Sweet Stars Baby Blanket

And FREE Bonding Square Crochet Patterns!

Y’all may or may not know that I am a mom to 5 kids, ranging from 2 years into the teenage years. So to say my life revolves around kids would be an understatement… I’m honestly surprised how long it took me to publish a baby blanket pattern, it’s typically one of the first large crochet projects we tackle once we’ve got down the basics, and for myself like many others I learned to crochet mainly to make things for my kids! But here we are, and I couldn’ be more excited to share the Sweet Stars Baby Blanket and Free Bonding Square patterns with you! Come crochet a baby blanket with me!

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Crochet Blanket Pattern!

Blankets are such a great crochet project! Blankets make amazing gifts whether they are for a new baby, an old friend, or for yourself! It’s like giving the gift of coziness and security, but even better because YOU made it! Plus, everyone needs and uses blankets. 

Crochet blanket patterns are unique in that they also allow us lots of opportunity to practice a particular stitch or technique, or learn a new one! Blankets are a great way to relax while crocheting, because of the repetitive nature of a larger project, once you have the hang of the stitches and the rhythm of the pattern down, the yarn just flows! 

Blankets are the perfect project for kicking back and relaxing with your crochet project and favorite form of media! When I crochet, I love to listen to an audiobook, or watch the latest movie on Amazon Prime! How about you? Do you love to relax by listening to music when crocheting or maybe you prefer to binge watch your favorite series?

Love Pinterest? Me too! Don’t forget to pin the pattern for later!! You can save from my pin boards here and follow me on Pinterest too for more gorgeous crochet patterns and helpful crochet tutorials, and lots more!

Like Free Patterns? Then make sure you check out my most popular Free Pattern –> Tiny Dinosaur Amigurumi! Want to see even more? You can find all of my other Free Crochet Patterns <– Right here!!

My Amazing Pattern Testers!

Where would we be without my incredible pattern testers?! Thank you pattern testers for creating your sample crochet baby blankets to help work out all the kinks before the pattern is published! My absolute fave part of designing is getting to see your amazing projects y’all crochet using my patterns! I greatly appreciate my testers’ feedback which helps ensure that I can provide you with the highest quality pattern! My testers have all done such an amazing job creating their beautiful and classic crochet baby blankets!! Make sure to check those out below!!

Thank you so much for testing the Sweet Stars Baby Blanket Crochet Pattern Susan Richards, Sigal Alon, Erin Murphy Kennel, Brenda Meineke, Charlotte McDonald, Peggy Swaim, Lyn Wilson, and Joann Fleming!

Make your Bonding Squares!

Materials:

• YARN: Any soft DK/Baby/Weight 3 yarn 
• Sample Yarn: I used Snuggly Wuggly yarn in Soft Mint
• YARDAGE: 
  • BONDING SQUARES: 40-60 yards
  • LOVEY: 150-200
  • PREEMIE BLANKET: 450-550
  • BABY BLANKET: 1300-1400
  • STROLLER BLANKET: 1100-1200
  • CRIB BLANKET: 2400-2500
• HOOK: US K/10.5  6.5 mm
• Yarn needle, Scissors

Finished Size:  

Bonding Squares (2): 5″ wide x 5″ long

Lovey Blanket: 12″ wide x 12″ long

Preemie Blanket: 20″ wide x 20″ long

Baby Recieving Blanket: 36” wide x 36″ long

Stroller Blanket: 30” wide x 36″ long

Crib Blanket: 40” wide x 60″ long

Gauge: 12 rows x 13 sts = 4” square

SWATCH: (5.5” x 5.5”) Ch 21, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch, turn (20 sc). [Ch 1, sc in each st, turn, x2 rows, (20 sc). Ch 3, 9 star st, hdc in last ch, turn (1 hdc, 9 star st). Ch 1, hdc in same st, 2 hdc in center of each star, hdc in last st, turn (20 hdc).] Repeat these 4 rows 4 more times (21 rows). Measure Gauge.

Experience Level: Intermediate

Pattern Key:

st(s) – stitch(es)

sp(s) – space(s)

sl st – slip stitch

ch(s) – chain(s)

sc – single crochet

hdc – half double crochet

hdc2tog – decrease by hdc 2 sts together

yo – yarn over 

FO – fasten off

Star St – Star stitch

Puff st – Puff Stitch

Special Stitches:

STAR STITCH:

BEGINNING STAR ST: 

STEP 1: Ch 3, insert hook in 2nd ch from hook, yo and pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), repeat for 3rd ch from hook (3 loops on hook).

STEP 2: Insert hook in 1st st, yo and pull up a loop (4 loops on hook), repeat for 2nd st (5 loops on hook), repeat for 3rd st (6 loops on hook).

STEP 3: Yo and pull through all 6 loops on hook, ch 1 to close. Beginning Star St complete.

