Plan Your Quilting Budget with Our Quilt Price Calculator
At Deb's Quilt Studio, the Quilt Price Calculator and Quilt Cost Calculator refer to the same helpful tool.
What to Expect for Longarm Services
A Comprehensive Look into Quilting Costs Pricing and Your Best Resource for Clarity
Quilting is a labor of love—a beautiful blend of creativity, precision, and skill. Whether you're piecing together a cherished heirloom or crafting a cozy throw for your living room, there comes a moment when you might ask yourself: "How much will it cost to get this quilt longarmed?" If you've ever wondered about quilting costs, you're not alone. The pricing for longarm quilting can feel like a mystery, with variables like quilt size, design complexity, and material choices all playing a role. For your convenience, please note that the Quilt Price Calculator and Quilt Cost Calculator on Deb's Quilt Studio's website are synonymous and lead to the same calculation tool. That's where my Quilt Cost Calculaor at Deb's Quilt Studio, quilt cost Calculator comes in—a tool designed to take the guesswork out of budgeting your next quilting project, relieving you of the stress and empowering you to plan with confidence.
In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about longarm quilting costs. We’ll answer three big questions: How much does it cost to get a quilt longarmed? How much do people charge for quilting? What is the formula for pricing quilts? Along the way, I’ll share insights from industry experts, real-world examples, and tips to help you plan your project with confidence. Additionally, I’ll demonstrate how my quilting cost calculator can simplify the process and save you time. Ready to dive into longarm Quilting Services. Let’s get started!
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Quilt Longarmed?
When you’ve poured your heart into piecing a quilt top, handing it over to a longarm quilter is the next big step. But how much should you expect to pay? The cost of longarm quilting varies widely depending on several factors, including size, quilting style, and additional services such as binding or batting. On average, though, you’re looking at a range of $0.02 to $0.15 per square inch, with most quilts falling between $120 and $500 total, according to data from Fash (March 2023).
The Statler Stitcher dances across the quilt being longarmed by Deb’s Quilt Studio in Taylor Arizona.
A Real-World Example
Let’s say you’ve got a 60” x 80” lap quilt (4,800 square inches). You choose a simple edge-to-edge design at $0.025 per square inch. That’s $120 for the quilting. Add $20 for batting and $40 for binding (assuming 280 linear inches at $0.14 per inch) for a total of $180. However, if you opt for custom quilting at $0.05 per square inch, the quilting alone increases to $240, bringing your total closer to $300. See how quickly it adds up?
That’s where my quilting cost calculator shines. At Deb’s Quilt Studio, you can enter your quilt’s dimensions, select your preferred quilting style, and receive an instant estimate tailored to your project. No more mental math or sticker shock—just clarity.
What Influences the Cost?
Size isn’t the only factor. Here’s what else can affect your bill:
Quilting Style: Edge-to-edge (E2E) designs, where a single pattern repeats across the quilt, are the most affordable, typically costing $0.02 to $0.035 per square inch. Custom quilting, such as detailed motifs or border work, can cost between $0.04 and $0.15 per square inch at Stitches of Joy Quilting.
Thread and Density: Denser patterns require more thread and time, increasing the price. Some quilters add a thread surcharge for complex jobs.
Extras: Binding, batting, and backing preparation (such as seaming or pressing) often incur additional fees. For instance, machine binding might cost $0.20 to $0.70 per linear inch Stitches of Joy Quilting.
How Much Do Longarm Quilters Charge for Their Services?
Quilting isn’t just a service; it’s an art form. So, how do longarm quilters determine their pricing? It’s a mix of market rates, experience, and the time and resources they invest. Let’s peek behind the curtain.
Industry Standard Rates
Across the U.S., longarm quilting rates typically fall into these buckets:
Edge-to-Edge (E2E): $0.02 to $0.035 per square inch. This is the go-to for budget-friendly, all-over patterns Simply Stashing.
Semi-Custom: $0.03 to $0.05 per square inch. Consider separate border designs paired with an E2E interior, such as Needle Bright.
Custom Quilting: $0.04 to $0.15 per square inch, or hourly rates of $30–$45 per hour for highly detailed work.
Some quilters also set minimum charges—say, $50 for small projects like table runners—to cover setup time and materials Sugar Bee Quilts.
Regional and Skill Variations
Where you live can nudge prices up or down. In rural areas, you might find E2E quilting as low as $0.015 per square inch, while urban quilters with years of experience might charge $0.10 or more for custom work APQS. Skill level matters too—a beginner might charge less to build a client base, while a show-quilt veteran commands premium rates.
Don’t forget the add-ons. Many quilters tack on fees for:
Batting: $9–$20, depending on size and type (e.g., cotton, bamboo).
Binding: $0.12–$0.70 per linear inch, depending on whether it’s machine- or hand-finished.
Prep Work: $10–$25 per hour for pressing, squaring, or fixing wavy borders.
At Deb’s Quilt Studio, I’ve seen firsthand how these extras can surprise quilters who aren’t prepared. That’s why my quilting cost calculator includes options to factor in these services, providing you with a comprehensive picture before you make a commitment.
We also have a batting cost calculator and a machine binding cost calculator. Deb’s Quilt Studio created these tools with the help of Calconic. These tools were created by me to assist my quilters with their estimates. This allows clients to make decisions about their quilting costs more accurately.
