Looking for easy bonding squares to crochet for a premature baby? The free Oliver pattern is a simple, textured design that is quick to make and perfect for donating.

This versatile pattern also makes a beautiful crochet washcloth, giving you another practical way to enjoy the Oliver stitch pattern using just a small amount of yarn.

Meet the Oliver Bonding Squares and Washcloth

We have reached the final addition to the Oliver Collection – for now, at least!

The Oliver Bonding Squares and Crochet Washcloth Pattern takes the simple stitch combination used throughout the Oliver Collection and turns it into a small, practical project that you can make in very little time.

If you have been following the collection, you will already have met the Oliver Blanket and the Oliver Preemie Hat. I really wanted to add bonding squares to the collection too, particularly because the Oliver designs work so beautifully for premature babies.

Bonding squares are small projects, but they can have a very special purpose. They are also fantastic stash busters, quick makes and a lovely option when you want to crochet something meaningful without committing to a larger project.

And if you are not making for a premature baby? No problem at all! This pattern also works perfectly as an easy crochet washcloth pattern.

I do love a pattern that earns its keep!

What Are Bonding Squares?

If you have never come across bonding squares before, you may be wondering exactly what they are.

Bonding squares are small crocheted or knitted squares that can sometimes be used by neonatal units to help premature babies and their parents maintain that all-important connection when they cannot be together all of the time.

Typically, one square is kept close to the parent and another with baby before they are swapped. The familiar scent can provide comfort during periods of separation.

I have written a whole article about crochet bonding squares, what they are and how they can help premature babies, including more information about how they are used, appropriate yarn choices, sizing and things to consider before donating them.

Do remember that every hospital and neonatal unit has its own requirements. Always check with the organisation you intend to donate to before making or sending bonding squares. Some units accept them and others do not, and requirements can vary.

The Inspiration Behind the Oliver Bonding Squares

Once I had designed the Oliver Blanket and Preemie Hat, bonding squares felt like a natural next addition.

One of the things I particularly love about the Oliver stitch combination is that it gives you texture without making the fabric overly complicated.

It looks interesting enough to make you want to keep crocheting “just one more row”, but the actual stitches are accessible enough that you can settle into the pattern and enjoy making it.

That makes it particularly lovely for smaller projects such as bonding squares.

They are also an excellent project for newer crocheters who would like to start making items for donation. A bonding square doesn’t require the same time or yarn commitment as a blanket, but you still have the satisfaction of creating something useful.

And, of course, sometimes we just need a project that can be finished fairly quickly. Not everything on our hooks needs to become a six-month commitment!

A Simple Textured Crochet Square

The Oliver Bonding Squares are designed to be straightforward to make while still giving you a gorgeous finished texture.

If you have already made another pattern from the Oliver Collection, the stitch combination will feel wonderfully familiar.

For newer crocheters, this is also a great opportunity to practise your stitches and work on keeping your tension and edges consistent. Small square projects are brilliant for this because you can really see how your stitches are behaving as your work grows.

There is no complicated shaping to worry about and no mountain of pieces waiting to be sewn together afterwards.

Just grab your hook, choose your yarn and enjoy the rhythm of the pattern.

One Pattern, Two Very Useful Projects

Although I designed this version specifically as bonding squares, I didn’t want its usefulness to end there.

With an appropriate cotton yarn, the same pattern makes a fabulous crochet washcloth.

Washcloths are one of those wonderfully underrated crochet projects. They are quick, practical, reusable and perfect for using up yarn left over from other projects.

They are also fantastic gifts.

Add one to a little hamper with some soap or toiletries and you have a thoughtful handmade gift without having to spend weeks making it.

And because this is such a manageable project, a crochet washcloth is also a great way to try the Oliver stitch pattern before moving on to the larger Oliver Blanket.

Choosing Yarn for Your Oliver Bonding Squares

Yarn choice is particularly important when you are making bonding squares for premature babies.

