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Teaching Sewing to INDIVIDUALS what to charge
Mrs.Moos   Intermediate CA USA Member since 11/5/02 Posts: 2340	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/6/08 3:12 PM I have been thinking about offering to teach beginners how to sew. I know there is a "sewing lounge" in town that charges $22 for a 90 minute class (workshop) and you walk away with a small lavender sachet. Their machines. Now, in my thinking, wouldn't it be better to learn on your own machine and have a one on one lesson? But I am at a loss as to what to charge. I would "go to them" most likely as my sewing room is small but I could set up a folding table in the living room if it were cleaned up before husband gets home (he likes his "space"). So does anyone have any ideas on what I would charge? To go to them? Or for them to come here and bring their machine? ------ Brother ULT 2002D, Janome 6500P, Babylock Eclipse SX, Juki MO654DE, Janome Coverpro 1000CPX, Singer 15-91
SewLil Intermediate Member since 7/15/06 Posts: 203	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/6/08 3:36 PM No idea. But I would Pay $20 for an hour of private instruction.
nicegirl Intermediate DC USA Member since 5/10/06 Posts: 1607	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/6/08 3:45 PM I gave a private lesson several months ago, and charged $20 an hour. It took us three hours to make a simple skirt (a tube with an elastic waist). It seemed like a fair rate--I didn't feel resentful for giving up my time at that price and I probably would have been unhappy with any less. **ETA** She had purchased a machine that she had literally no idea how to use never having sewn a stitch in her life. I went to her; as she was about a 20 minute walk from me I didn't need any compensation for travel or anything. If someone who lived in the far suburbs wanted a lesson, I'd probably charge travel time or have them come to me with their machine. I gave her a list of supplies to get beforehand so I wouldn't get there and be hampered by lack of tools. Sewing machine SM Needles (usually a pack comes with the machine but not always) Seam Ripper Measuring tape Pins and pincushion Safety pins (for threading elastic through the casing) Sewing shears Cardboard cutting mat (this would be optional for a first lesson, but if they at all intend to sew more projects the $20 is worth it) Iron (most people already own one) For the actual project: Fabric thread (here I didn't specify thread to match the fabric--so she just bought black and white. You have to be very specific!) 1/2 wide elastic -- Edited on 2/6/08 3:51 PM -- ------ http://theslapdashsewist.blogspot.com ================= 2007: purchased 115+, sewed 105+ So close to parity, yet so far Trying again in 2008 Yards purchased: 133 Yards sewn: Somewhere around 95 2009? I give up
Kellie R.   Intermediate TX USA Member since 7/4/07 Posts: 1648 PR Weekend Volunteer	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/6/08 4:01 PM What an interesting thread! I had a long conversation along these lines with my girlfriend last night. We grew up together (Girl Scouts, etc.) and were talking about how we learned the basics for Sewing Badge. We were taught how to make a basic t-shirt, rather than sewing up something "crafty". As such, we learned how to read a pattern, lay, mark, cut, etc. My girlfriend and I get together about once a month or so to work on our sewing projects together. She had a dream (literally) that we went in together on a B&B type property and offered weekend retreats to learn how to sew! After chatting a while, we thought the idea wasn't that far-fetched. Or maybe the two of us would just relish in a weekend of working away on our hobby, no kids, housework, etc... To your original point, I think that there IS a market to learn how to sew properly. I'd definitely pay $20 for a private or semi-private lesson. It seems sewing is increasing in popularity too. I'm very interested in what others have to say! ------ A bad day in the sewing room is better than a good day at the office. Getting through life, one stitch at a time. http://when-ladies-dressed.blogspot.com/
Tom P   Intermediate NY USA Member since 3/16/07 Posts: 887	Login to reply to this post In reply to Mrs.Moos Like this post Date: 2/6/08 4:41 PM $22 for 90 minutes sounds like a great deal. I would charge at least (probably more) $20 for an hour of instruction especially if it's one-on-one, intensive instruction. I took a French class from Alliance Francaise in New York, and that broke down to about $20 per class. I'd expect to may more for individual instruction.
Sherril Miller   Advanced CA USA Member since 8/24/02 Posts: 7473	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/6/08 5:00 PM I've charged $20 an hour and people pay it without a problem. Call around for other type of lessons, like music or dance lessons. I bet they are asking more. ------ Visit my blog at http://sewingsaga.blogspot.com If it's worth sewing, it's worth sewing well; and if it's worth sewing well, it's worth FITTING FIRST! - TSL
CharityAK Intermediate AK USA Member since 11/4/07 Posts: 724	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/6/08 5:06 PM Homeschoolers are a great market for sewing lessons. I'm teaching two homeschool students now, but since they are my best friend's girls and like daughters to me, I'm not charging. I do get asked if I teach lessons all the time, but I'm not ready to do that yet. I think I could charge $30 an hour here and no one would blink! Charity ------ Beginning Stash on 01/01/08 - 800 yards Yardage Sewn in 2008 - 145 yards Items Sewn - 92 Yardage Given Away in 2008 - 34.25 Wadder Yardage - 5 yards TOTAL STASH REDUCTION TO DATE: 156.25 yards DISALLOWED YARDAGE BOUGHT IN 2008 - 36 yards CURRENT STASH: 643.75 yards Personal Blog - Vintage Threads, http://www.vintagethreads.blogspot.com
Member since 12/31/69	Login to reply to this post In reply to Sherril Miller Like this post Date: 2/6/08 5:08 PM DD and I use the same hairdresser. This hairdresser approached me about basic sewing lessons for her 15 year old daughter and "tuning up" their sewing machine. So, we worked out a mutually beneficial barter/trade of services. DD and I will be "looooookin good!"
Member since 12/31/69	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/6/08 5:34 PM I pay $20 an hour for private lessons. ETA: I bring my machine and any other supplies that are needed. I travel to my teacher . -- Edited on 2/6/08 5:35 PM --
Michelle T Intermediate BC CANADA Member since 8/24/02 Posts: 4176	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/6/08 6:21 PM My two bits for what they are worth. The first lessons I took (group ones), a machine was supplied. I did have access to a built in machine that is not at all portable. I think that a rank beginner should not be expected to buy a machine to see if they really would be interested in sewing. So I think you should be prepared to offer to rent (or make arrangements for a rental to be made available) a machine to your student. This would be an additional charge above the lesson fee. At all the places I took lessons and used one of their machines, I paid a rental fee. If I was giving lessons I would not work for less than $20.00/hr and likely would charge more. I pay $20.00 per 30 minutes for my son's private violin lessons and $10.00 per hour for my dd's group gymnastics class. (6-7 girls in the class) ------ Proud parent of a Dwight International School Honour Roll Student

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