Etsy quote for pillows = sticker shock! PsIP

bobishea

So, I emailed an etsy seller wanting a quote for some pillows. I love the look of hers. They have matching piping around them and a zipper. They look much more expensive than a lot of the pillows I have seen on etsy. I emailed for a quote if I were to provide the fabric and she said that they would be $30 a piece. I would still have to buy the fabric and the pillow inserts. I want 3 of them because I am going off of the inspiration pic below and I think they pillows look great.

Would you pay over $150 for custom pillows? Do you know of another etsy seller who does a great job for less?

I am an beginner/intermediate sewer and have made pillows before, but have never tackled piping or a zipper so I am pretty sure I would spend a good chunk of change on this fabric and be disappointed in my final product.

 

 

wawajeanne

I don't have any other etsy recs, but I'd never pay that much for pillows.  I'm cheap though.

Piping is not that hard. Promise.  I've had a sewing machien since I was little, but I've never learned anything beyond the basics and I was able to teach myself piping in about 15 minutes of youtube video plus 5 minutes of practice.

 And zippers are kind of a pain in the butt, but just get some cheap fabric of a similar weight and practice.  It's a worthwhile skill to know, especially if you've already got the machine. 

stephm0188

Zippers are easy peasy. 

I personally wouldn't pay that because I can make them myself. I do understand the price. You're paying her for her time. Some people work for cheap. Some ask for more.

Justinlove

stephm0188:

Zippers are easy peasy. 

I personally wouldn't pay that because I can make them myself. I do understand the price. You're paying her for her time. Some people work for cheap. Some ask for more.

I agree.  I also wouldn't pay that much, but as with the pps, I CAN make them myself--just as well or better  

wawajeanne

stephm0188:

Zippers are easy peasy. 

I personally wouldn't pay that because I can make them myself. I do understand the price. You're paying her for her time. Some people work for cheap. Some ask for more.

don't suppose you've got a tutorial that really lays it out?  because they are one of the big thing stopping me from going whole hog with sewing.

bobishea

I've noticed that a  lot people emphasize that they serged the edges of the fabric before the sew the pillow together. Is that a big deal? Does it make it look better?

Justinlove

If you google it, you will find a variety of text/youtube tutorials.  Just go through a few until one "speaks" to you  

Sparkly*Bride

Love the inspiration pillows...gorgeous.

I'd spend that much for custom pillows, but I think if you really love something (and will for a long time) then pay for it and be done.

I just spent $150 on two pillows from Pottery Barn.  Love them.  Worth every penny.

1Thess517

wawajeanne:

stephm0188:

Zippers are easy peasy. 

I personally wouldn't pay that because I can make them myself. I do understand the price. You're paying her for her time. Some people work for cheap. Some ask for more.

don't suppose you've got a tutorial that really lays it out?  because they are one of the big thing stopping me from going whole hog with sewing.

Piping is not hard, like PP said, check out youtube and practice a little. Also, it may be worth it to try an envelope back? I do that on most pillows because I hate zippers and I think they work just as well and are easier. Don't count yourself out, because it could save you a ton of money.

WhiteysWifey

I wouldn't, not if it didn't include the fabric and stuffing. I say try it yourself...it's not too hard to do.

ForeignDs

$30 per pillow is fine if it includes at least the fabric (so they're pillow covers and you provide the forms later).  $30 just for labor is a little steep, considering it'll easily take her less than an hour to make each one.  I would have at least offered a volume discount.

I guess it depends on what your budget allows.

MrsEmilyS

I would either try it or find someone local.  I have a go to seamstress in my area....she does good work and is not expensive.  She will make me 20x20 pillows with a zipper and piping and an insert for $20....not including materials.

hippie4yahweh

Mmm, I can see that price being acceptable with piping and a zipper, but I'm cheap so wouldn't pay it  

SINCE I'm cheap, and I like to change out pillows often, I go with Etsy seller greymaggy. Her pillows have no piping and an envelope closure, but she uses great fabric that doesn't really NEED piping to look nice, KWIM? I'm sure she'd give you a decent quote using your own fabric (or even purchase the fabric you need) because I bought 3 Thomas Paul pillows for $25 each! And they're gorgeous. And I love them. And she's my favorite Etsy seller

Ginger Le Coeur

bobishea:

So, I emailed an etsy seller wanting a quote for some pillows. I love the look of hers. They have matching piping around them and a zipper. They look much more expensive than a lot of the pillows I have seen on etsy. I emailed for a quote if I were to provide the fabric and she said that they would be $30 a piece. I would still have to buy the fabric and the pillow inserts. I want 3 of them because I am going off of the inspiration pic below and I think they pillows look great.

