What to charge?
 

I have a friend who would like for me to make her some t-shirt quilts. They would be double to queen size and I would just do the tops. How much would you charge for your time and supplies?

A lot of people say to charge triple the material cost. I have a very hard time figuring out what to do for things, especially when it's family or friends!

I would probably charge my cost of materials plus at least 1/3.

People here in Cincinnati are charging between $12-15 a shirt, so for 12 shirts, $144. As a photographer with her own studio, it is the industry's standard to charge 3x what our material cost is. The theory is 1/3 is to cover materials, 1/3 to cover taxes, insurance and overhead, and a 1/3 to pay yourself. While you don't have taxes, insurance and the like, you DO have additional wear/tear on your machine, additional electricity costs, and your time, so I would charge the cost of materials plus maybe even 50%. I'm not sure how close that is to $12-15/shirt, but definitely make sure you break down the costs to cover what you're putting in!

Cost includes t-shirts, material for sashing, backing, batting and thread. Don't bother to add in hourly wages 'cause the cost would be prohibitive. Also, talk it over before you start so your friend will know how much in advance. This will save the friendship. Will you send out to have it long-arm quilted or you do it? Lots of cost involved and don't skip any of them.