Quilting for Profit — How to Price Longarm Services
Quilting for Profit — How to Price Longarm Services
Pricing longarm quilting services is one of the most stressful parts of running a longarm business. Here’s a framework used by successful longarm operators to price fairly and profitably.
Linda’s Electric Quilters Longarm Business Guide
Pricing Models Compared
| Model | How It Works | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per square inch Most Common | Total area × rate (e.g., $0.015–$0.025/sq in) | Transparent, easy to quote | Doesn’t account for design complexity |
| Per linear foot (pantograph) | Quilt length × rate | Fast to calculate | Less common — confusing to customers |
| Flat rate by size | Set price by quilt category (lap/throw/queen/king) | Simple to communicate Simple | Doesn’t account for size variation within category |
| Hourly | Time × rate | Accurate for complex custom work Custom | Customers can’t predict cost upfront |
▶ The Right Approach Most successful longarm businesses use per-square-inch as the base with add-on charges for: custom design (vs pantograph), extra-dense quilting, minky backing, rush service, and thread supplied by the operator. This gives customers a predictable base price while capturing the true cost of premium services.
What is a typical per-square-inch rate for longarm quilting?
Rates vary widely by region and experience level — typically $0.012–$0.025 per square inch for pantograph allover designs. Custom work runs $0.02–$0.05+. A queen quilt at 90"×108" = 9,720 sq in. At $0.015/sq in, that’s $145.80 for pantograph — at $0.02 it’s $194.40. Research your local market before setting rates.