how much should i charge? S:

i recently got an offer from an old friend...in return for providing me with about 90 balls of wool, shes asked if i can make 60 pram/cot blankets (about 27" square) by december

i have yet to decide whether or not i'll take the offer (id like to), but need to see whether its practical time wise for me..

what my question is though, its...well...i wouldnt know what to charge her
shes offered £150 altogether (approx $235) and while that sounds like a lot of money for me, ive worked out that its only about £2.50 per blanket (approx $3.90)
...is that enough do you think? i wouldnt really know whats practical and i dont want to be swindled and get the short end of the stick

what do you guys think would be practical to charge her for 60 handcrocheted 27" blankets? bearing in mind the wool is provided..

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11 replies since 30th July 2012 • Last reply 30th July 2012

Reply #1:

I guess it would some down to how much time you think you need to get one done. And then if you thought you'd be able to get them all done by december. If you are always busy with work/school/kids and can only work on the blankets on the weekend, you'd have to really crunch it because there are only 19 more weekends until december.

Also I think price depends on they skill level it takes to make the blanket and how much time it takes to make one. If it is an easy pattern and only takes you 2 hours all together to make one, minus the cost of supplies. But if this person is a very good friend and you feel comfortable about doing it for cheap then go for it, I make things for my family all the time for free or the cost of supplies.

I think ~$4.00 for a blanket is very cheap, but not terrible because of hoe small they are and you're kind of doing is as a favor to a friend and they are buying the supplies.

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Reply #2:

thanks for the reply Happy

one concern of mine was that i use a very small hook (4.50mm) so when crocheting blankets and such it takes me a while as i have very small, tight and careful stitching...the patter itself is simple - the base of the blanket just single crochet stitches with a triple crochet shell edging

i am normally rather busy in the week with college and family obligations but luckily the summer has freed me up from the former....

yeah, i guess youre right Happy the offer seems reasonable...thanks for the help pamela, i really appreciate it

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Reply #3:

No problem Happy I crochet really tightly too, I was making a baby blanket using granny square style stitches, in a ripple/wave pattern and before I started I decided to go up a whole size in hooks because I know I crochet really tight,lol. Which was a good idea because it came out looking good, not loose at all, and the stiches were a good size too. Maybe go up a half size with your blankets, that way it will help work up faster and make up for stitching so tight. Unless you feel your regular hook will be good, just a suggestion.

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Reply #4:

thanks for the input, i really appreciate it Happy especially from a great crafter like yourself
i'll definitely try that

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Reply #5:

3.90 "per blanket" is a great deal.
but you should add taht you are putting hours in. Record your hours and charge per hour. You could charge minum wage in your area or just because it is a hobby? you chould charge double the total ammount so 470 euros... (sorry I don't know how to make the symbol)

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Reply #6:

I really think it depends what your friend is going to do with the blankets.. She can't possibly need them all herself, so what are the rest for? If they're for a charity or a good cause then fair enough, but is she planning on selling them? If so, then £2.50 per blamket is slave labour! I personally don't think this reflects the time it takes you in any way. Either ask a fair price (taking into account how long they will take you, I think Krista's idea is a great one) or say no thank you and spend your crafting time doing making pretty things you really want to!

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Reply #7:

I'm sorry, I can't imagine expecting someone to make a hand crochet blanket for me for only $4. That's insane, even if I supplied the material's myself it would be asking for a major discount. You can get the wool for $4. Why would you only charge $8 for your work? Trust me, you'll hate doing the work if you charge so little and are under such a time crunch and it will cause you to resent your friend. I hope you didn't agree to make those blankets for such a low amount. If you want to discount her, I'd tell her it would be $10 per blanket with the wool provided. I would expect to pay $25+ for a well made crochet blanket with a simple pattern.

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Reply #8:

It is so close to December! Have you or haven't you!! du du du.... lol

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Reply #9:

as a bit of an update, i thought id let everyone know that i finished all the blankets Happy all 60!
theyre all being sold for £8 (about $12.80) which for all 60 earns me £480! (about $773!)

having been so busy making them, i neglected my other crafts and this site as well, but i really want to thank everyone for their very helpful replies and opinions Happy i feel like ive made a real profit with all your help and avoided being taken advantage of.
also, the blankets as it turns out are going to a childrens home ^^ so hopefully there are some kids out there all snug with my blakets for the winter, and just that thought makes me feel good....but the money doesnt go amiss haha

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Reply #10:

Yey!!! I'm glad you got them all done and in turn will be making some extra money Happy like you said, it great that they are helping out children, but bein paid (even a small amount) for your work is really gratifying. Plus now you have extra money for the holidays! Congratulations!

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Reply #11:

YAY! I'm glad that you felt like everyone could help. Community wins again! YESSS!
AND the kids. YOU are a DOLL!!!!

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