Easy Guide to Lap Quilt Sizes and 5 Free Patterns

When it comes to lap quilts, finding the right size is key for comfort and functionality. Whether you’re making a cozy throw for the couch or a gift for a loved one, this guide will help you choose the perfect size. Plus, I’ve included five of my favorite free lap quilt patterns to get you started!

What is a Lap Quilt?

A lap quilt is a smaller quilt, typically used as a throw on a sofa, in a chair, or even in the car. They provide warmth without the bulk of a full-size quilt, making them perfect for snuggling up or adding a decorative touch to any space. Quilt dimensions for a lap blanket size will be smaller than a twin size bed quilt. The size of the quilt will depend on the pattern you are using and really the purpose of the quilt. 

Perfect quilt for laying in front of the tv, picnics, day at the beach or in your car to cover your back seat. Hang it over your recliner or love seat in your family room, or lay it over the foot of the bed. Not too small, not too big, they are just the right size to cuddle up with but not have all that extra bulk.

Beginner Friendly

If you are a beginner quilter, make a charm square quilt with one or two charm packs first. Practice sewing squares together, perfecting your 1/4 inch seam allowance and sewing in straight lines. Add a border, trim, sandwich, quilt and bind. Once you feel confident making this beginner quilt, move onto a lap quilt. Why? You will be able to use this size and enjoy it. It’s a great throw blanket, you can easily quilt it on your home sewing machine. You don’t need a long arm quilter or special machine. Just straight line machine stitch using a simple design. Plus they work up fast so you get a sense of accomplishment in less time.

Different Dimensions

There is no set size for a lap quilt, it’s just smaller than a full-sized quilt. You can use king-size quilt or a queen size quilt pattern and modify it to make it smaller and turn it into a lap quilt. Especially if the quilt design contains quilt blocks. Now this won’t work for every quilt pattern but you can adjust to suit your skill level and what you are capable of sewing on your own sewing machine. I love to make square shape lap quilts, these are my favorite quilts. Square shape quilts aren’t possible when doing bed quilts.

Here are two charts below for your reference. The first chart shows there is no one size for a lap quilt. You will see that lap quilt dimensions are really anything larger than a crib quilt and smaller than a twin quilt. The second chart shows sizes of quilts with an average size listed for the lap quilt or also called a throw quilt. Lap quilt and throw quilt are the same thing. These are finished quilt sizes in the charts below.

Standard Size of a Lap Quilt

While there’s no official size for lap quilts, they generally fall within a specific range. Here’s an easy reference chart to help guide you:

Tip: The perfect lap quilt size depends on its intended use. A smaller lap quilt (36″ x 48″) works great for kids or draping over a chair. If you want more coverage, opt for a larger lap quilt (45″ x 60″) or even an oversized version for extra coziness.

Standard Size of Quilts

If you’re looking to expand beyond lap quilts, here’s a quick reference chart for other common quilt sizes. This will help you choose the right dimensions for any project, whether it’s a bed quilt or a throw.

Note: These sizes are just guidelines. You can always adjust your quilt’s dimensions based on personal preference or the design you’re working with.

Make sure you check this out!

After you read this post, make sure you also check out Learn How To Quilt for Absolute Beginners. It’s jam packed with even more information, links and resources that are so helpful when you’re first learning. It also has a section with free quilt patterns that are great for beginners. So make sure you check this out, seriously don’t forget!

Grab a copy of my Quilt Planning Journal, filled with graph paper and some note pages to help you design at least 4 quilts or sewing projects! Jot down ideas, reminders about websites, and fabric options. I think this can be so much more than just a design book. Pin in fabric swatches, photos of your finished quilts and enjoy your creative process!

Lap Quilt Sizes – Free Patterns

As a quilt maker, throws are the size I gravitate to. I can finish them a lot faster and they are easy to maneuverer when I’m straight line machine quilting on my home sewing machine. I can also baste them easily on my king size bed without struggling, bonus points for that. 

Now that you know all about lap quilt sizes, here are some free patchwork quilts you can make. Each has a brief description of the quilt with a link to the free patterns and tutorials.

5 Free Lap Quilt Patterns

Looking for inspiration? Here are five free lap quilt patterns from my site, each designed for different skill levels and styles. Perfect for quilters looking to start their next project!

Checkerboard Quilt
A beginner-friendly checkerboard block that is easy to make and you can mix and match fabrics. Perfect quilt for dumping all that fabric just sitting in your stash. One of my favorite patterns.

Bowtie Quilt
Scrappy car quilt made for my dog Rose. Using the bowtie quilt block and a ring design. This is a real showstopper.

Flight
A modern lap quilt featuring flying geese blocks. There are many methods for making flying geese, this pattern uses half square triangles. I also have this in a table runner pattern.

Blushing Blocks
This lap quilt uses a square-in-a-square design, also called an economy block. This quilt is all in pinks and reds but use whatever color palette you prefer.

Cozy Cabin Quilt
A traditional log cabin quilt with border. Perfect for beginners who want to make something visually impressive without complex techniques. I also have this in a table runner pattern.

Sew Nikki Free Resources

Quilt Tutorials

Lap Quilt Sizes – BEGINNER SUPPLIES

Here are some quilting tools and supplies I recommend. I make a small commission if you purchase through the links, this helps to support this free content. For more info, check out Supplies for Beginners (Best Tools To Start).

Rotary Mat Cutting Mat (Self-Healing Mat)

28 mm Rotary Cutter

28 mm Rotary Cutter Replacement Blades

45 mm Rotary Cutter with Sharp Blade (start with this one)

45 mm Rotary Cutter Replacement Blades (start with this one)

60 mm Rotary Cutter

60 mm Rotary Cutter Replacement Blades

5″ x 20″ Straight Line Ruler

4.5″ Square Ruler for half square triangles

12.5″ Square Ruler for blocks

Cut Resistant Gloves

Stiletto

Sewing Pins

Sewing Thread

Universal Sewing Needles

Cotton Batting

Sewing Machine Beginner

Sewing Machine Intermediate

SAVE THIS PIN FOR LATER!

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ABOUT SEW NIKKI

If this is your first time stopping by, welcome! I’m Nikki, a maker obsessed with quilting, crochet, and all things fabric. Here, you’ll find easy-to-follow patterns, helpful tutorials, and plenty of inspiration for your next handmade project. Whether you’re stitching up a cozy quilt, crocheting a vintage-inspired blanket, or diving into upcycled sewing, I’m here to make the process fun and stress-free. Grab your fabric (or yarn), and let’s create something beautiful together!

There’s nothing better than homemade quilts. The size of a quilt is in your hands and there are various quilt sizes to choose from based on the charts above. Pick the ideal size for your needs. Lap quilts are versatile, easy to make, and perfect for gifting. Whether you prefer a traditional or modern design, you’ll always have a cozy creation ready for those chilly nights or a quick burst of color in your home décor.

Now that you have the basics of lap quilt sizes and some free patterns to get started, it’s time to grab your fabric and start quilting! Be sure to check out my quilt blog for more patterns, tutorials, and tips for quilters of all levels.

Follow me on social media (Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter) so you get notifications when new patterns and tutorials are posted. 

Want to learn how to crochet? Check out this post, How to Learn How to Crochet – Guide for Beginners.