Piela Preemie Bonding Squares – Free Crochet Pattern

Bonding squares are a beautiful way to offer comfort and connection to a tiny baby and their family. Designed with preemies in mind, this crochet pattern is a thoughtful project to make and donate during the Preemie Crochet Challenge. Each square is a small reminder that someone cares, and together, these simple gifts can make a meaningful difference.

The name Piela comes from the Hebrew word for miracle. It felt like a fitting name for a bonding square, celebrating the precious little miracles these squares are made for and the love and hope that surrounds them.

Note: Please make sure you check with your local NICU department to see if they are accepting bonding square and/or other preemie items, and what their specific regulations might be.

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MATERIALS

Finished Sizes: approx. 5.5″ square

Yarn: #3 DK/Light worsted weight – 1.75 oz/131 yd skeins
Sample used: Katia Seacell Cotton in Water Blue – 1.75 oz/131 yds (will make 2)

Crochet Hook: Size G/6 (4 mm)

Notions: Yarn Needle

Gauge: 6 repeats x 24 rows = 4” in pattern

Difficulty: Adv Beginner – Uses basic stitches, as well as post stitches to create texture without shaping.

Abbreviations:

ch – chain
sl st – slip stitch
sc – single crochet
ssc – spiked 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 3.
When adjusting the size be sure to consider yarn requirements.
Border is optional and will add a bit more to the yarn requirements.

Special Stitches:

SSC (Spiked Single Crochet) – insert hook in indicated sc 3 rows below, yo, pull up loop, yo, pull through both loops. Video tutorial here

PIELA PREEMIE BONDING SQUARES

(make 2)

Ch 24.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn. (23 sc)

Row 2: Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn. (23 sc)

Row 3: Ch 1, sc in 1^st sc, *sk next sc, ssc in next beg ch (see Special Stitches), sc in next sc, ssc in same beg ch as previous ssc, rep from * across, sc in last sc, turn. (14 ssc, 9 sc)

Row 4: Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn. (23 sc)

Row 5: Ch 1, sc in 1^st sc, *sk next sc, ssc in next sc (3 rows down), sc in next sc, ssc in sc as previous ssc, rep from * across, sc in last sc, turn. (14 ssc, 9 sc)

Rows 6 – 33: Repeat Rows 4 – 5.

Border

(optional)

Round 1: Ch 1, work sc in each st around, work 3 sc in each corner st.

Fasten off.

The Piela Preemie Bonding Squares was created for the Annual Preemie Challenge 2026 that is hosted by Sunflower Cottage Crochet. It will be available for free download until the end of the event.