How to charge on making a t shirt Quilt
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- Опубликовано: 28 авг 2024
- How to charge on making a t shirt Quilt
T-shirt quilt making and how to price yourself. T-shirt Quilt jobs T-shirt quilt how to charge for making them .. I share my struggles and where I made mistakes.
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Quilters, artists, musicians, talented people can't seem to get what they are worth. Your skills are valuable. Its ok to charge what you are worth.
I love your attitude. I feel your pain and your heart as you try to balance the process. I thought I was the only one who constantly prayed over the quilt (I believe the results carries over to the person’s life.) and it is so good to know another silent warrior.
I have had 3 t-shirt quilts made. One is a larger lap size, and the other two were a large queen size. It is an absolute investment for the purchaser and the quilter. This is a priceless treasure.
I paid $450 for the smaller quilt , and $700 and $725 for the larger quilts. I also was responsible for the shipping both directions.
Money well spent. And such a beautiful work of art.
I wish my sewing machine cost $300 dollars! LOL All good points Lorena
I just recently got back into quilting but I'm a watercolorist and a knitter also. One of my coworkers saw me knitting a cashmere scarf (she didn't know it was cashmere) and said, "That's beautiful. You should make those and charge $20." I laughed so hard it shocked them. After I explained all the time and the cost of yarn they understood. I no longer take commissions on watercolor or knitting and I've had to turn down 3 people when they found out I was quilting. I got tired of trying to justify my prices, which were fair. So I make for myself and family. Another artist friend told me, "The price is the price. There are people who will pay you and not even blink. Do stuff for them." When you give an artist the time and money they deserve to complete a project for you, then that's when you get something spectacular! Great video Lorena.
I guess the don’t realize it’s a on of a kind.. it’s not Walmart. We are creating dining no one else can .
I am a nurse and I used to run a chocolate business to supplement my income. I used to do an extra shift but I could do my chocolates and be home. It was so hard to charge. I learned from another lady in the community. She took all her expenses then multiplied it by three. Some of the decorations and painting took so long. I took all my expenses then added what I would’ve earned as a nurse. I educated my children with that money but I was extremely exhausted until I just stopped making chocolate and did the extra shift then at least once I was home I could rest. Just thought I’d shared my experience as a home business owner.
That is what I say when people tell me I could make money from my quilts. I tell them I could make more working an extra shift (nurse also) and still enjoy my hobby as a hobby. No one wants to pay what a quilt is worth. I then explain the cost of fabric and the time involved.
t moore I started quilting in June during the pandemic with the lockdown in Melbourne. I wanted to sew everything by hand, which I am doing and started a memory quilt for my grandbaby. Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video. Please stay safe everyone wherever you are in the world.
I am absolutely moved by your words of advice and just positivity I don't even quilt or sew or have a business but I feel like I gained very valuable knowledge from you that I will be able to apply into my life in the future thank you you seem like a very lovely easily likable person.
I know what you mean about making t-shirt quilts, I’d rather longarm a large quilt. Last week I finished a t-shirt quilt for my brother. He had saved his son’s high school football shirts and wanted to surprise him with a quilt for Christmas. I sat on this project for months because I didn’t want to do it! Ugh.
I just received a video of my nephew opening his gift, the look on his face made all my negative feelings melt away. Luckily, I love my nephew. 😀
Lorena, love your videos. I had someone recently that wanted me to do a quilt with Walmart type pricing and I knew they made enough to pay my price. They just didn’t want to. So I said to her when she goes to work, should her boss pay her “X”? And she said NO WAY, I’m worth way more than that. So I told her, so am I. I charge for materials and my time. Don’t let anyone, not even yourself cheat you out of your skill and your time.
I have made many T-shirt quilts. Charge $17 a panel complete. But I do not use A grid system. Mine are more fluid. Doing it this way I can make money at that price. But I understand your dilemma, especially the hard up friend. A friend just commissioned five baby quilts made from her sons clothing. She is going through a harsh divorce. I didn’t charge enough. And I know I didn’t charge enough. But I am using leftover batting and leftover backing. but in my heart I know that I did the right thing for the family. And I also pray for the recipients as I make all my quilts.
I understand you exactly it’s not just about the income it’s like ... it’s a ministry as you make the item .. for the individuals that are going to use them
I love how real your videos are!! Great tips and encouragement. Thanks for building this library of education.
I’m glad it’s helpful
Friends should understand that it's still business. With love and respect. A friend asked to make a king sized quilt for $200. I stated that I would help them look for a store quilt.
😂😂😂I love that..
Oh., Lorena. No , girl. You are too kind and such a beautiful soul. I get it, you wanted to help her during a difficult time, but you should have charged her the true cost of your time and materials. Bless you❤️
And you are correct. Definitely not a crafter. A crafter doesn’t have $20 thousand +invested in just one piece of machinery. LOL you
Right... but my friend probably doesn’t even imagine how expensive my machine and machines are!!
