How much are quilting services worth?
I just had an interaction with potential (although unlikely) customer, and I thought I would share a bit, as I sit here grinding my teeth. I know my reaction isn’t just from this one person – it has been a long line of people over the years who do not recognize that my skillset has value.
We see this all the time at Gotham Quilts, which has helped me settle down a little bit. Folks wander in the door, take a look at Fancy Forest (twin size!) and ask how much it costs. The kit is $245, which they think is great. I fetch a kit, they notice that it is a DIY experience, not a “blanket”. I then explain that they get the joy of making it, then add in batting and quilting, and it will cost more like $500. Plus they need a sewing machine, rotary cutter, rulers, mats, thread, needles, pins, an iron, and on and on.
They want to just buy the finished one. Oh, that would be more like $2,000. Usually they leave, after vomiting a little in their mouth. Sometimes they say they will come back, but we all know they are headed over to the Kmart on 30th.
Back to today’s Mr Maybe. He has two duvets that he wants me to turn into quilts, using cotton batting. Now, I didn’t bother asking what his budget is. I’ve had this conversation before. 9 out of 10 times, it ends after my estimate is sent. I do my due diligence every time, in hopes that I will find another Michael, who is willing to pay a reasonable rate.
I actually did this exact project for a family member. She wanted me to just “stuff a batting” into a flannel duvet. I explained that I would have to disassemble the duvet and make a regular quilt from it, because spreading cotton smoothly onto a flannel case was not possible, and the two layers would never be flat together. We disagreed. It was a nightmare project, before I had a longarm. It’s still on the bed, and looks great.
In case you are curious – this is what I charge for turning a duvet into a quilt.
Queen duvet into quilt
90″ x 90″ = 8,100 square inches, 360 linear inches
- $40 – 2 hours to take apart duvet
- $40 – enlarge back on all 4 sides
- $283.50 – edge to edge quilting, includes thread at $0.035/sq inch
- $144 – bind quilt at $0.4 per linear inch
- $45 – queen size batting
- $15 – binding fabric
All of this for the grand total price of $567.15.
That’s a lot, right? It sure is! I have two fancy sewing machines and 20 years of experience. I pay myself about $20 per hour most days, which is probably still too low.
The response I got from Mr. Maybe expressed surprise and disappointment. This was more than he was planning to pay, more than he expected to pay, he already bought the duvet covers, and his partner is unemployed due to COVID. He asks for a breakdown of the price. I always feel like this is an attempt to trip me up, like I’m just pulling a number out of the air. I provide it, and he asks if he can sleep on it. No problem.
Now, I feel for him. Times are tough, and quilting is expensive. My business isn’t exactly thriving right now, either. Maybe this isn’t the time to be investing in luxury bed coverings.
The reason this gets me so riled up is that I’ve heard this time and time again over the years. I get that folks don’t realize how much quality quilt fabric costs. But clearly, they know that 20 years of experience means something. I wonder if I were to ask this client to do whatever it is he does for a living at a discount because I can’t pay his rates, what his response would be.
I don’t quilt as a labor of love. That’s when I wiped my kids’ butts, and when I listen to them rant about Pokemon, while I made them grilled cheese with no crust. Also when I give my dog a shower, and then use the blow dryer for an hour so she is comfy and looks fabulous. When I make a quilt for someone else, it is work. You know how I can tell? I’m tired at the end of the day, and they pay me. I don’t get to wrap them in it and give them a hug, we won’t be snuggling and sharing peanut butter cups under it. There is no love in a business transaction.
I used to be willing to negotiate on this stuff, but that time is long gone. I’ve gotten to the point where I consider myself to be an artist. I know for sure I’m a skilled craftswoman. I know that my work is worth every penny I charge for it. And if someone doesn’t want to pay, it doesn’t hurt my feelings. They just don’t get to live with some of my work.
Quilt Pricing Resources
- Molly Sparkles – Sit down and have some Truth Tea with Molly
- Sam Hunter – Sam explains why We are Sew Worth It
Even though I proclaim that my work is worth it, and I believe it, I still feel like I’m being “cold”. This poor guy. Maybe I should knock some money off of my estimate. I have to grab onto the spine that generated in my back when I turned 45 and hold on. If he doesn’t hire me, maybe I can finish off some of my older WIPS that are demanding custom quilting.
