Hi Cuties, I was asked today about quilting a queen size top. I told the lady I usually stay busy doing for my own family and my charity work. I’ve never considered quilting for public. One thing, I’m not sure how to charge.
She said it was a top her now 89 year old mom pieced and the girls just found it. I told her I only meander quilt or stipple quilt manually, it’s not programmed quilting. I sent her 4 pics of some of my quilts, but told her they may want it custom quilted. Anyway, not for Christmas so no big hurry. I don’t know if they want it for their mom or one of them but mom is already 89, they should want it soon as possible.😉I am unsure to commit to quilt it or not. I know all 3 girls but regardless, I won’t quilt it for free. Pin basting this size is terrible for me. They don’t realize the cost of fabrics, batting or quilting. One doesn’t know difference or hand or machine 😳sewing!
I just have to see if they like my work or can tell from the pictures.I also have to decide If I even want to and figure out a price.
I’ve turned down people before but my niece encourages me to do it. She showed me a picture of a quilt her co worker paid for quilting and said she was shocked at price coworker paid because the quality of work was poor. Co worker didn’t seem to mind though. Maybe I am afraid people will be unhappy with my work.
I will let you know what we decide....
109780
Hi Toogie, Your work is excellent! I am in Australia, and I recently had an almost king size quilt quilted, I supplied the wadding and backing, and was charged $220.
It is sort of fancy quilting, but edge to edge, and the work is excellent.
It was done on a long arm machine.
12452Wow, Toogie, this is a tough one... who is supplying the backing and batting? If you decide to engage in this project, I would strongly suggest that you quote your price and get all of the payment before you begin...I have seen too many times where the client says "they would be happy with whatever you do" and in the end, it's a big backfire. How many hours do you anticipate you will need to finish it, what is your time worth per hour, does this include your doing the binding...In my opinion, I don't think I would do it...Just my two cents.
318522I've seen it advertised for anywhere from .02 to 1.00 per square inch.
2 comments
by sewdoctor
05 Dec 2020
I know that the quilt shop I work for charges .02 per sq. inch. that is on a long arm machine....if you are doing it on a small machine, I would charge more....that is a lot of work, and hard on your arms and shoulders.
by toogie
05 Dec 2020
A lady I know had a friend that does her quilting. He charges her $100 for a quilt a little smaller than this one looks. We are in a poor state so I’m thinking $150-200 because it is work. I know when I asked a LA here to quilt one of my deer quilts she quoted me 300 and I didn’t want a custom job just meandering. Another woman I know paid someone here 300 for a T shirt quilt. The one I spoke about above. I don’t want to overcharge but I do want something for my work. It’s hard the way I pin and then it’s not easy on my shoulder and hands. I do love it though!😂
158718The experience I had quilting (this was by hand) did not turn out good, so you take a risk in pleasing people, doing something that an older lady has sewn sometimes there work is not very good do to poor eyesight and such things.
1 comment
by toogie
05 Dec 2020
I think she did it when she was younger because her girls didn’t know she had it. Her seams look prefect from the top side. They didn’t send a pic of wrong side. I remember she used to crochet with the tiniest cotton crochet thread, little baby booties. They were so dainty. So I think her piecing would be good.
27358I agree, if you do decide to quilt this for them, make it worth your while. Don't cheat yourself because your time is valuable. My biggest concern, I have to be honest is will you get hurt doing it? you have had such a hard time with your back and other body parts. I don't want you to be in more pain or struggling to heal from another injury. If you decide you can't do it, suggest someone who can quilt it for her.
1 comment
by toogie
05 Dec 2020
I have array thought of a referral. I really like this family and her quilt IS pretty. I just want them to understand up front that I don’t custom quilt and they could get someone to. They would pay a lot more than I would charge tho.
169064Hi Toogie, I don't know about American costings, but I usually pay between $150.00 and up to $200.00 to have my quilts done. My big one on my bed (blues and white - cost $180.00, my Santa one cost me about $150.00 and she actually went around my Santa's so as not to detract from them. I hope you get a good amount, (if you decided to do it) for your time and effort. Love Chris
2 comments
by toogie
05 Dec 2020
I was thinking these prices. I also was thinking of outlining her flowers and stippling around on the Background.
by dragonflyer
05 Dec 2020
Yes, but Chris, was were your quilts done on a long arm, or free motion quilted.. BIG difference between long arm quilting and free motion....
234506Toogie your work is beautiful so don't worry about them liking it. If you decide to take on this job, just don't devalue your time and effort. Hugs. Nan
2 comments
by toogie
05 Dec 2020
Thank you for the vote of confidence. My sister and niece say the same. I don’t know why but talking money embarrasses me😩 Maybe because I like doing it and I think if I can do it anyone can. Do I belittle myself? I don’t know...
by mops
05 Dec 2020
I think you do. More people would be able to do it, but don't like the time and efford that goes in to mastering it.
11927I was quoted a while ago if I supplied the top, batting and backing $1 per square inch.
45918How about checking with the Missouri Company and see what they charge. That will give you a starter point. Have you ever considered to use spray basting instead of the pins? There is a wonderful YouTube using pool noodles that makes sandwiching the quilt so much easier. If I can find the link I let you know. I do not know how long ago the top was made. Hopefully no critters got to it.
4 comments
by crafter2243
04 Dec 2020
Search on YouTube for
How to Make a Quilt Sandwch Using Pool Noodles. or
Sew Inspired by Bonnie's Tuesday's Tips! Gone Noodles Quilt Basting with Pool Noodles!
by toogie
04 Dec 2020
I have seen that before and wondered if I got really get a smooth back on one this size. Pool noodle wouldn’t be long enough. I guess when something works for you, it’s hard to change. It’s a hard choice. To suffer getting on floor or rip out pinched back. I’ve quilted lots of quilts and different sizes. I only had one pinch backing, the blue queen.
They may decide they don’t like my way of quilting so we will see.
by crafter2243
05 Dec 2020
You can connect the pool noodles by inserting a pipe or carving. I love using the pool noodles. If I had to get on the floor I would never get up again.
by toogie
05 Dec 2020
I do know what you mean. I get on the floor and pin from the center to one outer edge as far as I can reach. If I can’t get up by myself, hubby helps me.
On the big King I just did I almost cried! I told you I barely had enough backing but I had about 3/4 pinned and realized I needed to take a row out of the top. I couldn’t take it off the bottom because the top edge already had one more row. I had to in-pin the whole thing, take a row off and re-pin that KING! I told hubby never again!!!!
109774