Totally agree with everything you said Lorena. I have struggled with all of these issues. People want you to make them a quilt worth about $1500 AU and only want you to charge them $200 AU if that to make it. I love making for my family so will stick to that. Love your videos and all the advice and knowing from the comments that we all struggle with the same issues. Cheers
Yes we all are in love with what we do but don’t know how to charge other for our ability... thank you so much for wonderful comment!
I total agree with you. I had the same situation. It was for someone I knew from childhood, it was a quilt from her mother’s clothes. I made 4 quilts for her and did not change my normal fee. The quilts turned out beautiful. Some of her family came to me for more quilts and I gave the the correct pricing and they never called me back to make the additional memory quilts. I’m good with that.
Wow, did I need to see this!!! I was feeling guilty for charging my neighbor for finishing three quilt tops her grandmother made. My mom convinced me the quilt tops were of no use to her unfinished. I've got almost 20 hours into the second one I am working on. Thank you for your insight!
You're an excellent human, and you do a damn good job of correcting course and learning and teaching.
Thank you so much
You are a generous soul. I enjoyed listening how you looked for ways to not lose money. You have an amazing attitude.
Been there, done that........completely understand. Glad to know I’m not the only one who does jobs like that. Lots of charity work - especially for memory quilts. Yes, you have to look at the value of the comfort the quilts give the family.
Yes it’s really about sometimes loving others more than the money.. I just wish t-shirt quilts weren’t as labor intensive.. 😊
Thank you for the tips because I just had someone ask me to make her a tshirt quilt and have no idea what to charge her, so this is very helpful.
What a fantastic video! You gave us great tips and information. Thanks so Much!
This needed to be said. I needed to hear it. Thank you!
Thank you for sharing. I appreciate your candor. I agree sometimes you just have to turn yourself around it’s a mind set to make things palatable. When I do I find peace and restore joy to my involvement. I never do T-shirt quilts.
Me neither if it wasn’t for this friend i would of flat out said no... but my heart went out to her and just caved under the emotional pressure and well I’m a sucker for wanting to love and help hurting people.
Lorena's Quilting you are not a sucker you are a loving caring person and your friend is lucky to have you in her life. Stay safe.
I just had a t-shirt quilt picked up last night - fellow didn't have a clue about the process of quilt making, so I tried to educate him... I am in Canada, where $10 worth of interfacing would barely get you a meter! I do not charge by the shirt, I charge by the hour - $15, which is kind of ridiculous, since I've been sewing for 57+ years. The quilt ended up 72 x 87, with a pieced backing (he bought a bear print online, but it came 44" wide and in two chunks - so it had to be McGuyvered to be big enough) It had cornerstones and sashings, all from the interfaced shirts and turned out awesome. He sent me this message after he got home ""Took a closer look and I'm really impressed with your work. I didn't look too closely at your place because I didn't want to embarrass myself 😢😚 The edges and corners are better than I could even hope for. And I don't know which side I like best because of the great job on the bears. (it's even better than I coulda done!! 😜) Thanks again - Final total on the quilt was just under $700, and he will be back with more shirts for two more special quilts that he already knows will be bigger and more expensive... he doesn't care :) It is up to us quilters to show people why quilts cost what they do... sadly, a male quilter could put $XXX on his creation and no one would bat an eye... that's a story for another day, lol
Lorena u have a good heart💕 and u are kind and loving and thoughtful. U have thought of every way to satisfy ur client and friend and not come out on short end too bad. God 🙏🏼Bless U for ur quilt prayers for this family. Yes, craft n Quilt makers r always low balled 🤔. Clients have to understand it takes time n supplies that are not cheap. 🙄 yes some want there way then u say find someone else to make it for that n see if ur satisfied. 😉👍
Girl, you are a hoot. Glad to see your videos and hear it all... really love your studio and your blouse :)
I hate making Tee shirt quilts! There I said it! My neighbor lady just asked to to make one and I referred her business elsewhere! I have made 5 or 6 snd will not do more! No joy!
Yes me too.. only my friend for some reason I didn’t say no.. but I get it!
I have made 3 tee shirts quilts. I made my grandson 1, a friend and I'm almost finished with the one 4 myself. People don't understand your time and the personal love u put in them.
In fact, that's why I try not to make quilts for people, cause they dont get it. I try and make them for my grandkids.
Quilting is a beautiful craft and unfortunately people just don't understand.
Love your channel
Your so right.. it’s really personal and individual when we make quilts for people and people do get the work .. ❤️thank you for your comment!
