My friend is having a lap quilt machine quilted by a local lady. The lap quilt has over 4k square inches.

The lady is asking 1 1/2 cents per square inch.

Does that sound like a standard rate at this time?

If not...what are people charging?

i have seen anywhere from .05 to 2.4

That is about right for a simple pantogram. In my area its about .02 per inch but that is a recent price. I guess everybody in my area just started raising prices. It can get as high as .10 per inch for really really detail custom.

Never seen it as low as that -- lowest I've been quoted in this area is 1.5 cents per sq. inch.

The quilting lady has a computerized machine....does that effect the cost?

Better yet - WHAT does effect the cost?

I am sure it does, she has to pay for her machine and they are very pricey.

Okay....I understand the concept that the machine is pricey so she needs to charge.

BUT...what about the people whole machine quilt using their TALENT...shouldn't have be worth as much?

(Assuming they don't charge as much.)

Do you know what kind of design she's doing on the quilt? That has a definite impact on the cost. An overall meander is generally the least expensive, and I've seen the charge for that from .01 to .02 per square inch. If she's getting a more intricate design, the charge will be higher.

There are several factors, and while I'm sure some quilters who have computerized have raised their prices, I don't think most have (just based on what I've read - I don't have any specifics). The type of design has a bearing on the cost. Specialty threads can increase the cost. The geographic area in which the quilting is done can have an impact (what the market will bear). I suppose that even the experience of the quilter - for instance, if she's won a lot of awards and is well-known for her work - could have an impact.

Another thing to keep in mind is that many LA quilters have a minimum charge, and the client may decide to pay a slightly higher per square inch charge to get a more intricate design for little additional cost. For instance, let's say the LAer has a minimum charge of $50, and she charges .01 per sq. inch for an overall meander. On a 4000 sq. in. quilt, that would be $40, but she will charge $50. If that same LAer can do a pantograph or free-hand edge to edge design for .015 per square inch, the cost to the quiltmaker is $60, so she's getting a more intricate design for only $10 more.

Hope that helps explain it a little!

Yes. $.015/square inch is a standard rate.

Yes...that explains a lot more. I will let her know!

that is right in the middle of the 'norm' these days, quilter's who charge by the square inch charge anywhere from 1 cent up to about 3 1/2 cents a square inch.... so pretty normal where she is...

I pay 1.5 cents a square inch. She does a great job.

1.5 cents per square inch is about as low as it goes, and that would be for a fairly open pantograph or meandering.

As for a computerized setup, most quilters I know do not increase their prices simply because they are computerized. It's simply a cost of business, and means they can get more done in less time (usually).

Thanks to everyone. I let my friend know what you have all said and she is feeling more comfortable about the price.

My friend refuses to use the computer.

In my area, the going rate is 2 to 2.5 cents per square inch for edge to edge. Custom and heirloom can run in the 5 to 7 cent range.