What's a Block of the Month?

It's no secret that the quilting world has a ton of acronyms and some are easier to decipher than others – context can go a long way here! One acronym that pops up all the time, specially around the end and beginning of the year is BOM, or Block of the Month. So let's talk all about them!

What's a BOM?

I kind of gave this away in the intro paragraph, but in quilting BOM stands for Block of the Month. 

Okay, cool. But what is a Block of the Month? A Block of the Month, or BOM, is a program (also called course/club) a quilter joins and they make a specific quilt pattern over a specific time frame one block at a time.

As the name suggests, BOM programs deliver instructions for a new block each month (sometimes more) until the quilt top is completed. Some quilt designs have unique blocks every month that are made only once, and other quilt designs have blocks that repeat. 

How do Block of the Month programs work?

This part gets a little tricky, because BOM programs vary widely, depending on who is running it, but here's the basic structure:

Timeline

All Block of the Month programs will have a set timeline. That said, how long a BOM lasts varies program to program – they can be anywhere between 6 to 12 months, or even longer. Most will have a specific date you need to sign up or join by so that you can receive the blocks in upcoming months.

After sign up, you should receive information on when the first block will be delivered to you, as well as, fabric you'll need to buy if it's not included in the BOM fee.

At the end of the program, you'll receive instructions in how to put all of the blocks together into a completed quilt top.

What's Included

What's included in a Block of the Month program also varies from program to program – some are pattern-only programs, some include kits, some will mail you the pattern and fabric monthly, others will be a class at your local quilt shop. The possibilities are sort of endless here. This can be a little overwhelming, but it almost means you can pick the BOM that works best for you.

Why are BOMs so popular?

So why are Block of the Month programs so popular? Because you are usually working on one or two blocks at a time, they offer bite-size and manageable steps for completing a quilt, eliminating overwhelm.

Also, there's often additional support provided by the quilt designer or teachers, either in person, or through an online community. This means, direct help if you're stuck on a step and more quilty friends, all of whom are working on the same project.

Block of the Month programs encourage steady progress without pressure to finish as quickly as possible, which in today's world is a refreshing change of pace!

Who should join a BOM?

Any and all quilts can join a BOM! Because Block of the Month programs vary so widely, there are options for everyone – from beginners who want structured guidance, to experienced quilters looking for a more complex, thoughtful project. 

BOMs are also great for quilters who are too busy or get easily overwhelmed – the monthly blocks provide quilters with small, manageable goals that can be completed during short windows of quilting time.

Tips for Joining Your First BOM

First and foremost, be sure you love the quilt design – you'll be working on it for months, so it needs to be something you love.

Since programs vary widely, be sure to read all of the details about how to program works and costs associated: is fabric included? is there a fee, and is it a one time fee, monthly or something different? Is there a community or is it a solo-adventure?

Prepare by reading all instructions before starting and find a way to keep all your blocks and fabric together in one spot. I love using these scrapbooking storage boxes to keep my projects together.

Last, but least, enjoy the process! Block of the Month programs are all about learning, and not perfection. Each block will teach you something new, and will grow your skills as a quilter.