BethDurand Posted June 3, 2014 Report Share Posted June 3, 2014 I'm sure this has been discussed before, so if you can direct me, I'd appreciate it. Potential customer contacted me about piecing together a quilt top from blocks that are made. I would then quilt it as well. What to charge for piecing? Significantly less work than a t-shirt quilt, but still work. Currently I'm thinking of charging my basic per hour rate for sewing, and estimating how long it will take. Then pricing for the quilting. Thanks for your help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenscratch Posted June 3, 2014 Report Share Posted June 3, 2014 I would charge at least $10 per hour for piecing, then extra for quilting a quilt, then extra for finishing it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Primitive1 Posted June 3, 2014 Report Share Posted June 3, 2014 I usually charge $20.00 per hour to sew blocks as it is what I at least hope to make doing what I'd rather be doing - quilting....I would give her an estimate but then emphasize that I would keep track of my hours and that it is only an estimate and could change. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QuilterB Posted June 3, 2014 Report Share Posted June 3, 2014 I charge $20 per hour as well. I have a timer I use to track time from cutting through completion of sewing. Then add my quilting rate to that and all material costs. Works well for me. Like Vicki- I also give a rough estimate! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ffq-lar Posted June 3, 2014 Report Share Posted June 3, 2014 I agree that you should charge an hourly rate comparable to what you would get if you were quilting. Have you seen the blocks? There may be other issues that will impact the time needed, such has wonky piecing or worn fabric, especially if the blocks are vintage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LindaSteller Posted June 3, 2014 Report Share Posted June 3, 2014 Yep, $10/hour is barely minimum wage these days. You're skilled labor. Get paid for it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Enchanted Quilting Posted June 3, 2014 Report Share Posted June 3, 2014 I charge $20.00 per hour for the piecing. Some have dusted off their DM's and decided to do the piecing themselves;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BethDurand Posted June 3, 2014 Author Report Share Posted June 3, 2014 Wow. Thanks ladies. You believe that I am worth more than I thought, so I think we'll do that. Considering I have just bought myself an early birthday present, I'm going to need to refill the bank. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anne from Guam Posted June 4, 2014 Report Share Posted June 4, 2014 Repeat 3 times : My skills are worth good money! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Busy Quilting Posted June 4, 2014 Report Share Posted June 4, 2014 Minimum wage in Australia is now $16.78 per hour and our skills are worth more than that! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BethDurand Posted June 4, 2014 Author Report Share Posted June 4, 2014 Oh thank you all for your responses. She didn't seem to bat an eyelash when I told her how much it was going to cost, but I about fell on the floor. Really! You're willing to pay that much?! Oh yes. My skills and my time are worthy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Primitive1 Posted June 5, 2014 Report Share Posted June 5, 2014 We've had this conversation before - I know it goes against what you think makes sense but when you charge more, you always end up with more customers....I think it is that they feel they get what they pay for and want the best in quilting and piecing and whatever else you do for them....but it is true, it was worked that way for me... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Enchanted Quilting Posted June 5, 2014 Report Share Posted June 5, 2014 I know it's a little bit apples to oranges, but we paid $90.00 an hour for a boat repair this week...hmmmm..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calicokat Posted June 5, 2014 Report Share Posted June 5, 2014 I too charge $20 an hour, and just keep track of my hours. Some days that goes better than others, LOL. So there is probably some element of estimation in there at the end. I think that the hourly charge, helps even out the complexity of the piecing. If it's a simple pattern, there will be less hours in construction, but if it's like a baby quilt that I'm doing right now - with applique, embroidery and piecing, the hours will be higher. Charlotte - I like the comparison - sometimes I feel guilty about the rate, but you're right, other trades are much higher. We had a washing machine tech out to the house yesterday at $45 and hour and I didn't even blink (cried some, but didn't blink, LOL) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ffq-lar Posted June 6, 2014 Report Share Posted June 6, 2014 I don't know if you've seen this, but Seattle will have a $15 per hour minimum wage put into effect over the next several years. Corporations will have three-year increments to reach $15 and smaller and independent businesses with institute it over 7 years. Raise the bar, Beth! You're worth it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LisaC Posted June 6, 2014 Report Share Posted June 6, 2014 Don't forget you need to be paid for the wear and tear on your machine and other equipment!!!! That is why the boat tech gets $90 an hour - you are paying for their tooling and skills and other overhead. You also have overhead in electricity, space... you get my drift............ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BethDurand Posted June 6, 2014 Author Report Share Posted June 6, 2014 So what's the going rate for t-shirt quilts then? I'm currently charging $15 per shirt without sashing and $20 per shirt with sashing. Is it time to raise prices there as well? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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