Are you interested in creating a quilt but concerned about the expenses involved? Perhaps you're considering purchasing a handmade quilt but feel deterred by the high prices. In this series, I'll explore the actual costs associated with quilting, whether you're a hobbyist or running a business. Let's start with the essentials: materials...

Materials for a quilt include 5 components: pattern, thread, quilt top fabric, batting, and backing. Let's take a look at each separately:

Pattern

The cost of a quilting pattern can vary widely, starting from free options available online to upwards of $20 or more for those that include templates made from specialized materials. When it comes to hobbies, the amount you choose to spend is entirely personal. However, for those in the business of selling handmade quilts, a pattern is often utilized for several quilts. Therefore, even if a quilter pays $10 for a pattern, that expense shouldn't be fully factored into the quilt's price. This is just my perspective, and I anticipate some differing opinions on this matter. That's completely acceptable, as quilters often have varying views, particularly regarding the pricing of their time-intensive creations. In my own business, I typically do not charge for patterns unless a customer requests a custom quilt with a specific pattern that would be challenging for me to replicate and sell.

Hobbyist cost: average $10 per pattern

Business cost: depends, average $10

Thread

Thread can be quite costly, and many people have strong preferences based on their experiences with different brands. It varies in quality, ranging from entirely polyester—which isn't ideal for all cotton fabric quilts—to 100% cotton and various blends. My focus here is solely on 100% cotton thread, as it complements my choice of fabric and batting perfectly. Even when I opt for bamboo or wool batting, I've consistently found that cotton thread yields the best results. However, I understand that opinions differ, and everyone has their own preferences. My intention isn't to persuade anyone to follow my lead; rather, I'm simply sharing my personal approach.

Currently, you can purchase cotton thread in various sizes, from small spools containing 400 yards to larger cones that can hold up to 6,452 yards. Hobbyists often prefer the spools that offer approximately 1,500 yards, which typically cost between $12 and $20, depending on the retailer. A quick online search reveals that most spools of this size are priced around $14. In my experience, a single spool of 1,422 yards is usually sufficient for a standard lap quilt, especially when it is machine pieced and stitched with a simple all-over stipple design.

As a quilt maker running a business, I purchase cones that contain 6,452 yards of thread. This choice is more cost-effective for me, as each cone costs about $55, whereas buying the equivalent amount in 1,422-yard spools would set me back approximately $64. Additionally, using cones saves me valuable time since I don't have to constantly thread new spools.

Hobbyist cost: $14 average

Business cost: $12 average*

*calculated by (price of cone) / cone yardage divided by spool yardage

Quilt Top Fabric

The possibilities for creating a quilt top are truly limitless! Beginners can start their journey with fabric from WalMart, then move on to Hobby Lobby, and eventually explore offerings from well-known manufacturers like Riley Blake, Moda, and QT Fabrics. Within these brands, the variety of choices and price ranges is staggering. Generally, a helpful guideline is that solid fabrics tend to be more affordable than printed ones, with price differences reaching up to 50% based on the manufacturer.

When comparing yardage to precuts, precuts tend to be slightly pricier due to the fact that they are pre-cut. However, the price difference is often minimal, and the time saved by opting for a precut can justify the extra cost. For instance, a layer cake typically contains 42 squares measuring 10" each from a single fabric collection, which is roughly equivalent to 2.75 yards of fabric. Priced at an average of $13 per yard, the fabric in a layer cake would amount to about $36. In contrast, most layer cakes are priced between $40 and $45. One of the advantages of layer cakes and other precuts is that they minimize fabric waste, as most quilting patterns utilize measurements that are multiples of 2.5" (such as 2.5", 5", and 10").

Discovering discounted precuts is a delightful find, just like scoring yardage on sale. For hobbyists, these sales can hold significant value, though their importance varies from quilter to quilter. As a business owner, I can't always rely on sales; I often pay the same price as hobbyists since many fabric manufacturers don't provide wholesale rates to quilting businesses. To save money, I purchase staple backgrounds in bulk (by the bolt). I also stay vigilant for sales to stock up on fabrics that I believe will appeal to customers looking for specific colors and patterns.

