Loops of Love Crochet Bonding Square: A Heartfelt Project for Preemies and Moms

I’m so excited to share a special project I’ve been working on—bonding squares! Not only are they a meaningful way to help moms and preemies bond, but they are also an excellent stash buster project that requires only a small amount of yarn.

What Are Bonding Squares?

Bonding squares are small, hand-knit or crocheted squares traditionally made in pairs. One square is given to the mother to wear, and the other is placed with her baby in the NICU. The idea is that by swapping the squares regularly, the baby and mother can become familiar with each other’s scent, helping to strengthen their connection even when they are apart.

Why Make Bonding Squares?

Many hospitals use bonding squares as a way to support premature babies and their mothers during those first crucial days and weeks. Preemies often spend extended periods in incubators, and scent is one of the strongest ways they recognize and connect with their parents. These small but powerful squares can provide comfort and reassurance to both mom and baby.

A Perfect Stash-Busting Project

If you have leftover yarn from previous projects, bonding squares are a fantastic way to use it up! They don’t require much yarn, and you can experiment with different colors and textures while creating something truly meaningful. Loops of Love Crochet Bonding Square, is simple, quick to make, and perfect for all skill levels.

For more baby items check out Levi’s Gentle Stitches-Burp Cloth

How This Pattern Fits My Passion

I started crocheting 28 years ago. In the beginning, I made baby blankets as gifts for friends who were having a baby and donated several to those who either lost a baby or had one in the NICU. Donating to charity and making baby blankets has always been a passion of mine. This bonding square pattern fits perfectly into that passion—offering comfort to both babies and their mothers during a challenging time. Creating something so small yet meaningful reminds me why I fell in love with crochet in the first place: the ability to bring warmth, love, and connection through handmade items.

This project is especially close to my heart because my own daughter was a preemie. She was born six weeks early and had to stay in the NICU for a few weeks. It was such a difficult time being separated from her, and I wish I had something like bonding squares back then to help us feel connected. Knowing that these squares can provide comfort to other moms and their babies makes this project even more meaningful to me.

Things to Keep in Mind

Before you start making bonding squares to donate, be sure to check with your local NICU unit. Different hospitals have specific requirements regarding materials, sizing, and hygiene standards. Some may require cotton yarn for easy washing, while others may have size restrictions.

Let’s stay connected. Sign up to receive new patterns, maker inspiration, and a little hope delivered straight to your inbox.

Join Me in Making a Difference

I’d love for you to try out my Loops of Love Crochet Bonding Square pattern and join me in creating these special little pieces. Whether you’re looking for a quick, meaningful project or a way to give back to your community, bonding squares are a beautiful way to make a difference.

2025 International Crochet Month Blog Hop

I am excited to be part of the 2025 International Crochet Month Blog Hop! Each day, a new pattern is featured-representing something the designer loves about crochet.

Pattern Details

Skill Level: Beginner/Intermediate

Terms: US crochet terms

Yarn: #3 worsted weight

Hook & Notions

• Size Hook: G (4 mm)
• Scissors
• Blunt yarn needle
• Stitch markers (optional)

Finished Size: 5″ x 5″

Special Stitch

• hbsc (herringbone single crochet): Insert hook through the vertical bar of the previous single crochet stitch, insert hook into the next stitch and pull up a loop, YO (yarn over) and pull through all three loops on the hook.

Abbreviations

• ch = chain
• sc = single crochet
• hbsc = herringbone single crochet (see Special Stitch above)
• BLO = back loop only
• FLO = front loop only
• sl st = slip stitch
• st(s) = stitch(es)

Loops of Love Bonding Square

Chain 20
Row 1: (Working in the back bump) sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each ch across. (19) sts
Row 2: Ch 1, sc in first st, hbsc in each st across. (19) sts
Row 3: Ch 1, BLO sc in the first st, *FLO sc in the next st, BLO sc in next st,* repeat from * to * across. (19) sts
Rows 4-15: Repeat Rows 2 and 3

Finishing

*(Sc, ch 1, sc) first corner, evenly sc across the side, work corner, evenly sc across the end,* repeat from * to * around; join with a sl st in the 1st sc.

You can follow the full tutorial for free on YouTube and crochet along with me step by step!

💛 Love stitching for the littlest ones? Grab all five preemie patterns — the Little Luminary Hat, all three bonding squares, and Levi’s Gentle Stitches Burp Cloth — together in my Preemie & NICU Comfort Bundle, a $21 value for just $13.

More Preemie & NICU Patterns

• Sophie’s Little Blessing Bonding Square
• Little Luminary Bonding Square
• Levi’s Gentle Stitches Burp Cloth
• Preemie & NICU Comfort Bundle — all five patterns for $13
• Join the Preemie Crochet Challenge