I recommend using a soft cotton or cotton-blend yarn that can withstand regular washing. Avoid wool and yarns containing glitter, sequins, metallic fibres or anything particularly fluffy or loosely spun.

Premature babies have incredibly delicate skin, so this isn’t the project for novelty yarns, however pretty they might look in the skein.

You also want a fabric that is secure without large holes or loose loops that tiny fingers, toes, tubes or wires could become caught in.

You can read much more about choosing suitable yarn in my complete guide to crochet bonding squares.

If you are using this as a crochet washcloth pattern, cotton is again my first choice. It is absorbent, durable, washable and gives textured stitch patterns fantastic definition.

The Pattern Information

Here is everything you will need to know before getting started.

Skill Level

This pattern is suitable for confident beginners.

If you are comfortable with the basic crochet stitches used in the Oliver Collection and can work rows with consistent tension, you should be able to tackle this pattern.

Don’t worry if your first square isn’t absolutely perfect. Small projects like this are ideal for practising because you can see your progress very quickly.

Yarn

#3 weight / DK yarn

For bonding squares, choose a soft, washable yarn suitable for delicate skin. Cotton and cotton blends are excellent options.

For the washcloth version, I recommend cotton or a cotton-rich yarn for absorbency and durability.

Hook

5mm (H) crochet hook

Sizes

The pattern includes sizes suitable for making bonding squares and a crochet washcloth.

Bonding square – approximately 5” square – you will need approximately 55 yards.

Washcloth – approximately 8” square. You will need approx 90 yards.

Remember to check the requirements of your chosen hospital, neonatal unit or charity before making bonding squares for donation.

Gauge

Does not matter as long as tension is consistent. My gauge was 20 sts and 18 rows of main body per 4”.

Gauge is particularly useful when making your bonding squares because it helps ensure that your finished square reaches the intended measurements.

For a washcloth, exact gauge is less critical unless you specifically want to achieve the stated finished size.

Materials

You will need:

• Any 3 weight yarn of your choosing – I used Wendy Supreme DK in color WD27 Eucalyptus.
• 5mm (H) hook 
• Scissors
• Tapestry Needle
• Stitch Markers optional to mark the first or last stitch of the row.
• Measuring Tape optional

Abbreviations

• Ch(s) – chain(s)             
• St(s) – stitch(es)    
• Fsc – foundation single crochet          
• sc- single crochet          
• dc – double crochet
• ss – slip stitch
• Sp(s) – space(s)
• YO – yarn over
• FO – Fasten off
• [ ] Everything in these brackets is worked into the same ch1 sp

This pattern is written in US crochet terms.

Special Stitches

There are no special stitches in the free version of this pattern.

If a stitch is new to you, don’t be put off. Read through the instructions first, take it one step at a time and give yourself a row or two to settle into the repeat.

You might be surprised how quickly your hands remember what to do!

Pattern Notes

Before you begin:

• The pattern is worked in rows.
• Written in US terms
• Chain 1 does not count as a stitch unless stated otherwise.
• Where the counts differ for each size within the pattern sizing will be indicated as Bonding Square (washcloth)
• Following row 1 and 2 your stitch count will remain the same throughout the pattern.
• The stitch multiple for this one is 3 for a chain start (multiples of 3 +2  for a foundation sc start)Always check donation requirements with your intended hospital or organisation before making bonding squares.
• For items intended for premature babies, avoid embellishments, buttons, beads, tassels or anything else that could become loose.

The Oliver Collection

These bonding squares are part of my growing Oliver Collection, which uses the same lovely stitch combination across several different projects.

You can also make:

The Oliver Blanket
The pattern that started the collection! This easy crochet blanket is written for #3 weight yarn and has lovely drape while still creating a cosy fabric without large holes. The free blog pattern includes nine sizes from lovey through to throw, with additional double, queen and king sizes available in the PDF.

The Oliver Preemie Hat
A sweet little crochet preemie hat written in four premature baby sizes. It uses #3 weight yarn and a 4mm hook and is another lovely option for charity and donation crochet.

