The Cost of a Handmade Quilt
The Cost of a Handmade Quilt
Whether you purchase a handmade quilt from Jittery Wings Quilt Co. or someone else, it is important to understand the complexities that go into designing, piecing, and quilting a quilt. In America these days, especially with Amazon, you can purchase a quilt or a blanket for less than $100 brand new - maybe even $30. These sweat-shop-made quilt prices make it hard to believe or understand what goes into a handmade quilt.
First, what is a quilt? A quilt is not a blanket. A Blanket is a single layer. A Quilt has a top layer of fabric that is pieced with a design. It has a middle layer of batting and a bottom layer of fabric, which is usually a single fabric. These three layers are stitched together all the way through ensuring that the entire quilt remains whole. Then, a strip of handmade binding fabric is used to “seal” or cover the raw edges of the quilt. This extends the life and beauty of any quilt.
The estimates below are based on a 60”x72” throw size quilt ranging from a simple pattern design to a more complex pattern design. This can prove to be a drastic difference. The estimates are based on using only high-quality fabric, batting, and thread, because no quilter wants to spend hours making a quilt that will pill, fade, shred, or wear out with only a couple of uses and washes.
Cost Breakdown
Material Cost to Maker
Fabric for Top (7 yds x $12.95): $90
Fabric for Back (5 yds x $12.95): $65
Fabric for Binding (.5 yds x $12.95): $7
Batting: $35
Thread: $18
Utility + Machine + Education: $15
TOTAL MATERIALS: $223
Time Involved for Maker
TIME (Picking Fabrics + Cutting): 4-12 Hrs
TIME (Design Layout): 5-15 Hrs
TIME (Piecing the Top & Backing): 20-35 Hrs
TIME (Quilting): 6-25 Hrs
TIME (Binding): 2-5 Hrs
TOTAL TIME: 37-92 Hrs
Total Labor
Average Tradesman Rate: $20-$35/Hr
TOTAL LABOR: $740-$3,220
Total Quilt Costs
Simple Design Throw: $963
Complex Design Throw: $3,443