Explaining the High Costs of Quilts
People are often mystified by the cost of a handmade quilt. They look at it and it is lovely. It is different. It may even make them sigh and envision it it on their own bed. Then they look at the price tag and suffer sticker shock. They were probably thinking that the lovely, one of a kind quilt that they were just drooling over was going to be priced similar to a blanket they could buy at a store. Granted, maybe they were imaging a high-end store, but still! The PRICE! What most people don’t realize is what goes into making that beautiful quilt. Quilters are artists, seamstresses, mathematicians, and sometimes miracle workers.
I am going to try to shed a little light on the mystery, and help consumers understand the effort, time, and talent it requires to make a quilt. Let’s start with the basics. The typical quilt block is made from 1 to 20 fabric pieces, of various shapes, sewn together into, typically, a square. These blocks are combined to create the beautiful patterns that make quilts so popular. The more complex or elaborate the design, the larger the quilt,using pieced backs, and appliques all make the quilt more special and unique. These processes are also labor intensive, and will increase the value (cost) of the quilt.
Quilt prices reflect the artistic effort and care that goes into the creation of each quilt. Once a pattern has been chosen, we must do the math to figure out the yardage necessary for each fabric in the quilt. Time is taken when choosing the fabric to ensure that it is a high quality cotton, that the colors and tones compliment or contrast in a pleasing manner that best highlight the character of the pattern.
The fabric is then squared to the grain so the pieces we cut will maintain their shape during the many washes and drying it will have in its life time. After that we begin cutting all the pieces we will need for the quilt. Cutting pieces is not hard but it is absolutely necessary to be precise. The quilt will only be as square or as perfect as the pieces you are working with. Once everything is cut, it is time to start sewing things back together again! First the blocks, then the rows. Rows become a quilt top.
Sound simple? I’m not claiming it is rocket science. It does however take conscientious effort, sewing knowledge, and a great deal of patience. If you don’t own, or like your seam ripper, quilting is not the job for you! Despite my best efforts, I find myself having to rip out seams on EVERY SINGLE quilt I make. Some of it is due to perfection issues but a lot of times it is just due to “Duh” moments!
Here is an example cost estimate of a typical 40 by 50 inch quilt with a simple quilt block:
Fabric for top:
2 yards @ $10/yard = $20.00
Fabric for backing:
2 yards @ $10/yard = $20.00
Batting:
40 inches @ $0.15/inch = $7.50
Making a simple top:
Includes preparing the fabric cutting the pieces, sewing the blocks,
setting them into rows, adding sashing and borders, making and
attaching the binding to the front and back of the quilt.
5 hours labor @ $15/hr = $75.00
Longarm Quilting:
$0.015/sq. in., ($45 minimum)
40” X 50” = 2,000 sq. inches
2,000 x $0.015 = $30.00
Minimum charge applies = $45.00
EXAMPLE QUILT COST = $ 167.50
This estimate, is just that. An estimate. Prices will change depending on several factors; where you live, the experience of your quilter, the competition in your area. I feel the price per hour I used to figure labor is not unreasonable. In fact, it is probably a little low for the majority of the country. Please remember you are paying for a professional service. Quilters have spent years becoming proficient at what they do. They deserve the hourly wage they charge. The charge per square inch for long arm quilting is also mid-range. If your quilt has custom quilting the price can go up quite a bit.
As you can see, materials account for approximately $48.00 of the cost. You may be able to save some money on fabric. Coupons and sales can get you better deals, but be careful of poor quality, inexpensive fabric. There’s a reason, “You get what you pay for!”, is a well know adage. Cheap fabric, in the long term, is not worth the money you will save.
I hope this helps you understand why quilts cost more than a blanket, or something you can buy in the store. You are paying for something original, made by an artist. They will last a longtime, maybe a lifetime, and will always have more meaning than a blanket. Quilts are wonderful! I hope you find a way to own one. Or more, they are additive!!
By:
Laura Knight