Project Cost Calculator

Why Track Quilting Project Costs?

Understanding the true cost of your quilting projects is essential for budgeting, pricing commissioned work, and making informed decisions about materials. Tracking costs helps you:

• Budget Accurately: Plan how much you'll spend before starting a project
• Price Fairly: Charge appropriate amounts for commissioned or sold quilts
• Compare Options: Evaluate whether premium materials fit your budget
• Track Expenses: Keep records for tax purposes if selling quilts
• Understand Value: Appreciate the true investment in handmade quilts
• Make Trade-offs: Decide where to splurge and where to save

Understanding Material Costs

Typical Material Costs

*Prices vary by brand, quality, and retailer. Premium fabrics (designer, organic, hand-dyed) cost more.

Cost-Saving Tips

• Buy fabric on sale (watch for 40-50% off sales at major retailers)
• Use coupons strategically for batting, notions, and tools
• Buy fabric in bulk for better per-yard prices
• Consider quality backing fabric instead of quilting cotton for backs (often cheaper)
• Join fabric clubs or loyalty programs for discounts
• Shop end-of-bolt sales for smaller projects
• Calculate exactly what you need to avoid over-buying
• Use stash fabric for scrappy projects to reduce costs

Pricing Quilts for Selling

Pricing Formulas

When selling handmade quilts, you need to cover both materials and labor while making a fair profit. Here are common pricing approaches:

Factors Affecting Price

• Size: Larger quilts require more materials and time
• Complexity: Intricate patterns, appliqué, or paper piecing take longer
• Quilting Density: Heavy custom quilting vs. simple straight lines
• Materials: Premium fabrics, specialty batting, or custom fabrics
• Skill Level: Expert quilters can command higher prices
• Customization: Custom designs, personalization, or client-provided fabrics
• Market: Local craft fairs vs. high-end galleries vs. online marketplaces
• Timeline: Rush orders warrant higher prices

Commission Work Pricing Guidelines

Before You Quote

1. Understand the scope: Get exact dimensions, design complexity, fabric preferences, and timeline
2. Calculate material costs: Price out all fabrics, batting, backing, binding, and supplies
3. Estimate time: Use the Time Estimator to project hours needed
4. Add contingency: Include 10-20% buffer for unexpected expenses or time
5. Determine your rate: Decide your hourly rate or markup percentage
6. Check market rates: Research what similar quilts sell for in your area/market
7. Present the quote: Break down costs clearly (materials, labor, timeline)

Payment Terms

Using This Calculator

1. Enter quilt dimensions - Use exact measurements or choose a standard size preset
2. Input material costs - Add the cost and quantity for each material. Use the Fabric, Backing, and Binding calculators to determine yardage if needed
3. Include all supplies - Don't forget thread, labels, zippers, embellishments, and any other materials
4. Add shipping if applicable - Include costs for materials shipped to you
5. Optionally add labor cost - Check the box to include labor hours and hourly rate. Use the Time Estimator to calculate expected hours
6. Calculate total cost - See your complete project cost breakdown
7. Explore pricing suggestions - Use the markup buttons (2×, 2.5×, 3×) to see suggested selling prices, or enter your own custom price to calculate profit

Keep a copy of your cost breakdown for your records. This is essential for tax purposes if you sell quilts as a business, and helps you make informed decisions on future projects.