Bonding Squares by Pat Farrow

Bonding Squares

Knitting
March 2024
DK (11 wpi) ?
6 stitches and 6 rows = 1 inch
in Stocking Stitch
US 5 - 3.75 mm
50 - 60 yards (46 - 55 m)
English
This pattern is available as a free Ravelry download

Preemie Baby Knitting Pattern for Bonding Squares. This pattern is ideal for knitting for your favourite charity or local hospital baby unit. They are knitted on straight needles using DK yarn. There are 2 sizes on the pattern, 4” which are used by some hospitals to lay the Baby’s head on whilst the other goes into Mum’s bra. The 5” may be more widely used and best to check with whoever you’re knitting for as to which size they use.
This pattern is written in full with clear wording. No abbreviations have been used apart from numbers, making it ideal for beginners or the elderly who may struggle with conventional knitting patterns. A chart is included, as well as the detailed instructions for the heart version, or a plain square using just Knit and Purl stitches is the other option.
Bonding Squares are used in pairs for Mums and Babies to help the Bonding process. They have a square each held next to them and these are swapped over every 12 hours or so or when Mum is visiting her baby. This helps to get the baby used to Mum’s scent when they are in an incubator and unable to be close to each other.
Materials Required are:
Size 4mm Needles
16/18 grams DK yarn for 2 squares
Scissors
Tape Measure