What is the Difference Between a Throw and Lap Quilt Pattern?
The difference between a throw and lap quilt comes down to the average size of the quilt and where it is used.
Many quilters believe that throw and lap quilts are synonymous and that might very well be true. Generally, throw and lap quilts are the same size and are used for the exact same thing. So, depending on who you ask there might not actually be a difference!
After talking with some of our readers on our active Facebook page and doing some research, however, we found that the difference between a throw and lap quilt comes down to the average size of the quilt and where it is used. Throw quilts are generally bigger than a lap quilt. Lap quilts are usually smaller and used in smaller spaces like a single chair or wheelchair.
Throw Quilts
Throw quilts are generally bigger than a lap quilt. You "throw" them over the back of the couch in order to have something cozy to snuggle under if the need arises. These are the types of quilts you keep tucked into your living room to share. They can be all sorts of sizes and are often more utilitarian than they are fancy. A throw quilt provides warmth but is not as bulky or as big as a bed quilt pattern. Throw quilts can be a perfect square or often come in a more rectangular shape.
Lap Quilts
Throw quilts are generally bigger than a lap quilt. You "throw" them over the back of the couch in order to have something cozy to snuggle under if the need arises. These are the types of quilts you keep tucked into your living room to share. They can be all sorts of sizes and are often more utilitarian than they are fancy. A throw quilt provides warmth but is not as bulky or as big as a bed quilt pattern. Throw quilts can be a perfect square or often come in a more rectangular shape.
More Quilting Resources
Check out our throw quilt sizes chart to find the perfect size throw quilt for you!
Discover how to make the perfectly proportioned lap quilt. Includes lap quilt size charts.
Do you prefer throw quilts or lap quilts?
