What’s The difference between Block of the Month, Sampler Quilt, Mystery Quilt, and a Quilt Along
Have you ever come across these terms in a Facebook group, heard them at a guild meeting or seen something advertised at your local quilt shop or online and wondered what exactly does that mean?
Each one has it’s own unique flavour but they all do two things. Bring quilters from all over the world together around a shared project and they creatively turn a “large” quilt into a series of smaller steps.
There is some overlap in similarities between each format but it’s the differences that make each one it’s own experience. Understanding the differences can help you choose a project that is the best fit for you.
Block of the Month
A Block of the Month, often shortened to BOM, divides a quilt into smaller sections released over a set period of time.
As the name suggests, participants commonly receive instructions for one block each month. Depending on the pattern, you may need to make that block several times or just one time. Many programs run for six, nine or twelve months, although timelines can vary.
Block of the Month programs may include:
Printed or digital patterns
Fabric kits
Video demonstrations
An online group or community
Typically you will know what the quilt looks like before the program begins. Some will have the design secret until the end keeping things a mystery.
A Block of the Month may also be a sampler quilt, a mystery quilt or a quilt along. The term describes the pace and structure of the program more than the style of the finished quilt.
A Block of the Month may be a good fit when: you enjoy a steady schedule, smaller monthly goals and watching a larger project grow gradually over time.
Sampler Quilt
A sampler quilt is a collection of different quilt blocks organized into one quilt. Traditional sampler quilts were often used to practise or display a variety of sewing skills. A quilter could explore different shapes, techniques and block constructions within one quilt.
Modern sampler quilts continue that tradition with an almost endless number of creative possibilities.
A sampler might include:
Traditional quilt blocks
Different star blocks
Seasonal or pictorial designs
A progression of beginner-to-advanced techniques
A sampler quilt describes the design of the quilt, not how or when the pattern is delivered. A sampler pattern might be available all at once, released monthly or completed as part of a quilt along or series of workshops.
A sampler quilt may be a good fit when: you enjoy variety and learning new techniques.
Mystery Quilt
A mystery quilt keeps the final quilt design hidden while the project is being made. The pattern is often released in segments that have you making like units, then blocks, then larger and larger sections until the final pattern release shows the full quilt.
Not every detail needs to remain secret. Designers often provide information about the finished size, skill level, fabric style or general theme so participants can decide whether the project is right for them.
A typical mystery quilt includes:
Fabric requirements and potentially a colour/fabric guide to help you select fabrics.
A Facebook group where participants are encouraged to share piecing and any theories they have about the quilt design.
An additional surprise element or story line.
Video tutorials
Mystery quilts are often “live” events. You need to be watching for the next pattern release so make sure to sign up for any waitlists or email lists so you don’t miss the next one.
After a mystery quilt has been completed, a few things may happen from the pattern designers side:
The pattern will release into their collection and be available for purchase as a regular pattern.
Goes into a vault and not seen again making it a very exclusive one-time event.
Will continue to be released as a mystery quilt but without the added community of other quilters making it alongside yourself.
A mystery quilt is typically also a quilt along. The timing of each pattern release will vary depending on the designer. However, its defining characteristic is the element of surprise.
A mystery quilt may be a good fit when: you enjoy surprises, trust the creative process and enjoy the thrill of discovering the finished quilt one step at a time.
Quilt Along
A quilt along brings people together to work through the same quilt project during a shared period of time. Quilters can share fabric choices, ask questions, celebrate progress and receive encouragement along the way.
Any pattern can be used in a quilt along. Typically you will know what you are making ahead of time and be given a time frame to complete each step. The emphasis is usually on the shared piecing and quilting experience.
Participants may connect through:
A Facebook group
Virtual sit and sews
Local quilt shop gatherings
A quilt along does not describe any one particular quilt style. Instead, quilt along describes the experience of making the same quilt alongside other people.
A quilt along may be a good fit when: you enjoy encouragement, shared progress and being part of a community while you work.
Themes: From Holiday Quilts to Modern Designs
Any of these quilting programs can be built around a theme:
Holidays such as Christmas, Halloween, Easter, Thanksgiving, etc.
Seasons such as Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall.
Celebrations such as graduations, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, etc.
Subjects or stories such as travel, history, gardens, games, etc.
Quilting programs can also reflect a particular style or type of quilting. A traditional quilt may use familiar blocks, classic layouts and time-honoured colour combinations while a modern quilt may feature unusual layouts, negative space or fresh interpretations of traditional blocks. Sometimes designs are blended into a modern-traditional category to create a quilt that feels timeless and communicates a story of it’s own.
Themes and styles are separate from the type of program. A modern sampler could be released as a Block of the Month. A traditional quilt could become a mystery. A Christmas quilt could be completed through a six-week quilt along.
The possibilities overlap which is part of the fun.
How Long Do Quilting Programs Take?
The timeline depends on the size and complexity of the project.
A quilt along might run for four to eight weeks, while a Block of the Month could continue for an entire year.
There is no one right approach. A pattern writer is going to consider what they feel works best for their audience and the quilt pattern.
How Are Quilt Programs Delivered?
Quilting programs may be delivered digitally, through the mail or a combination of both.
Digital programs may include PDF pattern instructions, video tutorials, colouring pages, fabric guides, and bonus resources.
Digital delivery provides quick access and makes it possible to join programs created almost anywhere in the world.
Patterns may arrive automatically by email or become available inside an online account.
Mailed programs may include printed pattern instructions, fabric for each block, a complete quilt kit divided into monthly packages, templates or specialty supplies, and potentially some digital resources such as video tutorials and online participation.
Before joining any form of quilt along be sure to carefully read the program description. Check what is included, when and how instructions will arrive, whether fabric is supplied or purchased separately, and if it’s a one time payment or a recurring payment.
Ready to Try a Mystery Quilt?
A Timeless Mystery: Quilt One combines quilting, storytelling, and discovery in one creative experience.
The finished quilt blends traditional quilt blocks with a modern design but there is more hidden inside it than first meets the eye.
The pattern is released over seven emails and each part has an accompanying section of a novel that goes with it.
The live quilt along round of mystery may be over, but the adventure is still available in a choose-your-own-pace format.
Sometimes the most memorable quilts are not the ones we understand before we begin. They are the ones that invite us into the story, one block, one clue and one surprising discovery at a time.
Are you ready to unravel the secret stitched into every block?
This story-rich mystery quilt includes a 7-part quilt pattern, companion novel, clues, and surprises along the way. More than a quilt pattern, it's a quilting experience that combines creativity, storytelling, and mystery into one unforgettable project.
Choose from monthly, bi-weekly, or weekly delivery to your inbox.
Each instalment includes a new section of the quilt pattern and companion novel creating an immersive quilting and storytelling experience. This modern quilt pattern uses traditional quilt blocks in a fresh and reimagined way to create something truly fun. More than an everyday lap quilt, it holds a hidden secret waiting to be discovered.
Why Join the Adventure?
Channel your inner detective with every clue.
Bring joy and laughter to those who experience this dual purpose, interactive quilt that is part story and part adventure.
Spice up your next picnic, camping trip, or family get together with this fun quilt.
This quilt is perfect for kids and those who are kids at heart.
