Making a lap quilt: how large is each block?

Welcome, Windrift! I hope you'll tell us a bit about yourself, and join in on the fun, etc. here with the best bunch of ladies (and gent) anywhere!

As for block sizes, it depends. Blocks are often 12" finished (that is, 12 1/2" before sewing into a top), but 6", 8", 9", 10" blocks can all be used. Most people use 12" blocks - those are the most common block patterns found online and in books. BC's Pattern Search index and Quilter's Cache are great resources to use. A lap quilt would use 5x6 - 12" blocks - that would give you a quilt top before borders of 60x72". Now, if you add sashing between the blocks, it will add a few inches to the width and length. Did you have a specific pattern in mind? Now, obviously, if you make smaller blocks, you will need more, but I think 12" blocks are the best place to start. Pick a block pattern that is simple - the less pieces, the quicker you'll learn and get those first blocks made. That's not to say that beginning quilters haven't made first quilts that an intermediate/advanced quilter would make! Most directions on the Web are quite clear and well written, especially those on Quilter's Cache. And Kim here on Block Central (our fearless leader! ) has some colouring pages for a bunch of blocks and usually a link to a pattern, so you can play with colour before cutting into your fabric. Also, another good idea (though many of us are self taught from books or TV shows - I learned from Eleanor Burns of Quilt in a Day - she has GREAT books and instructions!) is to find a beginners class at a quilt shop (or continuing education classes if available in your area) - that way you have immediate help when you run into a problem.

If you have ANY questions, fire away - we all love to help, especially newbies!! After all, we were ALL newbies at some point!

Have fun, is the most important advice I can give you! YOU CAN DO IT!!

Gerda

Windrift
Welcome you have come to the best place here on BC, I know you will enjoy your stay here. Gerda has very good info there for you and here is a good site for some of the different sized blocks you can click though and find the sizess or block patterns you want to make from here:

http://www.quilterscache.com/QuiltBlocksGalore.html

There also some other online sites for blocks in different sizes.

Here are the BC patterns:

http://blockcentral.com/freequiltpatterns.shtml

Do you have a particular design you want to make?

Thanks Gerda. I'm from NS. But at present in Fla for the winter.
I plan to do the rail fence. You helped. I may have other questions as I go along.

Hi and welcome, Windrift - you've joined a great forum and there is a mine of information available here and plenty of very knowledgeable ladies to help

Mary

Welcome Windrift from a cold Michigander who used to be (in my youth) a warm Floridian, BDW (before DisneyWorld)! Does NS stand for Nova Scotia?

Hi Windrift and welcome to BC, from Connecticut (and a former Michigander). My great-grandmother was from Nova Scotia!

Lizzie

Hi Windrift. I was wondering where NS was as well.

Welcome Windrift, I am also from Nova Scotia. Welcome to the wonderful world of quilting and to BC of course.
Take care Holly