Jenny C.

My friend's sister just asked me to make a baby quilt for her daughter, using her old baby clothes, bibs, burp cloths, etc. I'm really new to the quilting game, so I'm honored she asked me to make one. But after having recently completed my first quilt (yay!), I realize how much time-and-effort go into making quilts, so I really appreciate that she offered to pay me. The thing is, I have NO idea how much to charge her!
Since she'll be supplying most, if not all, of the fabric, the cost would reflect my time and labor.
Does anyone have suggestions on what a fair price would be for a baby quilt? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance!

tessagin

I saw a while back one of the members posted the cost of a quilt. The cost of the yardage for the backing and the batting and any yardage you add plus binding and so forth and labor would be up to you.

Tartan

Work up a spreadsheet with the total cost of all the material for the top, batting, thread etc...If the cost of materials doesn't scare her off...get the money for the materials before you start. You can say it will take you __ hrs. at __$ an hour and get approval to proceed. I hate to say it but once she sees how much the fabric costs, she will probably decide to buy a blanket at the store.

hopetoquilt

It would be easier to help determine if we knew the size of the quilt and the pattern used. I would go with her to pick up materials so she pays and sees how expensive the materials are and so you make sure she gets the correct stuff. You might feel better if you could barter with her for a skill she has...

dont forget stabilizer and thread.

Tartan

I obviously missed the part about including baby clothes into the quilt. Will she be supplying the extra fabric for the top, batt and backing? It is fairly difficult to incorporate different weights of cloth into a quilt top. I find it easier to do plain blocks and machine appliqué/stitch different items to the blocks.

Nammie to 7

You may find this a more daunting project than you imagine. There will be a lot of designing involved in order to use the fabrics from old clothes - they may not lend themselves well to quilting. Many will probably have to have interfacing, the pattern should not be little pieces but bigger blocks to show the pieces. Not a project I would be willing to do for someone. But then I won't quilt for others - I don't want to work with someone else's choice of pattern, fabrics, or on their timeline! If I were to make something like this I would probably charge $300 or more - the time you will spend doing this project will be more than you think it will be.

bearisgray

I agree - I think it could be a real pain (or a challenge - if you like challenges) to do.

If it were me - I would thank her for thinking of me - and suggest that she do it herself!

I think these should only be done as labors of love.

Most people have no idea how much effort is involved - and are expecting to pay less than a blanket purchased at a discount store - after all - it's homemade!

Daylesewblessed

If you have only done one quilt so far, then you should give a lot of thought as to your capabilities in making this special quilt. It can be a lot of pressure.

Tashana

Hmmm, this would be a challenge for even more seasoned quilters. Think, really hard about this. I am sure you can do it. I made a Bargello for friend's mom. I did it for free. My payment was playing with someone else's fabric and learning how to make a Bargello, and I was quilting for ten years at that time, preceded with 15+ years of garment sewing. Maybe do this one for free, at least it will remove some of the pressure and you WILL learn a lot. Good luck. As the Marines would say: improvise-adapt-overcome!

jcrow

I think you can do it. Charge between $10 to $15 since you are a beginner and you might spend a lot of time scratching your head. If at the end it seems too much money, lower the rate accordingly. I think it's great you are trying to make a baby quilt with clothes being so new! That's how you become great!!