My grandson just got his first apartment. Needless to say eveyone is excited ( including his parents ).

I have already made him a quilt for his bed but I told him I would make him a lap quilt for the couch when he is watching TV.

My question is, how big should it be?

Thanks for the help.

Depending on his size anywhere between 52" wide and 78" long. I like to be totally covered up.

I actually just measured what dh wanted and did it to fit him. Another feature he loves is I made it a quillow. We never fold it up and make it into a pillow but he loves to put his feet in the pocket.

A twin size should do. That way he has enough to tuck under himself if he wants OR....he can share with a special person :)

Hope this helps.

Crib Quilt 27" X 52"
Twin 39" X 75"
Full 54" X 75"
Queen 60" X 80"
King 76" X 80"

Our favorite couch quilt - finished size - is 62 x 82 inches.

Our tallest person is about 5'10"

I make lap quilts about 50 x 50.

My mom made lap quilts for people in wheelchairs in a nursing home about 36 x 45. Apparently that was big enough to cover most people.Short enough to not get caught in the wheelchair wheels and large enough to protect the person's modesty.

My laps turn out at different sizes depending on the pattern. They all work out just fine. If its a 12 in block its usually 3 by 4 with sashing and border.
5 in charms 10 by 7 with sashing and a border.

It seems like the "final answer" is:

It varies.

Depends on the pattern.
Depends on who/what for.
Depends on how much fabric is available.
Depends on how much effort wants to put into the project.