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question about how much to charge

question about how much to charge

Old 01-02-2011, 09:29 AM
  #11  
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I'm a nurse, with 15 yrs experience and specialty certifications, so thanks be to God, I earn a nice hourly wage. Sometimes, knowing that I sew and quilt, people, even coworkers, ask me to do alterations or make tshirt quilts for them. I do sometimes do simple shortening of garments for friends who don't sew and can't afford to have it done. But I tell my coworkers that I sew for pleasure on my off time. If they offer to pay, I say, "Oh, you know what I make, you can't afford me". I give them some resources for either doing it themselves or hiring it done. What makes folks think I'd like to spend my free time doing their mending? This must be a constant frustration for professional quilters and seamstresses and tailors.
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Old 01-02-2011, 10:31 AM
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Originally Posted by Maia B
I'm a nurse, with 15 yrs experience and specialty certifications, so thanks be to God, I earn a nice hourly wage. Sometimes, knowing that I sew and quilt, people, even coworkers, ask me to do alterations or make tshirt quilts for them. I do sometimes do simple shortening of garments for friends who don't sew and can't afford to have it done. But I tell my coworkers that I sew for pleasure on my off time. If they offer to pay, I say, "Oh, you know what I make, you can't afford me". I give them some resources for either doing it themselves or hiring it done. What makes folks think I'd like to spend my free time doing their mending? This must be a constant frustration for professional quilters and seamstresses and tailors.
Me too...I make a high wage in my daytime job, so why would i want to make a meager wage in my afterhours.
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Old 01-02-2011, 11:00 AM
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Originally Posted by deema
Because he is a collector, he should at least have some idea of the true scope of work and time that goes into one quilt. I would charge no less than double the cost of supplies, and I would request the first half of that up front so as not to be paying out of pocket for supplies.

I have a friend who asked me how much to make a quilt for her DD's toddler bed. I am charging her $150 +shipping, which is cost of just fabric x2, not including batting (because I have a lot in my stash and she is my friend). I did let her know that she's getting it cheaper than if I'd been making it for a random person. So if you feel inclined to not to charge what you *really* think it is worth, tell him he is getting a special "friend" discount, and not to "advertise" that price.
Thanks this is what I came up with as well. I found a calculator on line for the amount of fabric. Then went to Joann.com for an estimate of the price of homespun fabric. I am adding the cost of thread and batting as well. My son says that he wants to pay for this in order to give to the person for his birthday so I will not charge labor this time. I am also letting him know that if it were someone else then labor cost would be involved. Thanks for all your help. BTW, I am getting the money up front for the supplies.
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Old 01-02-2011, 11:04 AM
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It will never be enough!
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Old 01-02-2011, 11:22 AM
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have you ever used homespun fabric? I think it is harder to work with, and you should charge extra for that fabric. I think you should make sure the customer knows that you are doing a favor by not charging labor--the most expensive part--in my opinion. Hope they appreciate you.
Sue
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Old 01-02-2011, 11:32 AM
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How about doing a search on Etsy to see what the going rate is for a king sized rag quilt?

Ebony
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Old 01-02-2011, 11:53 AM
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No matter the price, you know how much fluff a regular sizes rag quilt gives off when washed. IMHO, I would do the fluffing for a King size at the laundromat if they will let you. They are nice and comfy aren't they?

piney
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Old 01-02-2011, 03:35 PM
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Originally Posted by susie-susie-susie
have you ever used homespun fabric? I think it is harder to work with, and you should charge extra for that fabric. I think you should make sure the customer knows that you are doing a favor by not charging labor--the most expensive part--in my opinion. Hope they appreciate you.
Sue
Yes I have worked with homespun. I used this to make my sons lap quilt. I did not find it that hard to work with. Yes I think he does understand I am doing him a favor by not charging labor. However, like I said if it were not family then I would charge labor.
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Old 01-02-2011, 03:36 PM
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Originally Posted by pinecone
No matter the price, you know how much fluff a regular sizes rag quilt gives off when washed. IMHO, I would do the fluffing for a King size at the laundromat if they will let you. They are nice and comfy aren't they?

piney
Yep, already told my DH that this one will have to go to the coin laundry. Besides my washer would not be big enoungh for this size quilt.
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Old 01-02-2011, 03:43 PM
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If you triple the cost of fabric, that's still not enough to charge. I let the lady at the quilt shop where I sold mine help set the price. I sold queen size that cost me around $50.00 for $250.00, other quilts that I made from pillow panels for $450.00. Check with shops that sell quilts and use that for a guide line. Good luck, always amazed me how much someone would pay.
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