What do you think? Is there a way I can improve my sell through? Should I include a copy of my resume with my estimate, so they see how well regarded my work is? And for the record, it’s been two weeks with no response.
That must be so frustrating as so many people think sewing/quilting is inexpensive, but it’s not! Your work is great and your time is definitely worth more then you charge.
Maybe think of it as educating the public
The public definitely needs an education. Not sure they want one.
You deserve every moment to rant…very few people respect or understand what it takes AND how long it takes to make a quilt. Not to mention. The investment of time and money to learn how to do it. The bad habit that all of us have is to say “oh it didn’t take too long”.
Stay cool this weekend
June M
Thanks, June! Yeah, that urge to be gracious, rather than say it took forever and made me cry is strong, isn’t it?
No. Stick to your guns. Just because he doesn’t want to be educated In skilled craftsmanship doesn’t mean you should compromise. Customers like this aren’t worth the trouble.
Ain’t that the truth.
I agree with this. Plus there’s the thing where people can end up further devaluing something they got for cheap and instead really treasure something they consider a premium good.
This whole thing where people don’t get what goes into making things by hand is why I have only ever been willing to make things for other makers. Which is basically just like…my grandma…who I knit hats and socks to help keep her warm and she loves them so much she can’t bear to actually wear them. So that’s a little too far, but it’s just gonna set everyone up for disappointment if I make something for someone who isn’t going to get it and then loses or destroys it.
I also think there’s a definite element of sexism to the attitude (by customers of all genders, I’m sure). Like I’d be very curious whether Mr. Maybe would have the same attitude if he brought a broken chair over to a woodworker and asked them to turn it into a table, you know?
There’s perhaps some groups of people that could be educated (maybe you can have a canned response/descriptive page on your website to send to people so you don’t have to engage personally each time it’s heading in this direction) but it also kind of sounds to me like you’d rather work with customers who are excited about the creative endeavor, not someone who had to be reluctantly persuaded into it because they’re comparing your work to mass market produced goods. I mean I get the consumer side, but you just don’t go to an artist and small business owner with a sense of entitlement. I bet it would’ve been different if Mr. Maybe had been coming from the perspective of, “my partner and I saw your exhibition and they really really loved your work, do you have smaller pieces within my budget that I could buy as a gift to cheer them up after being laid off, or hey I unfortunately don’t have the cash right now but I do have these skills, would you be open to discussing a trade” etc.
These are great points, Katherine! I have done some trades in the past, and that is lovely. Maybe I should add that kind of offer into my responses and see what happens. An hour per hour trade would be nice.
Does Mr. Maybe try to negotiate when he goes into other retail stores? To his doctor’s office? At his favorite restaurant? Sometimes negotiations are expected and encouraged. (That’s why most people hate buying cars.) It’s too bad he already bought the duvet covers without checking on the cost to convert them. Maybe he can return them? But that’s not your problem. You have to earn a living, just as he does.
I make quilts for fun, not work. Several people have asked if I would make a custom quilt for them – of course, they will pay me! I always decline. I will give my quilts away to loved ones, but I won’t do it for money. It becomes a different purpose and different expectations and more pressure. While I make nice quilts, I don’t have the expertise you do.
You have devoted your time to developing your craft and your skills, plus the investment in equipment. There is no need to apologize for being good at what you do and charging appropriately for it.
I absolutely understand your views. At 83 and a “sewist/crafter” I totally understand your viewpoint! I love creating things and I do. After raising 5 kids, this is my pleasure. When I sell anything, reactions are the same as you received at times They may not say … What? You want how much for that doll you so lovingly made over several hours?” You sure can see it in their faces. I quilt with love and joy! I don’t do long-arm quilting but am happy to pay what the person who does and adds the final (and beautiful) touch to my quilt. Is it expensive? Yes. Is it worth it? Definitely a yes!! I can and do simple quilting sometimes but I love the other and the skill and art that goes into doing that work. I will continue to craft/sew as long as I am able AND I will continue to pay for quality work and happy to do so.
Thank you for sharing your talent with the rest of us!! You ARE appreciated!!
Aww, thank you!
Lots of good responses here.
I’ve got great readers!
