I have decided to donate my quilts to the nursing home where DH is staying. I plan on making lap quilts but I'm stuck in a rut.
How do I know what size to make? Just guess? Make one and use DH as my model as to the size I need for the quilt? And how much batting do I need to use? Some of the residents are cold ALL the time/ some are HOT all the time. What type of batting do I use? help

Hi Stephanie & welcome from southeast PA! I'm sure the nursing home will appreciate any size. Just make sure quilt is completely washable.

i would ask someone here who is in a wheel chair as to the size..it would be nice to cover up while sitting. i have also heard that cutting off the bottom corners, or rounding them out, would help to keep them for getting caught in the wheels.
but i am sure someone here knows first hand..
what a wonderful thing to do!

this info was found at :
http://bcquilter.wordpress.com/quilt...n-quilt-sizes/


WHEELCHAIR LAP QUILT – 36″ x 36″ to 38″ x 47″ or (91cm x 91cm to 97cm x 119cm )– adding ties is sometimes a good idea, so they don’t slip off.

LAP – between 52″ – 68″ or 132cm x 173cm wide and the length can be from about 52″ – 78″ or 132cm x 198cm. Although a lap quilt can be any size. A quilt that a child will want to bring along could be as small as 36″x36″ or 91cm x 91cm. A lap quilt that is 42″x 60″ 107cm x 152cm is great for cuddling up on the couch with.

CruisingStef-that is very thoughtful of you. I always make my lap quilts a little longer than most specially for the men. Watch out that they are not too long specially for those in wheel chairs. My two new patterns were 60" x 72" and 62" x 82".

I like to use warm and natural. It's 100% cotton. Because it's cotton it breathes and is warm. It also is soft enough that when quilted it wraps very nicely. It's not stiff!

Sometimes older ones don't like heavy things. I found fleece to be warm and light and you wouldn't have to use batting. It's snuggly warm too! Thank you for thinking of those in the home.

Hello and welcome from Ontario.

It is so sweet of you to think of others needing a loving quilt. Alot of love goes into a quilt and maybe someone will feel your love through one of the quilts you made. Your a very sweet person :)

Hello from sunny SW Florida!!!

I make charity lap robes all the time. I have two finished sizes that seem to work fine so far, 30" x 36" and 36" x 42". These don't get caught in the wheels and seem to cover them just right. I use whatever batting I have on hand, some don't have batting if I use flannel for a backing. Thank you for doing this charity work that the residents will appreciate. From one quilter living in Lakeland to another!!!

What a great project. I am sure the residents will love them!

Hello Stephanie and welcome from northern Californiia! I am so happy to get the information about making lap quilts etc. for nursing homes as that is what I plan to do.