Block of the Month Clubs: A Fun, Doable Way to Quilt All Year

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Key Takeaways

• Block of the Month clubs and monthly quilt pattern subscriptions provide structure and motivation for steady progress.
• They break big projects into manageable steps that fit a busy schedule.
• Community, learning, and creative growth are built in through groups, sew-alongs, and shared projects.
• Costs are spread over time, making quilting accessible and affordable.
• Whether you’re new or experienced, BOMs offer fresh designs and techniques to try each month.

What Are Block of the Month Clubs?

A Block of the Month club is a paid, ongoing program where members receive a new quilt block pattern and often fabric on a set schedule, usually monthly. It functions like a club or sew-along: you join, pay a recurring fee, and work on the same long-term quilt project alongside other quilters.

Typically, a BOM runs for 6–12 months. Each month, participants get an:

• A pattern for one block (or a set of blocks).
• Pre-cut or yardage fabric for that month’s section (for kit-based programs).
• Instructions, tips, and sometimes video tutorials or live events.

By the end of the program (often nine to twelve months), you’ll have sewn all the blocks needed to assemble the full quilt top. Some programs also include borders, finishing instructions, or optional backing kits.

Many quilt shops, independent designers, and organizations like the National Quilt Museum offer BOM clubs, often with themes, mystery layouts, or technique-focused projects.

Advantages of Monthly Quilt Pattern Subscriptions

Monthly quilt pattern subscriptions and BOM clubs offer several practical benefits that keep quilters coming back year after year:

• Manageable, bite-sized projects
  Working on one block at a time makes even complex quilts feel doable, especially with a busy schedule. Beginner Quilt Pattern Guide.
• Built-in skill development
  Many BOMs are designed to gradually introduce new techniques—such as half-square triangles, appliqué, paper piecing, or curved seams—so you grow your skills step by step. 10 Essential Quilting Tools for Beginners.
• Ongoing creative inspiration
  A fresh design every month keeps your creativity flowing and can nudge you out of your comfort zone with new styles, color palettes, and layouts. Geometric patterns the perfect union of art and math in quilted fabric.
• Convenience and affordability
  Costs are spread out over time, so you are not paying for an entire quilt kit all at once. Patterns and materials arrive at your door (or inbox), eliminating the need to source everything yourself. How to calculate quilt yardage.
• Community and motivation
  Many BOMs include private groups, online forums, sew-alongs, or in-store meetups. Sharing progress, asking questions, and seeing others’ blocks can be incredibly motivating and social. Signature quilt ideas keepsakes.

BOM Kit Reviews: What to Look For

When choosing a Block of the Month kit, it helps to compare a few key factors:

• Pattern quality and design
  Look for clear cutting diagrams, pressing instructions, and diagrams for assembly. Programs from established shops and designers often include detailed guidance suitable for beginners.
• Fabric selection and value
  Many popular BOM kits feature curated designer fabrics and coordinated color stories. Evaluate whether the amount and quality of fabric feels fair for the monthly price, and whether backing or borders are included or optional.
• Program length and pace
  Most BOMs run 6–12 months; some offer faster options with more pieces per month. Choose a timeline that feels realistic for your schedule.
• Support and customer service
  Strong BOM programs provide responsive support for missing pieces, cutting questions, or pattern issues, sometimes via a dedicated team or email contact.
• Community features
  Consider whether there is a Facebook group, forum, hashtag, or in-person meetup where participants share their blocks and encourage each other.
• User experiences
  Before joining, read reviews and testimonials from previous participants. Many quilters highlight whether instructions were beginner-friendly, whether shipments were on time, and how easy it was to stay caught up.

Organizing Monthly Quilt Blocks

Staying organized is key to enjoying your Block of the Month and finishing the quilt. A few simple systems go a long way:

• Dedicated storage containers
  Use project boxes, plastic bins, or large zip bags to hold each month’s pattern, fabric scraps, and finished block. Keeping everything together prevents loss and confusion.
• Label each month clearly
  Label envelopes or folders with the month, block name, and any notes (e.g., “press seams open,” “cut extra 2.5" strips”). This helps when it is time to assemble the full quilt top.
• Use binders or folders for patterns
  Slip printed patterns into page protectors and store them in a binder in order. Add sticky notes for reminders about tricky sections or alternative color choices you made.
• Create a simple layout plan
  If the final layout is known, keep a copy of the quilt diagram handy. As you finish each block, you can mark its position or temporarily pin it on a design wall.
• Schedule a monthly catch-up session
  Set aside a recurring time (for example, one weekend afternoon each month) to cut and sew your BOM block. Regularity helps maintain momentum and prevents UFOs (unfinished objects).

Good organization not only keeps your sewing space tidy—it also protects your motivation and makes final assembly much smoother.

Tips for BOM Success

To make the most of your Block of the Month subscription, consider these practical tips:

• Treat it like an appointment
  Add your BOM sewing time to your calendar and commit to finishing each month’s block before the next shipment arrives.
• Prep ahead
  When your package arrives, read the instructions completely, highlight key steps, and starch/press fabrics before cutting. This reduces mistakes and stress.
• Connect with the community
  Join online groups, hashtags, or local meetups linked to your particular BOM club. Sharing your blocks and asking questions can keep you accountable and inspired.
• Share your progress publicly
  Post photos of your completed blocks on social media, in quilt forums, or on your blog. Participating in challenges or monthly check-ins can give you a satisfying sense of progress.
• Allow for flexibility
  If you fall behind, don’t quit—set aside a “catch-up month” to complete two or three blocks at once. Many shops and program leaders recommend and support this approach to reduce dropouts.
• Customize where it matters
  Even with a kit, you can swap fabrics, adjust colors, or add borders to make the quilt your own. Treat the BOM as a framework rather than a rigid rulebook. Beginner Quilting FAQs Guide

Conclusion

Block of the Month clubs and monthly quilt pattern subscriptions turn big quilting goals into enjoyable, achievable steps. They deliver consistent inspiration, structured skill-building, and a sense of community—while spreading both the workload and the cost over time.

For beginners, BOMs provide guided practice and encouragement; for experienced quilters, they offer fresh designs, new techniques, and a fun reason to sit down at the sewing machine each month. Exploring a few different programs can help you find the perfect fit for your style, budget, and schedule.

For additional inspiration on finishing and showcasing your projects, consider How to photograph quilts (Beginner-Friendly Guide for Etsy Sellers).

Frequently Asked Questions