How much to charge to teach sewing to someone?
 

I am in the process of teaching a newbie how to sew and use a sewing machine. How much should I charge her? Would a package deal be better , say like 5 lessons for a set amount or should I charge by the hour? I am thinking that a 2 hour meeting would be better than an hour an a half. I have taught others to sew before but have not charge as they were friends and children from school. Is $15 and hour reasonable or too much. I don't want to break the bank but work within her budget. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Now I know why I don't have a business, it's too stressful.

Can not answer that, but I am like you, can never figure how much to charge for any thing. joyce j

I was asked to teach someone to sew. That person volunteered to pay $20/hour.

Shari

You might check out the LQS and see what they charge per hour for an individual lesson. I've taken quilting lessons that way but it's been a long time ago and I don't remember what the charge was. One-on-one instruction is worth more than a group lesson. Time is money. I think $20 per hour sounds reasonable.

What would a similar class cost at JoAnn's?

I forgot to mention..... I think you should charge for instruction time and not be charging for the time they are sewing only. I've taught group classes and I usually show how to do some skill and then the students do a sample or little bit of the sewing. Then, they go home to complete that skill. Many people are very nervous about doing some sewing in front of others because they are just learning. Others want you to stand over every stitch and are afraid to do anything without your help. You will have to determine what the learner wants from you to determine whether to charge by the hour or by the project.

My LQS charges $20 for a quilt class. It is usually 3 hours. All supplies are extra or you can bring your own. All of the time isn't teaching. A lot of it is student work. Maybe you could have her make a small project while learning.

What's the going price on a couple fifths of Barcardi 151?

Four years ago I took sewing lessons from a neighbor - including using attachments on my machine. We contracted for 6 weekly sessions that lasted 2 hours each. She charged $10 an hour, which I felt was a good price.

this is something you need to sit down and discuss with her---should have been discussed & agreed upon before beginning- some people charge by the hour- some by the project/class- it needs to be an amount that is fair to both of you- what is YOUR time worth to you? is that an amount she can afford and thinks is fair? it is something you need to sit down with her & talk about-before going too far- it's kind of 'unfair' to give classes for free-with no discussion of compensation---then suddenly expect compensation- without discussion.

I think that $20/lesson for a private lesson would be good for someone who can afford it. You can't use the JoAnn's price as that is for a group lesson and the group shares the teacher cost as well as the facilities. Might be good to check with others in the area for the going price for other private lessons. Yours should be priced comparably.

Don't stress over the small things...just enjoy the activity!!

Personally I wouldn't charge anything at all. If you charge her then you're suddenly in business and you'll need to declare that as income. That's way more trouble than it's worth to help somebody out.

It is an awkward situation, especially if it is between friends. Can you make it an "exchange of favors". If she has any talents that you could use, then you could trade your sewing lessons for them. Think garden products, babysitting, painting, washing windows, baked goods, canning, etc. Or maybe she has objects you could use, such as fabric, tools, time in a lake cabin, etc.

Enjoy the lessons!

Dayle

I agree. I have taught some people to sew and didn't charge them. If they agree to buy the supplies they need, I do it for free. Some people want to learn to sew to save money and I guess I feel I am helping them out.

I would not charge anyone for lessons here in the large city. Around here one (yes, only one) lesson is about 100 dollars-or more if you add the required fabric, thread, etc. for the lesson. That is really serious price gouging if you ask me. Everything is so hyper inflated around here-not just sewing supplies or even learning to sew.

[QUOTE=Daylesewblessed;5240312 If she has any talents that you could use, then you could trade your sewing lessons for them. Think garden products, babysitting, painting, washing windows, baked goods, canning, etc. Or maybe she has objects you could use, such as fabric, tools, time in a lake cabin, etc.

[/QUOTE]

This seems like the best solution. It's always good when people can "scratch each other's backs" so to speak. Good luck... hope the lessons go well for both of you.

Laura

To clarify, she is going to pay so there is no question about that.She is not a friend but could become one later. Once she gets the hang of things she wont be needing me any more. Charging someone to do something does not necessarily make it a business. She wants to pay because she knows it means time. I am happy to do it and told her I will work within her budget.She would not be happy if she did not pay something. I was trying to gage other opinions and from what you are saying ,the amount others quoted, was what I was thinking about. Great minds think alike. LOL Thanks.

I feel the same, I would not charge, would just love to pass on my love of sewing the way my grandma did with me. It would be such fun to me as I don't have any grands old enough yet to teach.

Update"-
We met on Memorial Day and had a 2 hour session. It all went well. I charged her $10 an hour. She will be back this week for another lesson. Her machine was a computerized one which I had to get familiar with . so I gave her one of mine to practice on while I got acquainted with hers. Her young son is interested also. All's well that end well.

Glad it worked out - :)

Opinion: This seems to be a 'one size does not fit all' situation.

I do think many people value what they pay for a lot more than a freebie. So it makes sense to me to charge 'something' for the lessons.

I do think where one lives and the general affluence - or lack of - in a given community also makes a difference.

I would be happy to 'donate' lessons to someone that I considered 'poor' or 'down on her luck' at the time that was enthusiastic about the idea of learning how to sew.

Not so happy to 'donate' lessons to someone that had just purchased a top of the line embroidery/sewing machine and all the equipment/toys and was complaining that she was 'only allowed' to spend $1000 a month on her hobbies and crafts.