New Job???
#11
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Sonoma County, CA
Posts: 4,299
I think this a neat idea but personally I probably wouldn't use the service, because I'm one of the people that feels that if someone else does some of the work it's not truly "my" quilt. I machine-sew my bindings...they're not perfect but nobody I give my quilts to would ever notice the difference so I don't worry about it. And the more I do it, the better looking they get. I won a ribbon at the local fair with one of my machine-bound quilts so it can't look that bad.
But I do think there are a lot of people who strongly prefer a hand-bound quilt and either don't have the time or the hand-stamina to do it themselves, so I think it's entirely possible you could turn this into a nice little money-maker. Another potential market might be for old family quilts that need new bindings. Non-quilters would have no clue how to replace a worn binding, so that might be a source of potential customers for you too, if you don't mind dealing with removing or covering up the old binding.
But I do think there are a lot of people who strongly prefer a hand-bound quilt and either don't have the time or the hand-stamina to do it themselves, so I think it's entirely possible you could turn this into a nice little money-maker. Another potential market might be for old family quilts that need new bindings. Non-quilters would have no clue how to replace a worn binding, so that might be a source of potential customers for you too, if you don't mind dealing with removing or covering up the old binding.
#14
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Illinois
Posts: 9,312
I think its viable... get your prices set then find all the Long arm pros and show them samples of your work. The Long Arm pros in my area do not do bindings they work with others to provide this service to their clients. This time of year in particular they are overloaded with their own work and clients are pressed for time as well.
#15
You have a great idea here! Instead of charging by the hour () or by the inch (which is a great idea), would it work to charge by the quilt size? King sized quilts = XX dollars, queen sized quilts = XX dollars, wall hangings measuring less than -- inches x --inches = XX dollars and so on. For odd sized quilts I would measure it and charge the price closest to the size. (Hope this is clear).
Good luck with your endeavor! There are lots of us (me included) out there who don't like to do bindings!
Good luck with your endeavor! There are lots of us (me included) out there who don't like to do bindings!
#17
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Saratoga, Arkansas
Posts: 1,909
I figured the quilt you said was 65"x45" at .30/inch and it came out to 66.00 or 16.50/hr for the 4 hours you said you worked on it. Does that sound fair to you? I hope this works out for you since you like to work with your hands while you watch TV.
#18
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Maryland
Posts: 2,376
I think a lot of people would be willing to pay for machine binding, too, as long as it looks really good. I've finally reached the point where my bindings usually look pretty decent but that was not always the case.
#20
I like the per inch deal and also would consider thinking about the cost per size of the quilt. I guess I would have to say I do mitered binding only because I'm not that experienced on scalloped edges or curvy! I wouldn't do it for a flat rate of $20, this quilt took 4 hours and it wouldn't be worth my time. I love all the ideas about how to go about this venture. I'm just looking for a little extra cash, I don't expect to make a killing on anything.
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Jennalyn
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