Lorena, I own my own business, have since 1997. I am a cosmetologist (hair dresser). I am not "able" to charge more than I would be willing to pay, and I've never had a receptionist. So...It is challenging to stand in front of a client and say, "that will be $_____." As I got into sewing for clients - they almost "demanded" I make t-shirt quilts for their grandkids...I was lost. What, how much, etc. Yes I lost money. But yet, my clients were happy. I despise sewing for money. Just hate it. However, we just cannot "give" our skills, talents, creativity away to those "expecting" our services. Thus, we try to do the best we can. You are so good for all of us, sharing your experiences, your abilities, your creative ideas, and your heart. I'm thankful for you!
I love all your videos. I learn so much. And you are just fun to listen to!!
Thank you Julie I really appreciate it.
I charge $25/shirt and if they don't want to pay that, I'm okay with that. T shirt quilts are labor intensive! I just did one that I'm charging $700 for but it includes 1 photo transfer, and 4 embroideries in addition to the fabric and supplies. And still not enough.
Oh girl I get it.. I wish now I would of said no.. building binding and quilting and it never ends .. your smart .. I have learned a lesson though.. I learned
Girl nothing wrong on piece batting. My mother had sheep on the farm that I used to shear the sheep (not fun) and then we had to card the wool wash/dry the wool and that was pieced. In 70 yrs old still have the quilt a little worn had to replace and sew a few prices but still keeps me warm. Love that quilt (it was hand sewn) so nothing wrong about piece batting. Love your videos (goofy girl😜) keep😃💚💜💙💛❤ up the good job
Amen thank you for the love!!
You're too sweet is the problem! Yes, you're helping your friend. I have also done that. But remember this going forward. We are worth what we charge!!
Yeah your right but how else do you learn that lesson.. By being taken advantage and realize that your work is worth more🥴😊
I absolutely love your video content. Always so relevant. You are an amazing soul 🙏🏻🙌🏻
I Love your new studio.
You are a SPECIAL PERSON💕!!!!
I’m feeling you sister- going through the same thing now, I’m just hoping to recover the 50.00 in supplies, I made 2 and am at least 30 hours into it.
Your friend she is lucky to have you doing it for $400 good jub
Yeah I hope she appreciate it..
Honestly, it's so easy to find a company online that will make a t-shirt blanket (not a quilt) for
No she was okay with it .. I just didn’t really consider how much work I was going to invest into it.. and how much material they were going to use.. 🤪🧐I should of done more research..
great video ty again
AMEN. I have trouble with valuing myself. I usually only charge material by that I mean usually just fabric. Like yeah, I feel you it is like...like it's almost a burden when friends ask you for things.
Ivette
Just remember that you don’t have to accept the burden.
@@susuburleson878 agreed. It gets hard when they beg though, and I don't like being stern in telling them no you know. Sometimes they just don't accept no as an answer. I still have a lot to learn.
Ivette
It can be difficult, but here are some things that helped me. First, I never gave an answer right away, especially if I was being put on the spot. Second, I realized I never owed anybody an explanation or reason why I couldn’t or wouldn’t do it. Also, I found it very helpful to have answers “on file” in my mind for when I didn’t want to do something. I even practiced them out loud sometimes while I was alone. Amazing how helpful this could be.
@@susuburleson878 I'll keep that in mind. Thank you for chatting with me.
Amen! You said everything so right!!
I don’t like doing them either and no one want to pay you to do them!!
Girl... I know how you feel about having to work on something you don't like doing. I can't stand making rag quilts.... ugggg just hate making these and I'm making one right now for my sister.... I swear, never again!
It has to be love if your making one for her😂😂
Can you please do an example of your FRANKINSTEIN batting pieced together with the light weight interface. Can you do it on cotton and polyester? Thanks I always enjoy your videos.
Yes I will do a video you can do it with cottons that have small amounts of polyester.. polyester will melt under the iron..
There is an on line company that charges (I think) $20 to $25 per shirt. They don't do any artistic choices. Cut same size square off shirt regardless of design. I made my sister a t-shirt quilt with sashing (the $25 point). Custom quilted. 42 shirts. It was a gift to her but I made sure she knew it was a $1000 quilt job so when others asked for one (they did) she could give them a price. Nice way to not have to get loaded down with jobs I don't want. I have a full time job and don't want a second one of my hobby. And I really don't like making t-shirt or memory quilts either.
Please do a video on how you piece the batting together with interfacing.
Amen .
Quality material runs $10-12/yard. Wide backing runs $15-20/yard. Quilters charge 1 1/2 to 4 cents per square inch to quilt a pattern on your quilt. I make puzzle/collage style t-shirt quilts which is more difficult than rows/columns.. I charge 9-10 cents per square inch. If you don't want to pay that much for a quality t-shirt quilt which will last you a very very long time, that's fine with me. Make it yourself or find someone that charges less. You get what you pay for!!
