mrgreen:

I think I am green with envy.

Congrats and keep on quilting!

:lol:

Hi,

Just thought I would throw in my two cents to give you all some perspective. I am a hand quilter for hire. My rates start at $.10 a square inch and go up. I also charge for marking, and binding. It can take me up to three or four months to do a queen size quilt so you wouldn't want to pay me by the hour.
I have a friend who charges double what I do. She has done several raffle quilts that have brought in lots of money for various guilds etc.

I have two large hoops, a Hintenberg and a Grace. At times I have a quilt going on both frames. One upstairs and one down.

My best customer was a local woman who owns a custom framing business. She inherited about a dozen tops from her grandmother. In the last three years I have quilted all of them for her. She was trained as a musuem curator and she was thrilled with my work. You should see her home. She had all special window glass installed to protect her antiques from sun damage.

I do believe that hand quilter do not get paid enough!!!!

:D