I've been quilting for about 7 years and have made about 30 quilts. I would say I am an intermediate quilter. I have given away some quilts, donated some to charity and sold one (a lap quilt, for $100)

I have two friends who are wanting me to make them quilts for family members. One for a friends son (queen size), one for a friends niece (king size). They both want blue and maize (U of M colors).

My sister is a long arm quilter and for a brief period had her own business, so I know what she will charge to actually quilt the top. My question is, how much do I charge to put the top together? I've read some charge by the hour, some triple the cost of supplies. I'm using a large 16" block, fairly simple pattern. Plus, the batting and backing.

Both of these women are well aware quilts are not cheap to purchase, but they're asking for an estimated cost, which I don't really know. $400-$500???

Thanks for reading and for any feedback.

I struggle with the same thing - I sometimes throw out a number to see the reaction - sometimes close friends/family are looking for a deal - but sometimes they really do value your skills. I think being up front about the time and costs may give them a better idea how much time it really takes to finish a quilt- I confess I have a hard time charging also even though it takes up so much of my time. I wish there was an easy answer.

does the 400-500 get them a finished quilt? If so, that sounds about right. If it is just for the top, maybe a bit high, esp. since it is simple blocks.

MM, I've been quilting about the same time as you and someone asked me the same thing and I, like you, didn't know. So someone told me to charge what you think your time is worth + supplies. If it's for MY family, then I don't charge. If it's for a friend, not as much as I would the average Joe Blow from town but definitely something. Sorry I couldn't be much help either but you really do need to decide that on your own.....what's your time worth??

BTW MM, welcome to the board, I just joined on the 9th myself! Perhaps we can learn together!

There has been a lot of postings in the past about this subject. Do a bit of searching. There was some good answers and advice.

Hi and welcome to the board from Iowa. I am sure someone will come along that will have exactly the right answer (smile).

I don't have any idea on that, but I suspect a deal breaker would be to take them, one by one, to a quilt shop and tell them to look at and price any fabric they want or like. And to add backing and batting prices..if they don't faint at that final cost (take a calculator) then you can set down with them and talk prices for your time. Then let them look at the total all written down in black and white..might shock them speechless at your actually wanting money for "keeping busy"!!! I've actually heard someone say that about the art of quilting..

Yes, $400-$500 for finished quilt.

Your price sounds pretty good. A friend of mine gets $700 for a Queen size t-shirt quilt. She always asks for half up front. When asked to make a quilt always ask what pattern, what fabrics, Because a Double wedding ring would be a lot more time consuming than a D9P.