I do the same thing. I have to justify my prices. I often use the prices fine artists and price by Square inch. Still I feel like I cut myself short. I completely understand.
I have a couple of comments. First, my father in law said, "Just stay ahead of your screwups."
My son asked me"So, how much would a quilt like this cost? $250 or $300?"
I said "Fr******, I spent 80 to 100 hrs making this, and quilting it. That would only cover the cost of the fabric (25 yds), and batting . What do you make in a 40 to 50 hr work week?"
"Oh...." I think he gets it, and knows I'm skilled labor, 62 years in practice. He had only worked in that very famous manf. factory 2 at the time.
Wow.. yes you have some time invested into your wonderful skill!
Making one for my daughter with her college T-shirts. It’s hard to do for love... don’t think I could make one for hire.
I rarely do custom quilts like that for the same reason. I just can’t charge what I really want to. Let them use that company that advertises $150 tee shirt quilts.
No way .. how is that possible?
@@ToniNov25 Because it's not really a quilt. They simply cut the shirts and sew them together and then slap them onto a piece of fleece... LOL! Basically these things are JUNK... they have NO business calling them quilts... here are some tidbits from their FAQ:
We take a perfect square from each of your shirts, using the BEST parts of the shirts, and sew them together on the front of the t-shirt quilt. Then we back the quilt with high quality fleece (your choice of colors!). We are not quilting your t-shirts, which is a much more labor-intensive process.
We don't use any batting or interfacing. You may ask: "Why? That's what my quilting friend says you NEED to do."
The problem with that is the t-shirts may look really stiff at first, but with the wash, the interfacing gets destroyed. Our blankets are meant to be worn, used, and washed. We want you to wrap yourself in the memories and then throw it in the wash.
The fleece is sewn around the outside and attached to the t-shirts. You can technically pull the two sides apart, but only if you REALLY wanted to. They lie flat and stay together VERY well, even after many many washes.
I do the same thing, take the client to the store and have them purchase the materials and tell them I charge 3x’s the cost of the materials for my labor.
Yes.. I should have..
Again another video with such powerful info.
Qus: when your friend said that she changed $20/tshirt, did that include the price of material, or was that just the labor cost?
Also, you mention thread cost quite often. Do you charge customers separately for thread, or is it part of the overall pricing quote?
Thank you again for your wonderful videos! Love them! I know they take lots of time to create and edit and post. This is a fun way for us quilters (long-armers! [Is that even a word??!]) to connect. Cheers from AZ!
I do a all in one charge for thread... it’s less complicated.. it didn’t include material which I should of charged her another 200.00 on material for batting -fir back fabric- and for building quilt top the interfacing- sashing and border material.. yes the 20 should of been for labor only
@@ToniNov25 Wow! $20 for labor only! Interesting. I have made several tshirt quilts. I always appreciate seeing how others price them, since it is always a rather wishy-washy process for me! ha ha. I figured at even $7.50/tshirt for labor, and the customer furnishes all materials needed (or reimburses/gives me $ to buy these items), that I am coming out on top. Of course, the quilting is extra.
Thank you for your speedy reply!
Thank you so much for sharing this!!! May I ask, do you typically charge state sales tax for your services?
Yes I do ..
@@ToniNov25 I figured as much, but just wanted to be certain. I have never and I have felt like I’ve been robbing myself when not charging. So from this point forward I will be. Thank you again for sharing your time and valuable knowledge. It really is appreciated.
When using King Tutt on top, do you also use King Tutt in the bobbin?
Which lightweight interfacing do you use? I use Pellon 911ff and 906ff. Any thoughts on these?
But Lorena, interfacing to make “batting-stein” cost money!! How do you afford that?
I know but it’s cheaper than buying a whole new batting .. it’s old scraps just stained together.. it’s not going out and spending money even though my friend said it’s still money because it’s batting right..
So what would an appropriate price be for the work and material that goes into it? $1000 for a queen size? I think so. You just gotta educate the consumer! A bad sale is worse than no sale. If they don't want to pay what it really costs to make, it, then say you will be happy to quit it the top for them when they find a way to make the top cheaper.
I know ... I told one lady one day I can make more in just long arming the quilt thank making the quilt. I don't have to do the labor.
I’ve been trying to keep better track of my time and materials because I know I seriously undercharge!
I made 5 quilts took me 3 months and they were all queen size. She said 250.00 for each is all she can pay. I explained she wanted them but wont pay more. I said no.
I’m so sorry. People can be hard
A serious hour tax and a percentage for uglyness.
Frankenbatting
Yes.. where you get all your scraps and turning it into a big enough batting to do a quilt.