The free BOMs on line are usually just the pattern. Some post the patterns for one month only, some for two months and if you are lucky they will leave all the patterns posted for you to download at your convenience or if you don't get started at month one. For the ones that only leave them up for a month or two you can usually buy the monthly pattern you have missed, some you can't ever buy the pattern or you can wait until they release the whole pattern. I have participated in several free BOMs on line and didn't have a problem with any of them. I did 12 last year and am working or 2 this year. The bad thing for me is I don't like waiting a whole month to work on the quilt so this year I am printing off the patterns and will make the quilts next year.