When it comes to longarm quilting prices you need to look beyond the price per square inch for applying a quilt pattern. Here are some additional items you need to know:
1. If there is a discount being offered, what does it cover? Does it cover the entire purchase or just the application of the quilting pattern?
2. What is the final cost per square inch for applying a quilting pattern?
3. Do you have to pay for a digitized quilting pattern you have chosen?
4. Do you have to pay a thread cost?
5. What is the charge for making binding and attaching the binding?
6. Is there a charge for providing batting material?
7. Is there a charge for piecing backing material if needed?
8. There are probably extra charges for items such as pressing, thread trimming, squaring, adding leader material if needed, etc. Are they reasonable? If they are an hourly rate, were you given an estimate of the time required?
9. Is there a return shipping cost?
If you look at a quilter’s ad and it states 20% off edge to edge quilting and their normal price for quilting is $.020 (or 2 cents) per square inch, that means you will get the quilting pattern applied for $0.016 (or 1.6 cents) per square inch. That discount may not apply to the entire order. If you want the quilter to sew your backing fabric together, apply binding, supply batting and thread, there may be additional charges for all of those things and the discount may not apply to those services. Also, if your quilt requires thread trimming, pressing, and possibly squaring or leader material added there will also be additional charges, and these charges may not be part of the initial order form or listed in their pricing. If you choose a digitized quilt pattern that the quilter does not already have, there may be a cost for them to acquire it.
What started out to be a quilting job that you thought would cost around $100 can easily become $200 or more. I am not saying these charges are not appropriate. If a quilter has to spend their time working on your quilt he or she should be compensated. I am simply pointing out that you need to look at all the costs before you decide which one has the best deal. Take the time to answer all the questions listed above before you choose. If a quilter’s pricing does not list some of these items, you should ask them if they charge for any of these items that your quilt may require. If you do all the required quilt preparation and only ask the longarm quilter to load your quilt on their machine and apply a pattern and return it to you to finish, you can save quite a bit of money. There is a lot of competition in the longarm quilting services business these days. Finding a high-quality provider with a reasonable price should be fairly easy if you do a little research. Of course, pricing is only one factor. You should also get a feel that the quilter is competent and has a passion for their work. They should be helpful and welcome any questions you might have. Naturally, I hope you will consider Heirloom Longarm Quilting by Sherrie (Me) as one of those high-quality, reasonably priced, and friendly providers.
Hope this helps you understand how longarm quilting prices work.
Happy Quilting!
Sherrie