Cielo Preemie Bonding Squares Crochet Pattern {Free}

Preemie bonding squares are a great way for mom and baby to feel connected. You can quickly make a set for a premature baby to donate to your local hospital’s NICU unit, or to moms who has just brought a preemie home from the hospital.

You can also make the Cielo Preemie Security Blanket to complete this as a gift set.

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. 5.25″ square

Yarn: #5 chunky weight – 3.2 oz/85 yds
Sample used: Yarn Bee Soft & Sleek in Navy

Crochet Hook: Size K/10.5 (6.5 mm)

Notions: Yarn Needle

Gauge: 10.5 sts x 14 rows = 4” in pattern

Difficulty: Beginner: Uses easy stitches with no shaping.

Abbreviations:

ch – chain
dc – double crochet
sl st – slip stitch
sc – single crochet
yo – yarn over

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

Notes:

Blanket size can be adjusted in multiples of 2+1.
If adjusting the size be sure to consider yarn requirements.
Border is optional and will add a bit more to the yarn requirements.
Blanket is worked in the grit st (also known as the thicket st or suzette st), but instructions are written out to make it easier.

Special Stitches:

Grit stitch (sc, dc) – (sc, dc) in indicated stitch. For more help visit my Grit Stitch tutorial.

PREEMIE BONDING SQUARES CROCHET PATTERN

Ch 16.
Row 1: (Sc, dc) in 2nd ch from hook, *sk next ch, (sc, dc) in next ch, rep from * across to last 2 chs, sk next ch, sc in last st, turn. (8 sc, 7 dc)

Row 2: Ch 1, (sc, dc) in 1st sc, *sk next dc, (sc, dc) in next sc, rep from * across, sc in last st, turn.

Rows 3–12: Repeat Row 2.

Border

(optional)

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

Fasten off.

The Cielo Preemie Bonding Squares was created for the Annual Preemie Challenge 2024 that is hosted by Sunflower Cottage Crochet. It will be available for free download until the end of the event.