I love creating collections like this because once you are familiar with the stitch pattern, you can use it for several different projects without having to learn something completely new every time.

And the Oliver Collection may be finished for now… but I have learned never to say never where crochet patterns are concerned!

The Preemie Crochet Challenge 2026

The Oliver Bonding Squares are also part of my Preemie Crochet Challenge 2026.

This event is very close to my heart and brings together crochet designers and crocheters from around the world with one shared aim – to make useful items for premature babies and the families who love them.

Throughout September, I am featuring a different preemie crochet pattern each day. For 24 hours, you can use the day’s coupon code to download the featured PDF pattern for free.

The idea is simple: download the patterns you would like to use and pledge to make at least one item from the challenge to donate to a premature baby, neonatal unit or charity.

There are hats, blankets, bonding squares and lots of other lovely little projects to choose from, so whether you have an hour to spare or fancy taking on a larger project, there is something you can make.

You can find all of the details and the daily featured patterns in my Preemie Crochet Challenge 2026 roundup. Click the yellow button below to check it out.

If you are making bonding squares for the challenge, please check with your intended recipient before you start. Hospital requirements vary, and some neonatal units may not currently accept bonding squares.

Want the Printable PDF?

The Oliver Bonding Squares will remain free here on the blog, so you can come back and make them whenever you like.

However, I will not be selling this pattern individually in my shops.

Instead, the ad-free printable PDF will be included as part of the Oliver Preemie Set, alongside the other Oliver patterns designed specifically for premature babies.

This gives you the coordinating patterns together in one handy PDF collection – perfect if you would like to make a matching set for donation or simply prefer to crochet from a printable pattern without having to keep referring back to the blog.

Customising Your Oliver Squares

One of the joys of a simple square pattern is how easily you can make it your own.

For bonding squares, you could make matching pairs in the same colour or use coordinating shades. Soft pastels are always lovely, but there is absolutely no rule that says items for babies need to be pale pink, blue or cream.

Just make sure the yarn itself is suitable for premature babies and meets the requirements of wherever you intend to donate your finished squares.

For washcloths, you can have even more fun.

Try neutrals for a spa-style set, bright colours for the bathroom or kitchen, or work through those odd balls of cotton hiding in your stash. A little stack of coordinating Oliver washcloths tied together would also make a lovely handmade gift.

Free Oliver Bonding Squares & Crochet Washcloth Pattern

Please note: The free pattern below is provided for personal use. You may sell finished items made from this pattern in small quantities, but please credit Sunflower Cottage Crochet as the designer. Please do not reproduce, redistribute or share any part of this pattern, including in Facebook groups or elsewhere online. Please link to this blog post instead so that friends can access the pattern for themselves.

Oliver Bonding Squares / Washcloth

Row 1: Ch 24 (36), sc in second ch from hook and each ch across. (23 (35) sts)

Row 2: Turn, Ch1 (does not count), sc in first st, *[sc, ch1, dc] in next st, sk2* Rep from * to * until you have 1 st left, (you will have just sk’d 2) sc in last st. (23 (35) sts)

Row 3: Turn, ch1 (does not count), sc in first st, work [sc, ch1, dc] into each ch1 sp across. SC in final st of the row.

Rows 4-onward: Repeat row 3 until your bonding square / washcloth measures 4.5 (7.5)” tall

Row 5: Turn, ch1 (does not count), sc in each st and ch1 sp across. (23 (35) sts)

Adding the border:

Note: this border technically has a right side and wrong side – but both sides look great!

Round 1: Turn, ch1, sc in each st across, [sc, ch2, sc] in corner st, sc into each row down the side, [sc, ch2, sc] in corner st, sc in each st across the bottom of your bonding square/washcloth, [sc, ch2, sc] in corner st, sc into each row up your bonding square/washcloth, [sc, ch2] in final corner st, ss to first sc to join.

Round 2: Decide which side is the back of this bonding square/washcloth. Have that side facing you.

