Is there a market for quilt tops?
#1
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I'm curious, as a quilter, would you ever be in the market to buy a completed quilt top? If so, why? For a quick gift, to practice FMQ, etc.? What styles would be of interest?
I am trying to come up with a way to make a little money and use up some of my stash to free up space. I thought if there was interest, I'd make up a few tops to sell. I'm to the point where I still want to sew, but need some help to support my addiction!
I am trying to come up with a way to make a little money and use up some of my stash to free up space. I thought if there was interest, I'd make up a few tops to sell. I'm to the point where I still want to sew, but need some help to support my addiction!
#2
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Your question requires a complicated answer.Some quilters might buy a top to finish, but the rub is,by the time they pay you & shipping....there's still batting,backing,thread to buy,binding to cut,quilting to do & binding to finish.
Most quilters paying for a top would expect it to be squared,seams pressed,thread cuts.
On the other hand, nothing ventured,nothing gained.Try selling a few tops in classifieds.I'd go with kids quilts to start,making some you can use if not sold.Good luck.
PS... might see a lot of ppl selling quilts or quilty things to support their habit of buying fabrics :-D
Most quilters paying for a top would expect it to be squared,seams pressed,thread cuts.
On the other hand, nothing ventured,nothing gained.Try selling a few tops in classifieds.I'd go with kids quilts to start,making some you can use if not sold.Good luck.
PS... might see a lot of ppl selling quilts or quilty things to support their habit of buying fabrics :-D
#3
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Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Milton DE
Posts: 3,189
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I do so many during the wk that I put mine on ebay...Don't plan on making any real money...You'll get the cost of fabric and maybe a few extra bucks for labor but nothing your time is worth. I sell them because how many can I keep and finish. So I look at it not as making money but clearing out so I can do more and pretty much break even on the supplies
#4
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I've seen quilt tops sell on ebay and even seen them listed here in the classified section. That said, there are as many answers to your question as there are people. Someone who really enjoys quilting but not piecing may love the opportunity to purchase a ready quilt top. Others won't because they can make their own and enjoy the process. Keep your price reasonable and try it. As for price, you might be able to make some money on your money (ie cost of fabric in the QT), but don't expect to make a lot on your time -- at least that's always been my experience in selling hand-made goods. Good luck!
#6
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I don't expect to really make anything on the labor end. I was just hoping to get a bit over the cost of materials. The kids quilts is a good idea. Anything I didn't sell can be used as a gift or donation.
#7
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Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Cypress, Texas
Posts: 4,728
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I recently purchased eight om ebay. Three are tops and 5 were completed. It was a one time thing. They were very attractive online, I put in a max bid of $50.00 and got them all for less than $49.00 ea. I think the highest shipping was like $16.00 for a very pretty red/white star Queen quilt. This includes 2 beautifully completed queens, 1 queen top, 1 completed twin, 2 twin tops, 2 completed baby size.
With my slow healing wrist I am behind on my charity quilts and decided to give ebay a try.
I was very surprised and more than pleased with each of them. At the same time it made me sad that they sold for so little, knowing the time involved and the cost of all the materials. I think about the poorly made "quilts" being sold in stores and it just makes me shake my head.
I made little labels with the sellers name, location and date received to attach to the back of ea.
With my slow healing wrist I am behind on my charity quilts and decided to give ebay a try.
I was very surprised and more than pleased with each of them. At the same time it made me sad that they sold for so little, knowing the time involved and the cost of all the materials. I think about the poorly made "quilts" being sold in stores and it just makes me shake my head.
I made little labels with the sellers name, location and date received to attach to the back of ea.
#8
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Instead of selling the tops you may find it easier to make them into pillows and selling them. That way it will be a finished product. I may be wrong but I would think most quilters like to do the tops best. You may make more money to offer doing peoples bindings for them. There is a quilt shop near me that does the binding for 25.00 a quilt and she is very busy.
#9
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I was just checking ebay...they do sell them cheap http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from...All-Categories I love the - BEAUTIFUL HAND MADE QUILT TOP, COUCH THROW,OR LAP COVER - click on the picture it was all knitted around the fabric...looks really nice.
#10
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you could also open a shop on Etsy. It's free to open a shop and their fees are low. Only $0.20 to list an item for 4 months, plus a small fee when sold. You can put up 5 photos per item too. People do sell a lot there (me included) but as others have said, most of the time you can't get the money a quilt is really worth. I put on tops on all the time and have had some success. Good luck!
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07-18-2011 02:41 PM