Baby blanket - Crochet - Question

Malena72

Hi,
Anyone know what I could charge for making a hand-crochet baby blanket? I was told that a mum-to be will be asking me to make one! Also she will be asking about a baby cardigan and beanie type hat. I'm useless at figuring out what to tell them, and I know I under-priced a blanket recently, I only made a few bob!! and it took 16 days to make!

wmpdd3

I always say price it at €8 per hour for the work you did then add the price of yarn then think what a mass produced one costs.

Sometimes you have to reduce your costs, like changing the gauge to save time, or choose a faster stitch.

Malena72

Thanks for your reply!
Oh I wish I could get €8 an hour for my crochet Yesterday I did a lovely hair-band with a double layer flower for a 5yr old and it took an hour to make, its a gift for her, but if I sold it that would mean I should get €9 for it, and there is no way I could charge that because I know a woman who charges €3 and another who charges €4. The last blanket I made which I still have took 14 days to make and many hours of each day, the border alone took forever to do.
Just wondering how much any of you have paid or would pay for a hand-made crochet baby blanket?

Tabitharose

I'd look on adverts / etsy & see what similar items sell for - they should give you a good guide

wmpdd3

I know people who charge €100 for for pieces that take 10 hours to make and materials that cost €20.

A similar store bought item would be €22.

Maybe the fact she is a designer with 5 years experience makes a difference, maybe its her marketing.

You can charge what people are prepared to spend. If there isn't a market locally then look further afield.

But for me, I have never made a profit on a knit or tailored piece. It's just that I really enjoy making the items and don't consider it work.

LadyMayBelle

Ive wondered this myself as I have been maing a lot of baby gifts recently for friends; people keep telling me I should sell them but I feel a bit awkward about that given the amount I would be charging?

8 seems a lot.
For example, the wool I used for one (say 24"x36") was 8 balls at 3.85 each plus postage works out about about 30. Hard to say exactly how long I spent on it given I was in no rush and didnt have a deadline but maybe 8-10 hours? so 80 + 30 is a LOT of money and I would not spend that on anyones baby to be honest!

Cardigans take me about 6 hours, 150g wool (approx £5) = £45 approx; still seems a lot! Im like the other poster tho who never charges as the enhoyment of creating something is enough.

Have a look on Etsy OP for a sense of prices.
http://www.etsy.com/search?q=crochet%20blanket%20baby&order=most_relevant&view_type=gallery&ship_to=GB

wmpdd3

This is where knitting sale pieces for very small babies really stops making sense. A baby cardi for 3-6 mts would take me about 4 hrs and the yarn (anything but acrylic) would be about €12 min. Even at €4 per hour, you're at €28, may as well buy a Dior cardi!!

Best to concentrate on items that can be used for at least 12 months!

For 6 months plus I usually knit sleeveless hooded or unhooded tunics, as they usually fit for 9 month or so.

I have seen quite a few people locally charging for garments, but you supply the yarn. I think this is a great ideas all non knitters think a ball of 'wool' is €2.50 in the pound shop!

Malena72

Thank you ladies for your replies!
I looked at etsy and most blankets seem to be around the €36 mark, but its so hard when people look shocked when you say a price for any crochet especially when you know you have priced the item cheaper than others!, they really do seem to think they should get the garment at half nothing! And don't seem to understand that some wools are more expensive than others, and cottons need to be higher priced as its so expensive to buy. Some also seem to think that crochetting is just a hobby and you should give the item that they admire, as a gift! I have gifted my crochet for too long and would like to make a few bob now!! I will keep in mind too about asking them to supply the wool and pattern, think they'd be shocked... a pattern alone is 3.75, also buttons are so expensive and ribbon trims.
Thanks again ladies