Stick to your guns. Don’t undersell yourself. And take heart from the fact that there are people out there who appreciate the value of fine workmanship
I totally agree. There is another big problem for quilt artists. I don’t know what to call it, maybe the granny crafters mindset (even though I am a grandmother myself). When I lived in Upstate NY a senior citizens group met at the local library to quilt. They then sold their handiwork at prices that barely covered the cost of their fabric. They were sewing to pass the time and didn’t care about making a profit. So, if they are selling a pot holder for $2 or a baby blanket for $20, it makes people think that is a fair price.
When I retired, I finished up a bunch of UFO’s and went to a couple of craft fairs to sell my wares. Most people didn’t want to spend a fraction of my already bargain prices. I ultimately gave these quilts as gifts to people who really appreciated them but wouldn’t be able to afford them (mostly my daughter’s friends).
So now when people look at my quilts and comment “These are so beautiful, you should sell them”, I just shake my head.
Oh, yes! That’s one of my favorites – “you could probably sell that for $100!”, as if that is a good price for a queen sized handmade mariners compass quilt. I had someone ask how much I would charge for my king sized EPP project. I said maybe $10,000, but probably closer to $20,000 to even consider it. I think they sprained something on the eye roll I got. The truth is, I would not sell it for any price.
This, along with a myriad of other reasons, is why I do not make quilts for clients anymore. I had to pivot my business goals because it just wasn’t the right fit for me. Your pricing is more than fair and the breakdown of costs honestly seems to be missing thread cos to me (unless it’s included in the per square inch factor you apply). You are worth this if not more.
I factored thread cost into my quilting way back when I started, mostly because it’s too complicated to estimate. Then, if I charge someone an extra $10 on top of $200-$300 it just feels petty.
So right! Customers need to understand the value of a service. $20/hour is a bargain rate, and if you add an increment for the overhead costs (healthcare, etc) it use to be a factor of 40% so you are really talking $28/hr.
That’s a good point. I have a corporate husband, so I never think of those things.
When I worked in a hospital and applied for grants that was always an add on to the costs. I don’t know how those numbers work out now, but I know what my health insurance costs and that is not a pretty number.
Completely agree with all you have written! Sometimes I think I might want to sell on Etsy, and then I think of all the time it takes to make something and how much profit I wouldn’t be making, and I change my mind.
The only thing I can think of it someone is truly interested in selling to a wider range of people with some less expensive items, is come up with some quickly made (and likely smaller) items like whole cloth baby blankets. But even then, that would not even cut the cost in half.
People are just so used to expecting the cost of mass produced goods, even at the same time they buy luxury vehicles, go on expensive vacations, and put their kids in costly sports.
Etsy can be okay, but you have to have a large quantity of goods listed for sale. I have some inexpensive things listed just to clear out shelves. It isn’t super profitable, but it is a little bit of cash flow.
That’s why I mostly give away, and not sell, things that I make.
Stick to your own ‘rules.’ You know what you’re worth! Your time, etc. We all have stories … One person wanted me to hem 6 pairs of pants … I said, “Sure … if you come and clean my house while I hem your pants.” She couldn’t believe it. The end of the story: I didn’t get my house cleaned! 🙂
Lol. Oh, I love that.
Stick to your guns you are worth it, and now you see why I asked if you needed more money even though I had a promise from when you first started out. I would have gladly paid more money for my first quilt because it was more than worth it!
I think it would be great to have a CV of your quilting. A page on your blog to send them for your experience as a craftswoman. Some stats could be included, number of customer quilting you have done. And then few pictures of your favorite works. You could text or email the URL and you could update it when you have some changes. Maybe they would understand after seeing the amount of work you have done and the investment in your training. My husband as a 24 year old Trumpet performer would require a church pay him a few to come for their holiday performances. After the performance the person making the payment would grumble about having to pay so much for just a few notes, and my husband would remind them that without the 12-years of Trumpet training they wouldn’t have had those notes at all. Same thing with quilting, stick to your guns. The worst thing about a client undervaluing your product is that they keep asking for more for free. Much better to walk away and work with clients who understand. You are doing the right thing!
