Nautical Bonding Squares Free Crochet Pattern

The Nautical Bonding Squares are perfect for donating to NICU units or moms of preemies. It’s a quick, easy project that you can make in no time.

Many hospitals are using bonding square to help mom and her new baby to bond while apart. Traditionally you would make them in pairs (1 for mom to wear, 1 for baby).

Check with your local NICU department to see if they are accepting bonding squares and what their specific regulations might be. The Nautical Bonding Squares are part of the Nautical Preemie set.

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MATERIALS

Finished Size: 5.5″ square

Yarn: #5 bulky weight – 5oz/445 yds skeins
Sample used: Yarn Bee Soft & Sleek (a good alternative is Bernat Softee Chunky)

Navy (A) – .6 oz/30 yds
White (B) – .6 oz/30 yds

Crochet Hook: Size K/10.5 (6.5 mm)

Notions: Yarn Needle

Gauge: 14 sts and 14 rows = 4” in pattern

Difficulty: Beginner: Uses easy stitches with no shaping.

Abbreviations:

ch – chain
rsc – reverse single crochet
sl st – slip stitch
sc – single crochet
yo – yarn over

For a full list of abbreviations, please see my List of Abbreviations.

Notes:

Squares can be adjusted by adding, or subtracting, in multiples of 2.
When adjusting the size be sure to consider yarn requirements.

The Nautical Lovey was created for the Annual Preemie Challenge hosted by Sunflower Cottage Crochet.

NAUTICAL BONDING SQUARES CROCHET PATTERN

SQUARES

(make 1 each color)

Ch 16.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across, turn. (15 sc)

Row 2: Ch 1, sc in 1st sc, *ch 1, skip next sc, sc in next sc, rep from * across, turn. (8 sc, 7 ch-1 sps)

Row 3: Ch 1, sc in 1st sc, sc in sc, *ch 1, sk next sc, sc in next sc, rep from * across to last sc, sc in last sc, turn. (9 sc, 6 ch-1 sps)

Row 4: Ch 1, sc in 1st sc, *ch 1, sk next sc, sc in next ch-1 sp, rep from * across, sc in last sc, turn. (8 sc, 7 ch-1 sps)

Rows 5 – 14: Repeat Rows 3 & 4.

Row 15: Ch 1, sc in each sc and ch-1 sp across.

BORDER

Round 1: 3 sc in corner, *work 1 sc in each row-end across side of blanket**, 3 sc in corner st, sc in each ch across bottom, 3 sc in corner st, rep from * to **, sc in each st across top, dc in same st as first 2 sc, sk st in first sc to join, do not turn.
Fasten off.

The downloadable ad-free PDF is available for purchase in my shops:

ETSY
RAVELRY
LOVE CRAFTS

If you’d like all the patterns from the Nautical Preemie set, which includes the lovey, preemie blanket, and bonding squares, you can get the ebook in my shops:

ETSY
RAVELRY

Happy Crocheting!