Although embroidery is a hobby for many of us, I bet every one of you have had the opportunity to charge for doing a bit of embroidery.

Pricing our work correctly is difficult. When you consider the cost of the item sewn on, thread, needles, stabilizer, wear and tear on the machine, choosing a design, cost and set up of the design, and the time it takes from idea to completion even the simplest project can be costly to the end consumer. Many of us have trouble charging what we are worth.

It’s becoming easier for me to determine what I need to break even, and then charge accordingly, but it’s something that comes from careful evaluation of costs and lots of practice.

Even if embroidery is not a business for you, the next time your neighbor’s, best friend’s, mother in law wants a name put on a shirt, think about the value of your time, resources, and talents. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you are worth. The worst that can happen is the potential customer says no.

In the long run you are doing yourself a favor. People who respect the value of your time, resources, and talents will appreciate the value the completed project