A quilter is worth every bit as much (likely a whole lot more) than any mechanic (sorry, we call them automotive service technicians now, don't we).

The national rate (straight time) varies (location, foreign/domestic, etc.) between $15 and $22 per hour. That's what the mechanic makes; it costs the employer lots more because of contributions, added taxes, etc.

You are worth all that and more including your time to design, shop for the fabric, etc.

If it's a rush job and you have to go into "overtime," then adjust your hourly rate to time and a half or more appropriately (as mechanics usually charge for emergency repairs), double rate.

Actually, when someone asks what you charge to make a quilt, a good reply might be: "Well, the cost of the material of course, and what does a mechanic charge in these parts ... that ought to be fair."

If they're serious, they should not be put off by that and you will be making a fair hourly rate. Otherwise, you lucked out and didn't end up doing something for nothing.

Hope that gives a bit of perspective. Good luck with your venture.

hi...i agree w/all that mpspeedy stated. i have done a few commissioned quilts...and done some hand quilting for pay. i researched quilt sites that i found listed in the want ad sections at the back of my quilt mags. also talked to local [in the areas i was living] seamstress re: hourly rate. some quilters charge by the number of yards of thread - quilting and price of fabric involved double/tripled. my prob with that is that i draft my own patterns [mostly] and the more complex/original the design the more i would charge. i have a set rate for all the prep time/tools cost. then start keeping track of time spent...prewashing, ironing, cutting, piecing...etc. my husband scolded me on one quilt that i did elaborate quilting on...we figured it out that i was charging half a cent/hour...not quite giving it away...but ...dunno.

The Amish site was an eye opener and very informative. Thanks for the link! I'm not sure how to tell you to charge for a commissioned quilt but I'm sure there isn't a quilter on this site who actually charges what they are worth! Think about what we pay other "professionals" in our lives.....the electrician, the plumber, the mechanic and then move on to the MD, the lawyer etc and...well you get the picture. As a RN with 25yrs experience, I haven't worked for less than $25/hr for years and currently am at >$32/hr. IMHO....my time is worth as much off the job as it is on the job....just saying.

I just made a 44 x 60 baby quilt for a lady. She purchased most of the fabrics on the top. I paid for some of them and the backing, plus the batting and the findings. I quilted it on a longarm and bound it. I was paid $150... and she tipped me an additional $100!

For queen size I start at about $300-$350 plus cost of materials (fabric, batt & backing etc.) General work, such as repairs etc. at least $10. per hour. Binding by machine $1.50 per foot and by hand $3.00 per foot. If I have to assemble a back before quilting, $10.00 per seam and if ironing of the top is needed $15.00.

I like your idea, Bea.

You have all given me some great assistance with this topic. I appreciate all your advice. The person is requesting a wedding ring (maybe even double, I can't remember). In order for me to do this, I have to take a class, which I don't mind.

The lady is perfectly willing to pay for the materials. I am thinking of perhaps charging her for the class I have to take to learn the pattern as well as $10.00 an hour or maybe I will charge her what I make per hour at work? I am going to have to have it professionally quilted and she will have to pay for that.

I believe she is looking for just a twin size quilt. Does this sound about fair since I am still a new quilter (I am coming up on my one year anniversary)?

Is the $50 just for making the top

I TOO DO SEWING, CROCHETING, QUILTING AND IN THE PAST I'VE CHARGED DOUBLE WHAT THE MATERIAL WASWOULD YOU BELIEVE I GOT COMPLAINTS ABOUT IT. I GUESS THEY THOUGHT I SHOULD DO IT FOR NOTHING. SOME PEOPLE,HUH

Good but difficult question. You should charge at least $15 p/h plus material, wear and tear on your equipment etc. Good Luck.