Retired Fire Chief

I made a baby quilt for the daughter-in-law of a good friend. At the shower everyone loved the quilt to the point where a neighbor asked me how much I would charge to make one for her to give her son and daughter-in-law for their baby girl coming in August. The request took me back a bit and the only thing I could say was that the fabrics were expensive and I don't know how much time I had in making the quilt. Another neighbor chipped in and confirmed that the fabrics are expensive, they were 30s and in our area normally run from $9.95-11.50 a yard. I discussed this with a seasoned quilting friend of mine and with the cost of fabrics ranging around 35-45 dollars, I thought $85 total would be fair. My husband overheard the conversation and thought I should charge no-less than $100 because my time is worth more than my first estimate. What do you think? The quilt I made was 38x42 inches.

leatheflea

I've done a few baby quilts on commission. No less than $150. http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...e-t192511.html Here's one I did for $160, only because she is a good customer, and orders often.

ArtsyOne

I agree with your husband - not less than $100 plus the cost of fabrics. What I've done in the past is to have the client purchase the fabrics or reimburse me separately for them with the understanding that I will keep any leftover fabric.

Tartan

Itemize a receipt of fabric, batt, thread and your time and give it to the lady. Most people have no idea how much a quilt costs. If she approves it, get the cost of materials up front in case she changes her mind about paying the full amount, you are not out any money.

KR

How about using a formula? $__ per square foot or square yard. Determine an average cost for materials, then double that to include labor. Just a thought.

isewman

I agree with your husband, and everyone else. I would at least charge a $100.00-(maybe $125.00). I had a lady friend ask me to make a quilt for her grdaughter. I told her the cost would be at least the cost I mentioned in this message. She told me she'd get back with me. Never did hear from her. That was okay with me. I would go with $100.00-$125.00

QuiltE

Costs of materials is one thing ... and don't forget all the supplies that are used. It's not just fabric!

Your time ... consider how long you take to make a quilt. At $50 ... can you make that quilt in just 2 or 3 hours? Unless it is a very basic one, I doubt it! And even the simpler ones still take time thru to the end of sewing on the binding!

Next time you make a quilt, track how many hours ... it'll be an eye opener!!
And don't forget washing the fabric and cutting it out ready to sew ... all takes time!

GailG

I did that for a friend who thought I'd give her a "good price" for a wedding cake for her friend's daughter. I itemized the approximate cost of ingredients, supplies (like boards, separator plates, etc.), and the amount of time that would be spent working on the cake, then gave her the estimate. The subject never came up again. I do make cakes for friends and family and just have them buy the ingredients but this was a case where she thought she could make a "good deal" off of our "friendship." I agree with Tartan.

patchsamkim

Cost of materials plus a MINIMUM of $10.00/hr for your time...to me, my time is precious, and I would charge at least $12/hr...I have enough of my own projects, that I wouldn't make something for someone else unless I am compensated well enough for my time. A quilt that you give away as a gift is a labor of love and priceless, but if you are making one to order, you should be paid appropriately for your TIME!

crashnquilt

I like to make purses. I had a gal ask me about my current purse. She loved it. When I said $50 she really backed up. She said, "I can buy purses for much less than that" My reply was, "Well I don't have a sweat shop full of people being paid pennies per hour to make them. Also, I don't like to use cheap fabric." I got the perverbial nose in the air and walk off from her. People think "well you are doing this at home" and you shouldn't be compensated for your time.

I do agree with the husband, the MINIMUM charge for the quilt should be $100 over materials cost. OR you could give her the "friend of a friend of a friend" pricing and charge $150 over materials!