A block-of-the-month quilt project, called a BOM, is precisely what it sounds like! You get a pattern for a quilt block each month and put them all together at the end of the year. It’s an excellent way to take a slower approach to a project or make it last longer, depending on your schedule and perspective. Let’s look at some of the key features of a BOM.
Design
BOMs come in three major design types.
Mystery programs don’t show you the final quilt design until the last month. These can be a little intimidating when picking out fabric, but mystery designers are great at ensuring they give you enough info to make solid choices. Go for something like a mystery BOM if you’re feeling adventurous.
Themed programs are designed around a specific theme, like star quilt patterns or animals. Each block will be different, but they’ll center around the theme somehow. Sometimes, the theme is technique. You might join a program with half-square triangles in each block’s design.
Sampler programs usually mix block style, size, and design to allow you to make as many different block types as possible throughout the year. You’ll find these in mostly traditional quilting communities, but modern quilters are also finding their way to stunning sampler options.
BOM vs. QAL
A quilt along, or QAL, usually only requires you to buy the quilt pattern so you can sew along using a hashtag on social media. These patterns generally have 1-2 block types, and the assembly is broken up over several weeks. It’s a much shorter program than BOMs, and there’s usually no extra instruction or community.
A BOM is a long-term program you join. Each block pattern will differ from the others and offer more variety in design and technique. BOM patterns are usually exclusive to the program and can’t be purchased as a stand-alone product. Since a BOM is spread throughout the year, it’s easy to do alongside other projects. And we all know quilters are notorious for their long WIP lists!
Benefits of Joining a BOM
Whether you’re thinking about diving into the quilting pool for the first time or are a seasoned pro, there are so many benefits to joining a BOM program.
- Special delivery! Your program will include a new block pattern and all monthly extras. I eagerly look forward to checking my email on the first of every month so I can download the latest patterns for the BOMs I’m in.
- Grow your skills. From picking colors to learning a new technique, BOMs are a great way to learn new things or improve techniques you already know. And you’re surrounded by a community of quilters like you who are just bursting with their tips to share.
- Big project, bite sizes. Making a handful of blocks each month is much less intimidating than getting everything all at once and trying to tackle a new project.
- Community: BOMs come with built-in quilty friends working through the same techniques and trials as you. BOM communities are a great source of learning and a place to find new friends.
- Exclusive, limited-edition patterns. Most pattern designers don’t sell their BOM patterns as a stand-alone product, which means you’re in a select group of quilters with access to their design.
Does that sound like something you’re interested in? Then, welcome to Star Rise, my exclusive block-of-the-month program for 2025. Make 12 blocks in 3 sizes in this intriguing design with PDF pattern downloads delivered to our online portal on the first of every month. You’ll also have access to monthly video tutorials, block assembly demonstrations, live sew-ins each month, and an online community to meet your fellow Star Risers. Registration is now open, so join in with quilters like you as we build an out-of-this-world quilt together.
PS - This is part of a series on block-of-the-month programs. You can read more:
