Use this free crochet pattern to make soft and beautiful bonding squares. These squares help mothers bond with their premature babies.
Crochet bonding squares are made in pairs. Mom and baby can each have a square. When the mom cannot be with her new baby, she can wear the square against her skin for a few hours. Her scent transfers to the square.
Then, the baby can learn the mom’s scent from the square when they cannot be together. This is why they are called bonding squares. They provide a way for preemie babies and mothers to bond when they cannot be together.
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These squares use a variation of the crochet shell stitch to create a fabric that has pretty details and soft texture.
The squares are approximatley 6″ x 6″. Exact gauge isn’t necessary.
Pattern Options for the Bonding Squares
The Cuddly Cloud Bonding Squares is a free crochet pattern for a crochet bonding squares. The pattern is written in US crochet terminology. The free pattern is available in written format on the blog below.
PDF Pattern Downloads: You can also purchase a printable PDF instant download of this pattern in my Etsy Shop and Ravelry Shop.
- Purchase the PDF Pattern in My Etsy Shop
- Purchase the PDF Pattern in My Ravelry Shop
- Pin the Pattern for Later
Preemie Crochet Challenge
This pattern is featured on June 17, 2024 as part of the Preemie Crochet Challenge hosted by Sunflower Cottage Crochet.
Use the first button below to go to the round-up post where you can find the coupon code for the pattern.
Then, return here. And, use the second button below to go to Ravelry. You can use the coupon code on Ravelry to download the PDF pattern for free through June 30, 2024.
About the Inspiration for the Cuddly Cloud Bonding Squares
This is my fourth year participating in the preemie crochet challenge. My first year I designed my Preemie Baby Blanket pattern.
This year I thought I would do bonding squares inspired by that design. Part of the baby blanket use a variation on the shell stitch. So I wanted to incorporate the shell stitch into the design of these squares as well.
Plus, shells stitches are one of my favorite crochet stitches. They are so easy to make while also being beautiful.
About the Yarn
My sample scarf uses one skein of Berroco Pima Soft. This past year I’ve been shopping more and more at local yarn stores when I have the chance.
I saw this yarn at a local yarn shop when I was visiting my Mom. I thought it would be perfect for the preemie challenge.
It’s a very soft 100% Pima Cotton Yarn. Working with it reminded my of marshmallows! It’s soft and squishy. And, it is just a little bit shiny.
You can easily subsitute with other soft DK Weight yarns. One of my favorite yarns for my preemie projects is Bernat Softee Baby.
Bonding Squares Pattern
CROCHET SUPPLIES
Yarn: DK Weight (#3 Light) approximately 110 yards for two squares.
Shown above: Berroco Pima Soft (100% Pima Cotton), 124yds[113m]/1.75oz[500g] #4600 Daisy, 1 skein.
Hook: Size F/5 (3.75 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge.
Notions: Tapestry needle; optional 2 stitch markers, tape measure.
SIZING AND GAUGE
Size: One size, approximately 6″ x 6″.
Gauge: Exact gauge is not critical. Feel free to adjust the number of rows to achieve a square shape.
Pattern Notes
- Crochet base chain loosely so that the edge does not curl.
- Place stitch markers on edge stitches and move them up as you go along to keep edges even. (Optional)
- Beginning chs of rows do not count as sts.
- For a wider square, adjust base chain by adding sts in multiples of 6. Learn more about crochet stitch multiples at https://craftingeachday.com/crochet-stitch-multiples/. A wider square will require more yarn.
- For a longer or shorter square, add additional rows by repeating row 3.
Standard Stitch Abbreviations (U.S. Crochet Terminology):
ch(s): chain(s)
dc: double crochet
pm: place stitch marker
rep: repeat
sc: single crochet
sk: skip
sp(s): space(s)
st(s): stitch(es)
Special Stitch Abbreviations and Instructions:
4-dc Shell: work 4 dc in one stitch
Bonding Squares Pattern
Multiple: 6 + 5
Base Chain: Ch 29 (or adjust base chain to desired width using multiple).
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (28 sc)
Row 2: Ch 2 (beginning chs do not count as sts in this row and all subsequent rows), 3 dc in first sc (if desired, pm in first dc to mark edge), sk 2 sc, *sc in next sc, sk 2 sc, 4-dc Shell in next sc, skip 2 sc*; rep from * to * until last sc, sc in last sc, turn. (4 Shells, 5 sc, 1 group of 3 dc on edge)
Row 3: Ch 2, 3 dc in first sc (if desired, pm in first dc to mark edge), sk 2 dc, *sc in sp between 2nd and 3rd dc of next Shell, sk 2 dc, 4-dc Shell in next sc, skip 2 dc*; rep from * to * until last st, sc in last st, turn. (4 Shells, 5 sc, 1 group of 3 dc on edge)
Rows 4 – 19: Rep row 3.
Row 20: Ch 1, sc in each st across, fasten off at end of row. (24 sc)
Note: If you’d like to finish the top of the square with 28 sc instead of 24 sc, add an additional 4 sc evenly spaced across the row as you work row 20 (Optional).
Finishing: Weave in ends. Block if desired.
OTHER CROCHET PATTERNS FOR PREEMIES THAT YOU MIGHT ENJOY
For other projects for preemies, try my Cuddly Cloud Preemie Baby Blanket Pattern, the Quick and Simple Baby Hat Pattern, and the Snuggle Bonding Squares.