When it comes to fabric scraps, a hobbyist might not utilize leftover pieces from their project. In contrast, as a business, I strive to maximize the use of materials across various projects to avoid passing waste costs onto my customers. Consequently, a hobby quilter usually determines pricing based on linear yardage (with 42 - 44" wide fabric measured by 36" for one yard), while I assess usage based on square yardage (36" x 36") of the quilt's final dimensions, excluding seam allowances, as I have a complexity scale for patterns that takes that into account.

Binding is usually bought alongside the fabric for the quilt top, which is generally made up of 2.5" strips that outline the quilt's edges. The pattern will specify the required amount, and from what I've seen, there are always some leftovers.

When it comes to fabric for quilt tops, whether you're a hobbyist or a professional, the average cost at my preferred fabric store is approximately $13 to $14 per yard. Prices can fluctuate, with some retailers charging more and others less. Geographic location plays a significant role; for instance, a shop in a rural area might offer fabric for as low as $11, while one in a bustling city could charge $16 or even higher. Additionally, prices can vary widely on platforms like Etsy, quilt shops, eBay, and Amazon. For the sake of this discussion, we can estimate that all quilters, whether for business or pleasure, will typically spend around $13 per yard.

Batting

Batting offers a plethora of choices, much like quilt fabric. You can find options in cotton, cotton blends, bamboo, and wool, with varying lofts—mid and high. Some come with adhesives, while others do not, and you can choose between scrim or no scrim. The price range is equally diverse.

Most hobby quilters tend to purchase batting only when necessary, usually opting for a pre-cut size. The price can vary based on the retailer, with Walmart generally offering lower prices compared to specialty quilt shops. For a standard lap-sized package, which measures over 60 inches in at least one direction, quilters typically buy a twin-sized pack priced between $19 and $42, often resulting in leftover scrap batting. On average, a package of cotton batting for a twin quilt costs around $26 and measures 72" x 93".

For my business, buying batting in bulk is significantly more economical. The last time I bought batting, I paid $400 for 30 yards of 120" wide material. In comparison, a packaged twin size batting measures 72" x 93", which is just 2 yards. This means that for the same amount of money, I received an extra 15" in length. When I calculate the cost per equivalent length, I find that I'm only spending $23 for the same piece of batting.

Hobby cost: $26

Business cost: $23

Backing

Many hobby quilters often utilize the same fabric for both the quilt top and the backing. Given the standard width of 42 to 44 inches, this typically requires them to purchase double the fabric and sew a seam down the back. While this approach allows for greater variety in backing options, it significantly raises the overall cost of the quilt. In contrast, wide backing is not only more affordable but also saves time. As a business, it's crucial for me to enhance efficiency while keeping costs low. Therefore, I find wide backing to be a more cost-effective choice compared to traditional backing. For a one-yard cut of 108-inch fabric, prices range from $15 to $22, with my average spending around $18 per yard. When compared to the standard fabric width, costs for that typically fall between $6 and $8.

Hobby cost: $13/yard and is typically 2x the length of the quilt

Business cost: $16/yard, only need enough for the shortest side of the quilt

Final cost in materials

Using Anne of Green Gables by Riley Blake designs, the following is the cost breakdown for a hobbyist and a business, based on the information discussed.

Fabric Requirements:

This one already uses a 10" set, along with 4.25 additional yards of fabric to make the quilt top. Binding was another half yard. Backing would be 4 yards of normal width fabric or 2 yards of wide back. Assume $13/yard for normal width fabric and $20 yard for 108" wide fabric. Pattern, fabric, batting, thread (one spool of 1,422 yards), and backing would be:

Hobbyist Price: $215.50

Business: $196.50 (this assumes I'm using all yardage); $139.81 (assuming I'm only charging for what I use)

Creating a quilt can be costly. Indeed, it tends to be pricier than store-bought options, primarily because bedding companies source their materials at wholesale prices, often even cheaper depending on the fabric's country of origin. For those who craft quilts by hand, whether for leisure or as a profession, the expense of collecting materials adds up. We'll delve into the time investment in a future discussion.

When you come across quilts for sale or receive one as a gift, keep in mind that we all pay the same price. The way we set our prices varies based on our objectives. A person who takes on custom orders sporadically is likely to charge more than someone producing quilts for the broader market. Additionally, since pricing for quilts is often subjective, it's unlikely that everyone will see eye to eye on costs.

Hope you join me next week when I talk about the various aspects of the time it takes to make a quilt!