A while back I saw a meme about quilt costs, and it was out of date, so I re-did it using more current figures. I used the original layout and only updated the costs. It has been a popular post, and after revisiting it, I knew I needed to re-vamp it.
![quilt costs 2020](https://i1.wp.com/gaillizette.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Screen-Shot-2020-01-12-at-6.16.16-PM.png?fit=580%2C963&ssl=1)
I wanted a very average number, rather than a high-end number. I also wanted to set certain parameters. For example: the old meme was for a throw quilt, using wide backing fabric, quilting by the inch, with machine binding. That’s not how I make my quilts.
I use 44″ wide fabric and piece both front and back. In the new meme, the quilt size is 60″ x 72″ made up of 2″ finished squares. Very simple, but still a little time consuming. I quilt my own quilts on a domestic Juki machine and just keep track of time rather than charge per inch. I also make my own binding and hand stitch it finished.
The time I have figured is based on many machine-pieced quilts I’ve made over the last 10 years where all time was documented. I’m a slow stitcher and most of my quilts take 50-100 hours to piece together, plus another 20 for quilting. For the meme, I’m figuring much less because this is based on a simple pattern rather than something more complex. I also forgot to add time for piecing the back, so I would consider this a low estimate of time.
Allowing Self Value
I believe strongly that we need to value our own work for the good of all laborers on the planet. Even if gifting a quilt… at the very least, give an accurate assessment of hours spent and a typical hourly rate. As if it was a full price receipt, in a card along with the quilt. That way, the person receiving it, will have the ability appreciate it. Better than devaluing your own hard work. (which also devalues ALL OUR WORK)
![quilt costs outdated](https://gaillizette.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/1093_1082148331809812_4654432577576728515_n.jpg)
Here’s the old meme for comparison. Keeping track of time spent is very eye-opening. I always spend much more time on something than I would have expected!
Happy Quilting!
Very eye opening, Gail! Thanks for the update!
Thanks Dawn!