Crochet Preemie Bonding Squares for NICU – Free Crochet Pattern

Do you love crocheting for charity? There are many types of patterns to make for charitable organizations, such as blankets, hats, prayer shawls, etc., but today we’re going to talk about premie bonding squares.

You are going to fall in love with the simple texture of this bonding square crochet pattern! I even included additional sizes for a premie blanket and newborn blanket so that if you want to create a gift set or your local NICU needs something different you can easily make what you need.

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What Are Premie Bonding Squares?

Premie bonding squares are used in the NICU when mom and baby cannot be together. Mom and baby can each snuggle up with one square and then swap. They work just like when your loved ones leave, but you can take one of their shirts and inhale their scent. It gives you that sense that they are still with you, even though they aren’t physically there.

So the mom and baby can swap bonding squares, they can hold them close, inhaling each other’s scents and build their connection. It’s especially helpful when the baby is unable to be held. It also gives each person something tangible to hold onto as well. Sometimes, we just need something physical to hold.

How to Donate a Premie Crochet Bonding Square

Many neonatal intensive care units (NICU) take donations of premie bonding squares so that they can give to their patients as needed. There might be restrictions on the type of yarn used or the size of the bonding squares, so be sure to check with your local NICU before you get started.

This premie bonding square pattern makes roughly a 5-inch square that can easily be adjusted if your NICU requires a different size. Using beginner-friendly half double crochet stitches in the front and back loops, this texture is soothing to make and relaxing to hold in your hand. I used one of my favorite yarns, Caron Simply Soft, because it has that lived-in feel.

You can buy the ad-free, PDF of this pattern in my Etsy shop, Ravelry store, and LoveCrafts.

About the Stitches

Before you can get started with this premie crochet pattern, here are some details you need to know.

Skill Level: Beginner

Materials:

• Worsted Weight yarn, such as Caron Simply Soft (Alternate: WeCrochet Mighty Stitch, Lion Brand Heartland)
  • Bonding Square – 21 yards
  • Premie Blanket – 275 yards
  • Newborn Blanket – 605 yards
• H-8 (5mm) Hook
• Scissors
• Yarn Needle

Gauge: Half double crochet 14.5 stitches x10.5 rows = 4″ square

Finished Dimensions:

• Bonding Square: 5 x 5″ (12.7 x 12.7cm)
• Premie: 18 x 18″ (45.7 x 45.7cm)
• Newborn: 24 x 30″ (61.0 x 76.2cm)

Stitch Abbreviations:

• ch – chain
• hdc – half double crochet
• FLO – front loop only
• BLO – back loop only
• fhdc – foundation half double crochet (optional)
• st – stitch
• rep – repeat
• * * – repeat instructions between asterisks as directed

Pattern Notes:

• US Terms (US to UK terminology conversion)
• Size can be altered by using multiples of 2 + 1
• Ch 2 counts as a stitch

How to Make This Premie Crochet Pattern

Bonding Square Size

Make two squares.

Row 1: fhdc 18. Turn. (18)
Alternate Row 1: ch 19, hdc in 3rd ch from hook, hdc to end of the row. Turn. (18)

Row 2: ch 2, * FLO hdc, BLO hdc, * rep from * to * to end of the row, ending on a FLO hdc. Turn. (18)

Row 3-13: Repeat row 2.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Premie Blanket Size

Row 1: fhdc 64. Turn. (64)
Alternate Row 1: ch 65, hdc in 3rd ch from hook, hdc to end of the row. Turn. (64)

Row 2: ch 2, * FLO hdc, BLO hdc, * rep from * to * to end of the row, ending on a FLO hdc. Turn. (64)

Row 3-47: Repeat row 2.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Newborn Blanket Size

Row 1: fhdc 86. Turn. (86)
Alternate Row 1: ch 87, hdc in 3rd ch from hook, hdc to end of the row. Turn. (86)

Row 2: ch 2, * FLO hdc, BLO hdc, * rep from * to * to end of the row, ending on a FLO hdc. Turn. (86)

Row 3-78: Repeat row 2.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Purchase the Premium PDF Bonding Square Pattern

You can buy the ad-free, PDF of this pattern in my Etsy shop, Ravelry store, and LoveCrafts.

More Crochet Patterns for Moms and Babies

• Chunky Cozy Hat
• Loops Hat
• Tiny Triangles Blanket

I love seeing your finished projects! If you enjoyed making this premie bonding square pattern, I’d love to see yours on Instagram. To be sure I don’t miss it, please tag me @remingtonlanecrochet when you share your photos!