Well, wouldn't that depend upon the size of the lap? some of us a bit wider than others. Hah!

I just completed a lap/sofa quilt for a friend who was retiring and mine was a lttle bigger than average--about 53" square. I had it to about 45" and decided it was too small. So I guess its whatever looks righ to you or whatever is right for the recipient if you are giving it away.

When I quilt in sections, after the sections are quilted, I sew the front to gether w/ 1/4" seams. For the back, I cut 1" strips - sew the strip to the left side - fold the strip over 1/4" & handstitch the strip to the other section. Hope this isn't clear as mud as it works well for me. I then attach the border w/out the need for the strips since the outside edge is open anyway. It then is sealed w/the binding. Hope it works for you. :?: