Thread: How much to pay for sewing?

I have a student who is doing a WONDERFUL job helping us tailor and fit our costumes, etc.

She just added Noussa-like straps to Great Loop costumes for two of us, completely relieving the halter strap neck pain. Aaah. And fixed the loose fringe loops on my belt.

The problem is we want to pay her for her time and she won't name a fee. I have no way of knowing how much time she's spending on these tasks. The first few favors were lovely, and I know everyone likes to contribute at the studio and feel important.

But we want her to do more and more, and if she won't let us pay, I for one will start hesitating to ask.

How do I resolve this?

Isnt there any "service" you could trade her? Free lessons if you are a teacher, bake for "her son's" birthday, etc?

You all could maybe save up money and buy her something nice? Maybe she needs a new chiffon skirt?

I have no idea what prices are there, but in Norway it is extremely expensive. Like 100 usd just to hem a skirt :S

Wow! I'm moving to Norway!! LOL!

Zayna I am also moving to Norway. Let's be roommates and jack up our prices!

Perhaps call around to see what seamstresses get in your area, then offer her that - (I think the tailor I had do my bridesmaid gown last year charged me around $10 an hour (which was to shorten a chiffon dress that was panelled, and take in the bodice)). Have her keep her times on projects, or better yet ask her how long she thinks X will take, and pay her from that estimate- it is sometimes easier for a person to be able estimate how long something will take than be brave enough to claim what their time is worth.

If she ends up not taking money, a gift (as has been mentioned) might be nice - a dinner out, a gift certificate to a vendor and she can pick out what she likes?

If you decide to go with a gift certificate of some kind Amazon ones are always great. You can get just about anything on there.

Yes, come to Norway! :D

What about buying your friend supplies?

Like thread, beads, fabric, etc?

I dont know what it cost in the US, but one spool of regular cotton thread cost around 10-15 usd here.

so, if she uses her own supplies to fix your stuff, maybe that would be a good idea?

Maybe some sequins or crystals ;)

$25/hour is standard for professional "stitcher" work in the areas that I've worked (that's gender neutral for "seamstress").

I'd go w/ standard tailor rates or maybe gift certificates to dahlal or bdstore or something nice like that.

I would check the going rates for this in your area and go with that. It is wonderful that you appreciate her skill and time.

I hate charging friends for sewing, so I usually trade, but sometimes cash is easier. I think $10/hour is fair plus the cost of supplies.

I would be comfortable with trading sewing for classes or a nice dinner.

(I also trade artwork. One of my friends did my taxes for me and saved me a few hundred dollars, so I painter her portrait in return.)

I'm happy to trade her for classes, that's easy.

Thanks for the guidelines on hourly rates, at least I have a range.

Getting her to give me an estimate or a # of hours worked will be the tricky part. i suppose I could refuse to hand over the costume until she gives me an estimate.

Originally Posted by SamiraShuruk

$25/hour is standard for professional "stitcher" work in the areas that I've worked (that's gender neutral for "seamstress").

I've had the same experience when I've used a "stitcher".

I would definitely trade her for classes--and be insistent about it! If she is hesitant, tell her that as a professional artist yourself (yes, sewing is an art!), it's important to you that she is fairly compensated for her time and talent. That way, not only can you feel right about accepting her services, but it can also be a lesson about fair trade, undercutting, and respecting yourself and your community. (Hope that makes sense!)

Originally Posted by aazura

I would definitely trade her for classes--and be insistent about it! If she is hesitant, tell her that as a professional artist yourself (yes, sewing is an art!), it's important to you that she is fairly compensated for her time and talent. That way, not only can you feel right about accepting her services, but it can also be a lesson about fair trade, undercutting, and respecting yourself and your community. (Hope that makes sense!)

Agreed 100%! All artistic pursuits seem to suffer from the same problem of people not valuing it, not realizing how long things take, and not wanting to pay people a decent wage for their time. 90% of the inquiries I get about custom work want to pay me what would end up being way less than minimum wage.

If you can convince her that her time is valuable, maybe she'll pass it on. Every little bit helps, and thanks for being the good kind of customer!

Originally Posted by aazura

I've had the same experience when I've used a "stitcher".

I would definitely trade her for classes--and be insistent about it! If she is hesitant, tell her that as a professional artist yourself (yes, sewing is an art!), it's important to you that she is fairly compensated for her time and talent. That way, not only can you feel right about accepting her services, but it can also be a lesson about fair trade, undercutting, and respecting yourself and your community. (Hope that makes sense!)

Yes, this.
And a craft/art like sewing ... As the US minimum wage is $7.25/hour, I'd consider $10/hr quite low for something that takes a lot of specified knowledge, experience and skill (not to mention equipment).

If you were going to a professional seamstress who was not a student of yours rather than one of your students who does a professional job sewing, what would you be willing to pay to have those alterations done? It it was worth $100 to you, give her $100 worth of classes.

I do a lot of sewing for my troupe and am willing to trade anyone that wants it. I do a lot of favors too...but I'll tell you, even if she doesn't ask to be paid, you guys need to come up with something or she will burn herself out and everyone looses. I ended up putting a suggested price list as a Facebook note so I could keep it straight ;)

You don't want to insult her-$10/hour is too low to offer. Do you even know how long it took her? ($10/hour is fine to charge if you want, but I wouldn't assume that she values her work that little). Also, the fact that she worked on high end costumes jacks up the price to me-because she obviously can match the workmanship.
I agree that trade is best since she won't discuss money-give her a certificate for a certain number of classes. And don't let your students take advantage of her! (Not that I thought you would-just a reminder).