How do you know how much to charge someone to make a quilt?
05-12-2011, 08:35 AM
#42
Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Richland, MS
Posts: 163
Originally Posted by Peckish
I have found this article to be very helpful:
http://www.bryerpatch.com/faq/marketing.htm
I've only been commissioned to make one quilt, and even though my customer said she'd pay me, I didn't make any money on the deal. By the time she reimbursed me for fabric, backing, batting, and the extra embroidery she decided she wanted AFTER we had discussed price, we were at a price that I think she felt was pretty high. Since she was a friend, I decided to let it go, but I'm much wiser now.
I've used the above link to determine how much my quilts would cost to replace, then advised the quilt recipient to insure it for that amount. They have the choice of insuring it or not, but it subtly makes the point that they should take care of that quilt and not use it as a dog bed or car cover. Ha.
http://www.bryerpatch.com/faq/marketing.htm
I've only been commissioned to make one quilt, and even though my customer said she'd pay me, I didn't make any money on the deal. By the time she reimbursed me for fabric, backing, batting, and the extra embroidery she decided she wanted AFTER we had discussed price, we were at a price that I think she felt was pretty high. Since she was a friend, I decided to let it go, but I'm much wiser now.
I've used the above link to determine how much my quilts would cost to replace, then advised the quilt recipient to insure it for that amount. They have the choice of insuring it or not, but it subtly makes the point that they should take care of that quilt and not use it as a dog bed or car cover. Ha.
Susan
05-12-2011, 09:48 AM
#44
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: La Grande, OR
Posts: 2,457
Originally Posted by Scissor Queen
I know to charge a whole lot. That way they go away and leave me alone!!
05-12-2011, 09:50 AM
#45
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Midwest
Posts: 5,051
I used to make Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls many years ago. Someone asked me to make her a pair and asked "how much"....I told her and she was shocked that I would ask that price and that I should not charge "as much" since my love of sewing gives me personal pleasure! Needless to say I never did make those for her... the nerve! LOL!!
sandy
sandy
05-12-2011, 09:53 AM
#46
Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Pinole, California
Posts: 46
a recent article said to figure the quilt size in square feet
55x75=4125/144= 28.6 sq ft.
then multiply by either $15 for sq ft or $20 for sq ft
$15x28.6= $429.68
$20x28.6= $572.90
As a guide this works fairly well. Just remember to get at least 50% down before starting. If special fabric then add the extra cost also. one baby quilt cost me over $50 just for the theme fabric, be wise .
55x75=4125/144= 28.6 sq ft.
then multiply by either $15 for sq ft or $20 for sq ft
$15x28.6= $429.68
$20x28.6= $572.90
As a guide this works fairly well. Just remember to get at least 50% down before starting. If special fabric then add the extra cost also. one baby quilt cost me over $50 just for the theme fabric, be wise .
05-12-2011, 10:16 AM
#47
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Oakhurst, CA
Posts: 727
I had a very close friend ask me to put together some antique bowtie squares that were her Grandmother's . When I was done, the quilt top would have fit a double bed. Then I added the batting and backing (what I call the pillowcase method - so there was no binding) and pinned it, so all she had to do was tie the quilt. She gave me a $20 Starbucksgift card. I think she was clueless as to how many hours I put into it! Now when someone asks if I'll make them soemthing, my standard answer is "you wouldn't want to pay me what I would have to charge" - end of discussion.
I'm with you here! Your time will never be appreciated, especially if it is for so-called friends.
Originally Posted by TonnieLoree
Originally Posted by Scissor Queen
I know to charge a whole lot. That way they go away and leave me alone!!
05-12-2011, 11:01 AM
#48
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Midwest
Posts: 5,051
Originally Posted by Sallyjane
I had a very close friend ask me to put together some antique bowtie squares that were her Grandmother's . When I was done, the quilt top would have fit a double bed. Then I added the batting and backing (what I call the pillowcase method - so there was no binding) and pinned it, so all she had to do was tie the quilt. She gave me a $20 Starbucksgift card. I think she was clueless as to how many hours I put into it! Now when someone asks if I'll make them soemthing, my standard answer is "you wouldn't want to pay me what I would have to charge" - end of discussion.
I'm with you here! Your time will never be appreciated, especially if it is for so-called friends.
Originally Posted by TonnieLoree
Originally Posted by Scissor Queen
I know to charge a whole lot. That way they go away and leave me alone!!
I learned that lesson last summer when I "volunteered" to put a quilt together for a local organization. It was supposed to have been a "wall hanging" (sight unseen) but suddenly that project grew to the size of twin sized!! Amazing how people get sewing when they find a sucker! (the blocks needed to be set, sashed, bordered and quilted.) My fault for being so generous with my time,etc.
So now I just say "$100 minimum and THEN I will quote the project after I see what is involved, etc. I never get a call back! LOL! fine by me.
sandy
05-12-2011, 11:02 AM
#49
Super Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: washington
Posts: 1,424
I nicely tell folks that I only make quilts for my own pleasure and for my family. Had only made two quilts when asked by a friend to make the little girls quilt for her. She was very understanding. I do not ever want quilting to become a chore. smile
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