Would you pay over $150 for custom pillows? Do you know of another etsy seller who does a great job for less?

I am an beginner/intermediate sewer and have made pillows before, but have never tackled piping or a zipper so I am pretty sure I would spend a good chunk of change on this fabric and be disappointed in my final product.

 

 

I think $30.00 per pillow is very fair for labor. Clearly they are treating themselves as a professional and good for her/him! It does not mean that you have to order your pillows from that vendor, but it does seems like a fair price. There is a great vendor at our local market and his pillows sell for $75 or more.

I also agree with pp about just doing an envelope back. That's how I tend to do all of my throw pillows. Although, now that people have suggested that zippers are not really that tough... I'm going to have to give it a try!

Good luck.

Tygress_Luv111908

I would say that is a lot. I wouldn't spend that much for a pillow.

I know someone that is starting her own little sewing business. She is actually going to be making me a purse as soon as the rest of the materials come in. If you want her contact info to see what she would charge let me know and I would be more then happy to give you her contact info (as long as she says ok of course). She has set up and Etsy store but doesn't have anything listed as of yet.

Passanie

Sheesh, what's the labor on that work out to per hour? Clearly, no, I would never pay that much for pillows. They're pillows, not jewelry.

byrne15

I can't sew at all, but I wouldn't pay that much for pillows.  Maybe $25 each (and that's a maybe)

sierramist_03

I would not pay that. If you can sew you can make them yourself. If you don't feel comfortable doing a zipper make a slip cover style. This is what I typically make. You just cut two backs that overlap. The piping is kind of tricky make sure to use a zipper foot but you will get the hang of it. 

AngelaL

I follow these directions for all my pillows. It is so easy, you can do it!

http://candacetodd.blogspot.com/2009/02/super-easy-removable-pillow-cover.html

EssBe

Yeah, with piping and a zipper, I don't think that's too high.  If I was using some really expensive fabric like Chiang Mai Dragon or something, I would pay that because I wouldn't want to eff it up myself.  And I sew tons of pillows.

This person is a professional.  They should charge a decent rate.

bobishea

MrsEmilyS:

I would either try it or find someone local.  I have a go to seamstress in my area....she does good work and is not expensive.  She will make me 20x20 pillows with a zipper and piping and an insert for $20....not including materials.

I contacted a local company after I got the etsy quote and theirs was $50 a piece!

 I think you all may have convinced me to give it a shot! I think I will need to go get a zipper foot for my sewing machine and watch some youtube videos. I might go buy some cheap dinner napkins and see how it works out on those before I touch my "real" fabric.

 Thanks for the encouragement!

wawajeanne

bobishea:

MrsEmilyS:

I would either try it or find someone local.  I have a go to seamstress in my area....she does good work and is not expensive.  She will make me 20x20 pillows with a zipper and piping and an insert for $20....not including materials.

I contacted a local company after I got the etsy quote and theirs was $50 a piece!

 I think you all may have convinced me to give it a shot! I think I will need to go get a zipper foot for my sewing machine and watch some youtube videos. I might go buy some cheap dinner napkins and see how it works out on those before I touch my "real" fabric.

 Thanks for the encouragement!

good luck!  You can do it!

nobrechick

Why don't you try Alchemy on Etsy? I'm sure there are a lot of people out there who would do it for less. That's how I got my family ornaments last year and my cake topper custom made

MrsInMadison

sort of off topic, but I can't stand it when pillows have that dip in the middle made to look like a butt crack or a vag.  Drives me nuts.  

mstitchnsew

I'm sorry but I have to vent- if you can sew then by all means make your own pillows. However, if you can't and need to hire someone expect to pay . I have my own alteration business and speciality sewing business . I am sick and tired of people expecting to get professional craftsmanship whether it be altering a bridal gown or making costume pillows. My time is not for free, the wear and tear on my machines require me to have them serviced on a regular basis and cost at least $75-100 a piece.
So when someone quotes you $30 a piece to make your pillows, I feel they are being extremely reasonable.
I have had people bring me their store bought $80 per pillows to repair due to faulty seams, broken zippers, unraveling cording. I for one can guarantee that when I make something it will not fall apart! You pay for what you get

musictchr25

@mstitchnsew - This post is 4 years old. Let it go. Start your own if you want to talk about the price of custom made pillows.

BlueBirdMB

Wups realized this was an old post.  Why the hell do people bring these things up?

HelloLifeChanger

Wow, that's a lot! I would make them myself then sell them if you can make that much!

MaryAguila

Way too spendy. Remember when Etsy used to be a great deal? Make your own!