Preemie crochet bonding squares have a very special use. Soon after birth preemie babies are rushed off to incubators in NICU. Make your bonding squares in sets of two. Mom gets one and preemie baby gets one. The idea is for each to get their scent on the squares. Mom and baby switch squares each so they can bond even when they can’t physically touch. With this separation, scent becomes a very powerful tool.

The squares are typically about 5″ x 5″. They work up quick and with this free pattern, you can make a bunch of these squares to donate to a NICU near you. Just keep in mind always make them in pairs.

Supplies needed for the preemie crochet bonding squares

#4 worsted weight {I used Caron Simply Soft in “Teal Zeal Ombre”} 40-50 yds

US H hook or size needed to obtain gauge

Gauge:

16 sts x 12 rows=4″

This pattern creates a 5″ x 5″ square.

Abbreviation Used: {US Terms}

Fsc=foundation single crochet

ch=chain

sc=single crochet

st(s)=stitch(es)

ch-1 sp=chain 1 space

LP=little puff

Special Stitch used in the preemie crochet bonding square:

LP {little puff}:  yo, insert hook in st, yo, pull through, yo; pull through first loop on hook, yo, pull through 2 loops, yo, pull through final 2 loops

This Little Puff Preemie Crochet Bonding Squares will be featured in a special event. 2023 Preemie Crochet Challenge hosted by Sunflower Cottage Crochet happens annually, where free crochet patterns are given away with the hopes that for each download you will pledge to make at least one to donate for families in the NICU.

This is my second year participating, and I love to do so. The families that benefit from these donations truly appreciate the generosity of strangers at a time when their lives are turned upside down.

Last year, I contributed a blanket, which uses the same stitch as this bonding square. If you would like to make it, check out the free pattern, Little Puff Baby Blanket.

Hit the button below to check out all the awesome designs for you to donate and get the coupon codes.

Use the button below to download your free PDF of the Little Puff Bonding Square on June 22, 2023. Input the coupon code at checkout that you will find in the main event hub(above button).

Pattern Instructions: {Make 2}

Fsc 21

Rnd 1: ch 1, *sc next, LP next; rep from * until one st remains, sc last st, turn [21]

Row 2: ch 1, *LP next, sc next; rep from * until one st remains, LP last st, turn [21]

Row 3: ch 1, *sc next, LP next; rep from * until one st remains, sc last st, turn [21]

Rows: 4-15: Rep rows 2-3 alternately. At end of row 15, do not fasten off.

Ch 1, sc in end of each row and each st with (sc, ch 1, sc) in each corner, sl st to beginning st. Fasten off.

Thanks so much for visiting and your continued support! Come again real soon.

This pattern and its images are copyright protected and the sole property of Simply Melanie Jane. Please do not redistribute, transfer, or sell the pattern, or alter it to claim as your own. You may sell any products you create from this pattern. Please credit the designer by linking online listings.