RenaissanceFestival.com Forums

Faire Garb => Sewing => Topic started by: Dinobabe on December 01, 2010, 10:46:57 AM

Title: As an unprofessional seamstress...
Post by: Dinobabe on December 01, 2010, 10:46:57 AM
As an unprofessional seamstress how much would you charge to make a ghawazee coat (they provide the fabric)?

I made one to wear to my bellydance performance.  Everyone loved it and some asked if I could make one for them.

Thanks!
Title: Re: As an unprofessional seamstress...
Post by: Kate XXXXXX on December 01, 2010, 10:54:14 AM
Cost the fabrics and trims.

Cost your time: number of hours times twice the minimum wage, unless you are good.*

Add the two together.  Charge half as much again as that total.

* I typically charge about £12 an hour for simple sewing, and up to £25 per hour for hand finishing and beading.
Title: Re: As an unprofessional seamstress...
Post by: Dinobabe on December 01, 2010, 11:02:58 AM
After I did your math it was almost exactly the number I had guessed in my head.  Thanks!
Title: Re: As an unprofessional seamstress...
Post by: Lady Kathleen of Olmsted on December 01, 2010, 02:04:51 PM


Anything less than $10 an hour is discounting your abilitites.

I charge $20 to $25 an hour depending on what particular job I am doing based on difficulty and time. That's usually for Alterations like Zipper replacements in Jackets, relining coats, and Bridal.

Sewing is $20 an hour plus cost of materials .
Title: Re: As an unprofessional seamstress...
Post by: LadyStitch on December 01, 2010, 02:20:32 PM
As my skills have gotten better my prices have gone up.  To be honest Lady Kathleen and Kate's prices are reasonable.

When I was first starting I was looking at minimum wage plus how good a seamstress I thought I was. 
Title: Re: As an unprofessional seamstress...
Post by: Dinobabe on December 01, 2010, 06:09:14 PM
Sounds like I'm on the right track then.  Thanks guys! ;)