36x54 inches is narrow and short. Try adding a 6 1/2 inch border to all sides for 48x66 inch lap quilt or first make it 9x11 blocks (54x66 inches) and add a 6 1/2 inch border to all sides for (66x78 inches) for a very large lap quilt perfect for getting some covering. Either size it is a beautiful and happy quilt.