So my mother-in-law is leaving in a week for Alaska, and jokingly said she'd love a lap quilt to take on the airplane. How big should I make this? I don't want it to be too big, but I still want it to be cozy for her.

Well - imagine how big she is and add a few inches to go around the sides.

Throwing an example of 30" wide with 3" on each side that would be 36" wide. From neck to knees - say 44".

That's how I would think at least.

WHEELCHAIR LAP QUILT: Approximately 38" x 47".

LAP: Usually between 52" - 68" wide and the length can be from about 52" - 78".


i think i would go with the wheelchair lap size...

YOu might consider making it more like an oversized table runner. Given the narrow airline seats, there may not be much room for her to put a lot of quilt around her...the extra length can be used to tuck under her feet to keep them warm. This style lap quilt is made for folks in wheel chairs and the bottom actually has a pocket to put the feet in. If you need dimensions for something like this google wheelchair quilts or blankets.

And I hope she enjoys Alaska - the trees and flowers are amazing this year.

Does she just want it just for her lap? Or to come up to her shoulders?

Not everyone's idea of a lap quilt is the same.

When I make a true lap quilt, I measure across the person's width and add approx 12" to each side. Then from their waist to the floor and add 12" for tucking under their feet.

For a larger one, I measure from their chin to the floor and add 16" or more. I measure the same across their middle and add 12". I want them to be able to tuck it all around themselves :D:D:D

Why not call one of the airlines and ask what size their on flight blankets are? Is she aware that she'll have to sacrifice room in her carry-on for the quilt?

She won't have to put it in her carryon. She can just hand carry it on, no problem. I do it all the time with pillows, have never had a problem

Airline blankets are about 40x60 inches and very thin. I think that a quilt would be bulky for the small amount of personal space that we have on a flight. Also, the amount of stuff that you are allowed to carry on is getting less and less. Now it is a carry on bag and one other item, like a purse or computer bag.

Airline blankets are about 40x60 inches and very thin. I think that a quilt would be bulky for the small amount of personal space that we have on a flight. Also, the amount of stuff that you are allowed to carry on is getting less and less. Now it is a carry on bag and one other item, like a purse or computer bag.

I would make her a blanket out of fleece. 60" X 54" (1-1/2 yards) -- maybe even buy two coordinating pieces and make a double one. Fleece molds around the body, is warm and soft and she can fold it diagonally and put it over her shoulders like a shawl, so it's not a carry-on and it might come in handy in Alaska if she goes on a cruise as it can be really cold up on deck looking at the glaciers. Just a thought.

Ditto on wheelchair size - and a smart request, I've read airlines are going to (or are already) charging for blanket use.

I think she just wants something "artsy" to show off on the airplane ;) I'm going for something like a wheel chair sized one.

make it as small and thin as possible. remember she has to carry it around with her when she lands.