The crochet basketweave bonding square is a pattern that I specially designed for the Preemie Crochet Challenge hosted by Helen and Sara from Sunflower Cottage Crochet.
Of all hobbies, crochet is definitely one of the most altruistic out there. It’s not like I have real numbers to back that up, but as crocheters, we all know that we spend waaaay more time making things for others than for ourselves.
How many things have you gifted to family and friends during the years? I am sure that the answer is many!
I know for a fact that I love to crochet for my family and friends, and when I can, I love donating to charities. It’s such a simple way to do something for a person in need and to spread some love!
So, when Helen and Sara invited me and other designers to take part in their Preemie Crochet Challenge, I didn’t think twice and got on board.
How Does the Preemie Crochet Challenge Work?
Every day during the month of August, you will be able to download a free pattern for a hat, blanket, booties, toy, etc especially designed for preemie babies.
You can find the roundup post here. In the roundup post, you’ll find the list of patterns updated day by day and the coupon code required for the free pattern download on Ravelry.
Keep in mind that some of the patterns will only be available as a free download on the day in which they are featured. But some other patterns will be available for longer or forever, so you can always grab them in case you miss one day of the challenge.
PLEASE NOTE THAT BY TAKING THE FREE PDF PATTERN YOU ARE PLEDGING TO DONATE AT LEAST ONE ITEM MADE FROM THAT PATTERN TO A SUITABLE CHARITY / UNIT / FAMILY.
I have to admit that before joining the Preemie Crochet Challenge, I had no idea of what a bonding square was. However, when I figured it out, I thought that it is such a beautiful thing that I decided to design and make a few!
What is a Preemie Bonding Square?
In a few words, a bonding square is a small crocheted or knitted square that the mother of a preemie baby wears for a few hours in direct contact with her skin. This way, the square will take up the smell of the mother.
After this time, the square will be placed in the bed of the preemie baby so that he/she will get to know the smell of the mother. The squares will be swapped between the mother and the baby until the preemie is ready to finally return home.
Add this pattern to your Ravelry library for free HERE, or on LoveCrafts HERE. Or pin the pattern for later using this pin!
Find more patterns for babies and charity here!
Materials
- 4.0-mm (F/5 or G/6 USA, 8 UK) Crochet Hook
- 3.5-mm (E/4 USA, 9 UK) Crochet Hook
- Sport Weight (#2 Fine, 12 wpi) Yarn in two contrasting colors (CC1 and CC2). I used Garnstudio DROPS Baby Merino but you can also use Katia Merino Baby, or any other comparable yarn.
- Tapestry Needle
Yardage
54 yds (49 m)
Size
The Basketweave Bonding Square measures 5” (12.5 cm) by 5” (12.5 cm).
Gauge
23 sts for 15 rows in 4” (10 cm) worked with the basketweave st.
Crochet Abbreviations (US Terms)
BPdc – Back Post Double Crochet
Ch – Chain
Dc – Double Crochet
FPdc – Front Post Double Crochet
Hdc – Half Double Crochet
Sc – Single Crochet
Sl St – Slip Stitch
St – Stitch
Yo – Yarn over
Special Stitches
Front and Back Post Double Crochet (FPdc, BPdc)
Please, refer to this step-by-step tutorial on how to crochet front and back post stitches.
Pattern Notes
- If the pattern says “sc 2”, it means that you have to crochet 1 sc in each of the next two sts.
- (…) – Crochet the instruction within brackets for the indicated number of times.
- […] – Crochet the instruction within brackets all into the same indicated st.
Crochet Basketweave Bonding Square Pattern
With CC1 and your 4.0-mm crochet hook, ch 27.
Row 1. Dc in the third ch from your hook (the initial 2 chains count as 1 hdc). Dc in each remaining ch. (26 sts)
Row 2. Ch 2 (counts as 1 hdc here and in the rest of the pattern), (FPdc 4, BPdc 4) 3 times, hdc on the second ch of the skipped chains. (26 sts)
Row 3. Ch 2, (FPdc 4, BPdc 4) 3 times, hdc 1. (26 sts)
Rows 4-5. Ch 2, (BPdc 4, FPdc 4) 3 times, hdc 1. (26 sts)
Rows 6-17. Repeat rows 2-5 three more times. (26 sts)
Fasten off and weave in your ends.
Border
With your 3.5-mm crochet hook, join CC2 yarn in any st of row 17. Ch 1.
Round 1. Place 26 sc on each side of the square. At the corners, ch 1. Join the round with a sl st into the first sc. (26 sc per side and 1 ch at each corner)
With your 3.5-mm crochet hook, join CC1 yarn in any st from the previous round. Ch 1.
Round 2. Sc in each st from Round 1. At the corners, [sc 1, ch 1, sc 1] into the ch 1 at the corner. Join with a sl st into the first sc. (28 sc per side and 1 ch at each corner)
Fasten off and weave in your ends.
Finishing
You can embellish your Basketweave Bonding Square with one small applique, such as the heart applique or bunny applique.
Your crochet Basketweave Bonding Square is ready!
I hope you enjoyed crocheting this crochet pattern. Please, do not hesitate to contact me if you need any help or support. I am looking forward to seeing all your beautiful makes on Facebook and Instagram!
Find more ideas for babies here on the blog…
Please contact me. I have a donation group. I am interested in joining you and making things for the “preemies”
Ruth
where are these squares sent to? what charity’s ?
Hi Marilyn,
It is up to you. You would have to find the closest NICU or organizations that accept donations.
Raffaella
I am wondering about the fiber… do they really want wool? That complicates laundering as many wools will felt if dried in a dryer. I would think parents of preemies would want the simplest care materials. But I’m no expert. Plus it seems more sterile to use fibers that can be washed in hot water.
I crocheted preemie caps in Caron Simply Soft acrylic, and also preemie blankets about 12″x12″ and 14″x14″ they used for kangarooing. The granddaughter of a family friend weighed 13 ounces at birth (~23 weeks, a micro-preemie) but is a thriving school-aged girl now, with zero complications, which is utterly amazing. They were quite happy with the extra soft acrylic with easy care instructions. Baby S was due at Thanksgiving that year and born in late July! Many weeks of kangarooing!