What’s the Formula for Quilt Pricing?
If you’re a quilter looking to price your services—or just want to understand how pros do it—there’s a straightforward formula at the core of most pricing models. It’s all about balancing time, materials, and your desired profit. Here’s how it breaks down.
The Basic Quilt Pricing Formula
1. Calculate Square Inches: Width (in inches) × Length (in inches) = Total Square Inches.
2. Set Your Rate: Choose a per-square-inch price based on the quilting style (e.g., $0.025 for E2E, $0.05 for custom).
3. Multiply: Total Square Inches × Rate = Base Quilting Cost.
4. Add Extras: Include costs for batting, binding, thread, or any additional preparation work.
5. Factor in Overhead: Account for machine maintenance, electricity, and studio space (which is often included in the rate).
Example in Action
Imagine a 70” x 90” quilt (6,300 square inches). For an E2E design at $0.03 per square inch:
6,300 × $0.03 = $189 (base cost).
Add $15 for batting and $50 for binding (350 linear inches at $0.14 per inch).
Total = $254.
For custom quilting at $0.06 per square inch:
6,300 × $0.06 = $378 (base cost).
With the same extras, total = $443.
Time-Based Alternative
Some quilters prefer an hourly rate, especially for custom work. Say you want to earn $25 per hour, and a quilt takes 10 hours, including preparation and quilting. That’s $250, plus the cost of materials. This method works well if you track your time closely, as suggested by APQS.
Why My Calculator Simplifies This Task!
Performing these calculations by hand can be tedious, especially when juggling multiple quilt sizes or service options. For example, a lap quilt with basic edge-to-edge quilting might cost $50-$100, while a custom-quilted queen-size could range from $200-$500 or more. However, these are just ballpark figures – actual costs depend on the quilter and your specific project. That’s why having a reliable quilting cost calculator, like the one at Deb’s Quilt Studio, is a game changer. Visit https://debsquiltstudio.com/quilting-cost-calculator to see for yourself how easy it is to get a personalized estimate.
Simply enter your quilt’s dimensions, select your quilting style (Budget, Standard, or Heavy Edge-to-Edge), and add any desired extras. In seconds, you’ll have a detailed estimate—no spreadsheets required.
Why Use a Quilting Cost Calculator?
Let’s be honest: quilting is as much about passion as it is about practicality. But when it’s time to budget, a little planning goes a long way. Here’s why my quilting cost calculator is a game-changer:
Accuracy: No more guesstimating. Get a precise breakdown based on your quilt’s specs.
Transparency: See how each choice (size, style, extras) affects the cost.
Time-saving: Skip the math and focus on what you love—creating.
At Deb’s Quilt Studio, I built this tool with quilters like you in mind. Whether you’re a hobbyist finishing a gift or a pro pricing a commission, it’s designed to empower you with knowledge.
Tips to Keep Quilting Costs in Check
Want to enjoy professional longarm quilting without breaking the bank? Here are some insider tips:
Choose Edge-to-Edge: It’s the most affordable option and still looks stunning.
Prep Your Quilt: Square your top and press your backing to avoid extra fees.
Supply Your Materials: Bring your batting and backing, if you’ve them (just ensure they’re machine-quilting friendly).
Start Small: Test a new quilter with a smaller project before committing to a king-size quilt.
And, of course, I use my quilting cost calculator to compare options before making a decision. It’s like having a quilting budget buddy right at your fingertips.
Ready to Quilt with Confidence?
Longarm quilting doesn’t have to be a financial puzzle. Whether you’re wondering how much it costs to get a quilt longarmed, curious about how much people charge for quilting, or trying to crack the formula for quilt pricing, the answers are within reach. At Deb’s Quilt Studio, I’m here to make it easy—and my quilting cost calculator is your first step to clarity.
So, grab your quilt top, measure those dimensions, and head over to https://debsquiltstudio.com/quilting-cost-calculator. Experiment with the options, find what fits your budget, and let’s bring your vision to life. Have questions? Feel free to reach out—I’d love to chat about your next project!
Happy quilting, friends!
Bonus Calculators
Both of these calculators determine the exact cost of your batting costs and machine binding services. Hope you enjoy using them. They are part of our professional quilt finsihing services. All of our calculators guide you through what you need to put in them. “Voila” there you are costs at your finger tips.
Sources:
Fash: Average Quilting Costs - https://fash.com/costs/quilting-cost
Stitches of Joy Quilting: Pricing List - https://www.stitchesofjoyquilting.com/pricing
Simply Stashing: Longarm Quilting Pricing- https://simplystashing.com/longarm-quilting
Needle Bright: Longarm Quilting Rates - https://www.needlebright.com/longarm-quilting-rates
Sugar Bee Quilts: Longarm Services- https://sugarbeequilts.com/longarm-quilting-services
APQS: How Much to Charge - https://www.apqs.com/how-much-to-charge-when-longarm-quilting-for-others/
Debsquiltstudio.com - https://www.debsquiltstudio.com/quilting-cost-calculator
(Note: All links are provided for reference only and were used to inform the content of this article.)
Stressing over figuring quilting costs.