A one-of-a-kind work of art, handmade quilts are highly sought after by collectors and homemakers alike.If you have a collection of vintage quilts you would like to sell, listing them online can help you find buyers from around the world.
Step 1: You should iron or steam your quilt before taking a picture.
Your photograph will look sloppy if your quilt is wrinkled.If you have a handheld steamer, hang up your quilt and steam it.If you have to, iron it on low heat.You can run a lint roller over your quilt to remove stray threads.
Step 2: You can take pictures with a digital camera.
If you want to get great pictures of your quilt, you don't need the most advanced camera on the market.A digital camera will allow you to see instant feedback on how your pictures are turning out, and you can make adjustments if you need to.If you take the time to get the lighting and focus right, a phone camera is enough.To learn how to adjust the settings on your camera, read the manual that came with your phone.
Step 3: You can use natural light to take a picture.
Natural light is the best way to show off your quilt, even if you have to wait for nice weather.It is possible to alter the colors of your fabric by using indoor lighting.If you are shooting inside, try to find a location near a big window or open your doors to let in more light.The colors of your quilt can be washed out by a spot that is out of direct sunlight.
Step 4: Show off your quilt with a simple backdrop.
Posters, beadboard, contact paper, and even pieces of laminate flooring can be used to make your own backdrop if you don't have a wall large enough to display your quilt.It's best to use neutral colors for a backdrop, but you can use different colors to create different effects, like shooting against a brick wall.
Step 5: To hang your quilt, use binder clips or masking tape.
Attach your quilt to a line with binder clips or hang it from a wall with heavy-duty masking tape.You can either crop the clips or tape out the picture, or roll the tape so that you can use it on the back of the quilt where it can't be seen.
Step 6: To show different angles, drape your quilt over the furniture.
If you want a more realistic shot of your quilt, you can drape it over the arm of a couch or at the foot of the bed.You should arrange it so that you can see the quilt's details.You can drape the quilt from a blanket ladder to show off the fabric.
Step 7: Stage the picture so it looks good.
It's important to stage a shot to make it look balanced.If you want to add artistic touches to your photo, you can use fresh flowers or a rug in a color that matches your quilt.If you follow the rule of thirds, you divide the image into two horizontal and two vertical imaginary lines, then stage the quilt so it sits at the intersection of those lines.
Step 8: Aim your camera at the center of the quilt.
If you want your quilt to look square, you should take a picture with your camera even if you have to hang it up high or crouch down.You can experiment with different angles if you want an artistic look or a detail shot.
Step 9: You have to calculate the cost of your materials.
The cost of a quilt is less than $13 a yard, but that is only a fraction of the cost.The cost of backing fabric, thread, batting, binding, and anything else you used in the fabrication of your quilt will need to be taken into account.You might want to consider depreciation of your sewing machine and needles.The quilt's materials will likely cost at least $150USD.
Step 10: Determine your hourly labor cost.
How much your time is worth is up to you.It's difficult for other quilters who feel they deserve to be compensated for their time if they sell their work for just the cost of materials.The more experience you have, the more you should charge.If you are selling the first quilt you have ever made, you may want to use your local minimum wage to determine your rate.You should compare your rate to that of other skilled craftsmen if you have been making quilts for a long time.Once you come up with your hourly rate, keep track of how long it takes you to create the quilt, then use the number of hours to get your final labor cost.
Step 11: You will have to pay for any commission.
A commission is charged to the seller by most online shops.If you have to pay a commission, you may want to include it in the price of your quilt.Some quilters choose to cover the commission out of their own pockets, because they consider this one of the costs of doing business.3.5% is the commission for a sale on Etsy.The buyer is charged for shipping separately from the total cost of the item.
Step 12: If you want to sell vintage quilts, research similar ones on auction sites.
It can be difficult to calculate the value of a quilt that you didn't make.If you want to come up with a base price, compare the prices of several different options and look online for quilts from the same time period or made in a similar pattern.If you know who made the quilt, you can try to find other quilts made by the same person.
Step 13: You can sell your work on an auction site.
People can sell their handmade goods on a number of different websites.It is possible to list your items on a site that attracts a broader range of customers.This is a great way for customers to see your work.Before you list your items, make sure you know what commission will be taken out, how quickly you can be paid, and if there are any quota requirements.eBay, ArtFire, and Etsy are some of the popular sites.
Step 14: If you want full control over the process, create your own website.
Either you have to hire a web designer to build your website from scratch or you can use a hosting service that provides templates.You should include a merchant software that will allow you to process credit cards so customers can order directly from your website.You will be responsible for driving all of the traffic to your site if you have your own website.
Step 15: You can promote yourself on social media.
Social media can be used to grow a small business.Information on how you can be contacted if someone wants to purchase one of your quilts should be posted.If you rely on social media, keep in mind that unique patterns and bold colors tend to make more of an impression when people are scrolling through their feed.
Step 16: You can promote your work on quilting forums.
You can post pictures of your work on some websites.Make sure you read the community guidelines, since some don't allow solicitation.Forum.apqs.com is one of the popular quilting forums.
Step 17: Sell your patterns if you want to keep them.
If you enjoy making quilts but don't want to give them to your friends and family, consider drafting your own patterns and selling them.This is a popular way for quilters to make extra money, and there are a number of websites where you can list your patterns.If you create your own quilt patterns, you can list them on some of the same sites where you would sell your handmade quilts.A pattern for a large quilt can be found for around $10USD.