Tiffany

Over the years I've noticed you tend to get what you pay for. If someone is charging a rediculously small amount for quilting a good sized quilt, then usually the quilting is basic and there can be some question as to the quality. (I say Usually. I will admit there are the occasional gems hidden in all the dross.) People who are good at quilting, whether long-arm or machine quilting, usually charge a fair price for their work. The fancier the quilting and the more often you change thread colors, the more expensive it will be. My suggestion is to take a look at some of the work that person has done and see whether you like it or not. If you do like it, get an estimate on how much it would cost to do your quilt and see if that is something you can live with. If it is, then I'd say it is worth what you are paying for it. If it isn't, you know to look elsewhere. At least that is my philosophy. :wink:

Actually, I cringe at the prices that are charged from machine and long-arm quilting. Now don't get me wrong, I understand all the hard work that goes into it and I don't begrudge these people a fair wage. But holy smokes, sometimes the quilting costs more than the fabric, thread, and batting that goes into the quilt! :shock: I really need to improve on my machine quilting!

Ms Grace

Yes, I'm trying to convince myself of having it done by someone else, because even if it's only $45, I keep thinking that I could buy more fabric with that. :lol:

Jim's Gem

I have never had a top quilted by someone else, though I have one just waiting for me to finish the borders and I hope to send out. Around here it would be approx $200 for a queen (which that quilt is) My thing is, I would rather spend the money on more fabrics for more quilts than on the quilting. If I had plenty of $$ and didn't have to worry about it, I would be more willing to have some of them quilted for me. Or I would purchase a long arm and learn how to do it myself.

littlehud

I'm no help at all here. I love the quilting process. Maybe you could look at a Juki. It has a bigger throat and maybe that would help.

Janstar

I pay about $100 for a lap top size and thats with lots of quilting on it. Our LQS rents out their Gammill. I did a king size with meandering and it cost $60.00. You might want to check on that. They help with the set up and help wind the bobbins etc.

ScubaK

Wow!!!
Some prices seem very low, almost too low and others seem too high, like really???
Wow!!! :shock:
Such a range of prices!
K

jacquemoe

Yes, I'm trying to convince myself of having it done by someone else, because even if it's only $45, I keep thinking that I could buy more fabric with that. :lol: [/quote]

Surpisingly enough, I know where you're coming from. I NEVER had any of my quilt tops quilted. I used to do the stitch in the ditch on my DM. I couldn't see putting out as much money to have my quilt top quilted (and I used inexpensive fabrics too) as I did making it. I never thought any of my quilt tops were worth it, however, I truly loved the look of quilting. I didn't realize that quilting can take you're not so perfect quilt top to a whole new level. Now, I wish I had taken a few of my quilt tops to have them professionally quilted. Utlity quilts are so much more durable after quilting also. This is just my observation after being on both sides of the fence. Now, I have to convince myself to stop buying inexpensive fabric for my quilts. I'm still not great at either but I'm working at both.

nerdygerdy

A friend of mine gets hers done here in town, and the lady she goes to charges by the detailing required. My friend usually spends about $45 for a twin, but once spent $110 because she didn't specify what she wanted done, she just said make it pretty, and a beautifully detailed quilting was done. She was pleased with the job, but not planning on spending that much!

A church around here does "missionary" quilting where they (a bunch of older women who love to get together and quilt) handstitch your quilt for a donation that goes to overseas charity work.

2 Doods

One thing to look into around your area: We have a LQS that has a class you take to learn how to use their long arm and then you can rent it by the hour and do it yourself. Maybe there is a shop near you that does that too.

For me: I have never sent a top out to be quilted. One reason is the cost and the other is, I enjoy the whole process and want to be able to say I did it all by myself.

DH bought me a Grace frame (found a used one on Craigslist) when I finished my first top because I didn't know how to quilt it. That is before I found all of you :!: And I didn't know anyone to ask. I have been having so much fun with the quilting that I volunteer to do the charity quilts for my guild just so I can play more. :lol:

SulaBug

Here, in my city, our LQS charges .25 cents per sq. inch. I have had several quilts & lap quilts quilted by them & they always turn out beautiful. It is so much quicker & simpilar for me, to do it this way.
Happy Quilting!! :D :D :D :D