I alwsys start out with Well, my quilts start at $1000 and go up from there. After they compose themselves, I look them straight in the eye and say, well did you think I can just whip this up in a day? What did you earn last week? Oh, if you want Bed in a Bag, go to Walmart. I make custom, hand crafted quilts. One of a kind. That include over $300 worth of fabric, thread, batting. at that point, if I still have an active “ customer” I continue…,,,, but I usually don’t
Excellent post!! The quilters in my AZ quilting group price their quilts extremely low because “no one would pay what they are worth.” Upon my urging they tried charging a bit more but didn’t sell many at one craft fair so they dropped the prices back again. At our recent quilt auction, our king size quilt only got one bid—mine—for $600. I couldn’t see it go for less. Expecting others to pay for something which is definitely worthy of the price but hasn’t been valued in the past is a difficult cycle to break.
I feel your pain. No one is ever going to get it unless they quilt themselves. There is no need to explain any further than the billing breakdown that you give. I am always surprised when someone wants to negotiate the price. Save that for the flea market or antique store. You are more than qualified in what your rates are. Maybe you could add a line to your estimate stating how long you have been doing this job, like established in 2002, or 20 years of experience. This kind of stuff, plus all the extra work it takes to get a quilt top to look great finished makes my blood boil. All those wonky borders, seams coming apart in places, bad piecing, short backing, etc etc. Ugh. I now quilt exclusively for a few select customer/friends because I was able to retire.
I live in the sticks, and am surrounded by poor people. These people probably make just a tad more than minimum wage. I can relate to this story, they want a Cadillac for a Citation price. And cannot see past themselves to know I make more than minimum wage. I call this Wal-mart syndrome, because they can buy a comforter set at walmark for $50 and so they think a quilt job should not cost more than a bed in a bag.
That’s a tough situation.
I agree with you, people are clueless as to what it takes to make quilts. My lovely wife ByLauraMcfall makes many of them and gives them as presents, or tries to sell them, but people don’t have an idea what the investment is into the skill set or the equipment to produce them. I tell my wife that she does not charge enough for them, but most of them she tries to recoup the cost of the product, the wear and tear on the machines or her time is mostly a gift!
It is a tough go to make money as a quilter. People have asked me that same question. I have responded as many others here, I won’t do it for money. I give my creations away to friends and family. (and keep a whole lot of them for myself).
I very much enjoyed your articulate explanation. I had many similar experiences while running my specialty toy shop for 35 years. The fact that they weren’t in K-Mart made it acceptable to demand free gift wrapping on a $2 coloring book! Very few are capable of understanding all you expressed. Cheap merchandise and prices from China haven’t helped the situation.
I agree with everything you’ve said. Unfortunately I don’t think people have any idea what the actual value of anything is anymore. The first time I needed a plumber after moving into my house, I chatted with him while he fixed my boiler. He said people do the same thing to him. It’s below zero and they have no heat, but they hassle him for charging a reasonable amount to drop everything he’s doing and rush to their house to keep them from freezing.
I love your quilting and think it’s worth every penny. It’s not worth chasing the Mr. Maybes.
You and Ivete taught me not to chase them!
I had an AC guy in last week. $300 for 45 minutes on a Sunday. Worth every penny.
Jen I have completely been in your shoes. I love it when someone asks you to quilt a quilt for them for their charity and expect to not pay for it. Along time ago I realized my choice of charities is my choice if somebody would like something quilted for their charity they still have to pay me.
Another excellent point.
People get used to paying factory made prices and fail to appreciate that custom made is simply not going to compete on price. My husband is an artist who works with wood. He sees the same thing.
Well written, It is so like the time Hugh was at an orthopaedic surgeon’s clinic, for a possible, well probable shoulder surgery. He commented that he had a block of land, and the man he was maybe going to get to do his fencing was charging $45 an hour. He was so appalled at this ,to him, high charge.Well, the fencer needed all his tools, maybe a 4 wheel drive vehicle to get to the site, maybe a tractor post rammer too, I didn’t tell him that at that time I thought it was very reasonable, maybe even a tad too low. Stick to your charges, machines, supplies, and all that experience is included, get the customer to sit down and try to do any one small part themselves!! I hope your normal customers are ones who understand the whole process and pay accordingly.
Its the same with any hand crafted item. If it is to be made, and made well it takes experience, quality materials and a lot of time and effort. Stick to your pricing – you are worth it