Ch1, [dc, ss] in first ch2 sp, *dc in next st, ss into next st* Rep from * to * around ensuring that you place a [dc, ss] or a [ss, dc] into each ch2 sp for the corners depending on the stitch you used before the corner … simply continue the stitch pattern combo. Note: it does not matter whether you start your corner with a dc or ss for the corner ch2 sps. SS to top of first dc to join.

FO and weave in ends.

More Crochet Patterns You May Enjoy

If you enjoy making the Oliver Bonding Squares, you might also like some of my other small and donation-friendly crochet projects.

Ellis Bonding Squares / Washcloth
Another textured bonding square pattern that doubles beautifully as a practical crochet washcloth. This is a great one to try if you would like to make several different designs while working through your yarn stash.

Crochet Bonding Squares: What They Are and How They Help Premature Babies
If you are making bonding squares for the first time, start here. This guide explains what they are, how they are used, suitable yarn choices, sizing considerations and what you need to know before donating them.

Ellis Preemie Hat
Pair your Ellis bonding squares with a coordinating Ellis Preemie Hat for a lovely matching donation set.

Ellis Blanket
If you have fallen for the Ellis texture and fancy a bigger project, the blanket gives you plenty more opportunity to enjoy it!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are crochet bonding squares?

Bonding squares are small crocheted or knitted squares that may be used by some neonatal units to help maintain a sensory connection between premature babies and their parents when they need to spend time apart.

You can find a much more detailed explanation in my guide to crochet bonding squares.

What size should bonding squares be?

Requirements can vary depending on the hospital, neonatal unit or charity accepting them. Always check their current guidelines before you begin rather than assuming that one standard size will be accepted everywhere.

What yarn should I use for bonding squares?

A soft, washable cotton or cotton-blend yarn is a good option. Avoid wool, fluffy yarns, loosely spun fibres and yarn containing glitter, sequins or other embellishments.

Most importantly, follow the yarn requirements given by the organisation receiving your squares.

Can I use this pattern as a crochet washcloth?

Absolutely!

The Oliver pattern makes a lovely textured crochet washcloth. I recommend using cotton or a cotton-rich yarn because it is absorbent, washable and durable.

Is this crochet washcloth pattern suitable for beginners?

Yes. I would recommend it for confident beginners who are comfortable with the basic stitches used in the pattern.

Small projects like washcloths are also brilliant for building confidence because you can practise your tension and stitch placement without committing to a huge project.

Can I use scrap yarn for this pattern?

Yes, provided you have enough suitable yarn to complete your chosen size.

For bonding squares, make sure every yarn you use is appropriate for premature babies and meets the requirements of the organisation you intend to donate to.

For washcloths, this is a fabulous cotton stash-busting project.

Can I donate crochet bonding squares to any hospital?

Not necessarily.

Some neonatal units accept bonding squares while others do not, and requirements can change. Always contact the hospital, neonatal unit or charity first and follow their current donation guidelines.

Where can I buy the Oliver Bonding Squares PDF?

The Oliver Bonding Squares pattern will not be sold individually.

The printable, ad-free version is available as part of the Oliver Preemie Set in my shops. This brings the coordinating Oliver preemie patterns together in one convenient collection.

A Small Project That Can Mean So Much

There is something very special about crochet projects like these.

They don’t take huge amounts of yarn. They don’t take weeks to make. And yet, when made for donation, something as simple as a pair of bonding squares can become part of a family’s journey through an incredibly difficult and emotional time.

And when you are making the Oliver pattern as a washcloth instead? You still have a quick, useful project that allows you to practise your crochet, use some of your stash and create something you will actually use.

That is exactly the sort of crochet I love.

So grab your 4mm hook, choose your yarn and give the Oliver Bonding Squares and Crochet Washcloth Pattern a try.

And if this is your first time making bonding squares, please don’t worry about being an expert. Check the requirements of the organisation you are making for, take your time and enjoy putting those stitches together.

Every experienced crocheter was once staring at their hook wondering whether that stitch really was supposed to look like that!

Don’t forget to take me on Facebook or Instagram with your Preemie crochet makes!