STAR ST: (Method of all star sts after beginning star st is completed)

STEP 1: Insert hook in ch 1 sp from last star st, yo and pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), insert hook in last spoke of the previous st, yo and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), insert hook in same st as last spoke, yo and pull up a loop (4 loops on hook), 

STEP 2: Insert hook in next st, yo and pull up a loop (5 loops on hook), repeat for next st (6 loops on hook).

STEP 3: Yo and pull through all 6 loops on hook, ch 1 to close. Star St complete.

Special Stitches:

PUFF STITCH: 

STEP 1: Yo, insert hook in next st, yo and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook).

STEP 2: Yo, insert hook in same st, yo and pull up a loop (5 loops on hook).

STEP 3: Yo, insert hook in same st, yo and pull up a loop (7 loops on hook).

STEP 4: Yo and pull through all 7 loops on hook, ch 1 to close, Puff st completed.

NOTES:

1. Read through the entire pattern first.

2. Make a gauge swatch to ensure accurae sizing.

3. Beginning chain only counts as a stitch on STAR ST rounds.

4. Pattern is worked back and forth in rows.

5. Repeat stitches between [ and ] the number of times indicated.

6. The Bonding Square pattern is FREE to view and read on my website ONLY, and has been thoroughly tested and tech edited. Please feel free to share any comments or ask any questions you may have! I welcome your feedback!!

7. If you would like a downloadable, ad-free PDF of the pattern, and the additional blanket sizes, you may purchase from one of my shops linked in this post for a small fee.

8. This post and all it contains including the pattern and photographs are my intellectual property and copyright protected property of GreenFoxFarms LLC © 2021. You are welcome to make as many bags as you like to sell, giveaway, etc. You may NOT sell, copy, or alter and claim as your own this pattern. You may not use my photographs. This pattern is not for mass production.

9. If you want to share this pattern online, you must only share a link to my blog post. You may not copy and paste my text or the pattern to another site. Thank you for respecting my work.

10. By using this pattern, you are agreeing to abide by these terms.

Pattern Release Details:

This heirloom crochet Baby Blanket Pattern is now available for purchase in my Ravelry and Etsy Shops! The Crochet Bonding Square pattern is FREE here on my blog, OR you can purchase the ad-free, printer friendly, PDF copy with ALL SIX BLANKET SIZES for a couple of dollars.

I would be so grateful if you would visit and save the pattern on your favorite venue, which helps my patterns get seen by even more people! Thank you so much for your continued support!! Just click the buttons below to find the premium pattern PDF including the Lovey, Preemie Blanket, Baby Receiving Blanket, Stroller Blanket, and Crib Blanket sizes, including photo stitch tutorials available for purchase!

Don’t crochet? I would love to help you Learn to Crochet with my fun Crochet Tutorials! 

Do you love a good discount? How about Crochet Alongs, specials, exclusive sneak peeks, and giveaways? If so, you want to join my VIP List and/or Facebook Community where you can find all of those things AND a special coupon to use on patterns in my Etsy or Ravelry shop! In addition, my VIPs are the first to hear about new pattern releases, sales (some are exclusive to the group/list), CALs (crochet alongs) and lots of fun crochet discussions!

Sweet Stars Blanket on the Textured Stitches Hop!

I’m so excited to share that my texturrific Sweet Stars Baby Blankets Pattern is featured on the Textured Stitches Blog Hop! Melanie from Simply Melanie Jane has put together an amazing Event to help you learn and practice various textured stitches and techniques! 

The Textured Stitches Blog hop features a new Crochet Pattern each day from September 1 – 20, 2024, except Sundays. Patterns are either 50% off, $1 PDF, or Free to Download, for 24 hours only. Missed a few days? Never fear! You can also grab a copy of the Ultimate Textured Stitches Ebook, for a limited time only! Details below.

Learn NEW Techniques and Textured Stitches!

GET THE ULTIMATE BOOK OF TEXTURES STITCHES TODAY!

🧶 Do you love crochet texture?

Find yourself gravitating toward textured stitches?

Love learning new stitches?

Appreciate having photo and video tutorials to guide you?

YOU NEED THE ULTIMATE BOOK OF TEXTURES STITCHES!

🧶 Over 100 pages of detailed stitch tutorials!

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🧶 DON’T Miss out on this AMAZING crochet tool – get the ebook TODAY!

🧶 LIMITED TIME ONLY! Get your Ultimate Stitch Guide TODAY! 

Just click the button below to learn more and grab your copy today!

HOW TO GET YOUR CROCHET BABY BLANKET PATTERN HALF OFF:

I’m so excited to share that my texturrific Sweet Stars Baby Blankets Pattern is featured TODAY on the Textured Stitches Blog Hop curated by the fabulous Melanie of Simply Melanie Jane.

⭐ TODAY ONLY – TUESDAY  9/3/24 you can get the pattern HALF OFF!

⭐ You have 24 hours to grab your 50% OFF copy of the Sweet Stars Baby Blanket.

⭐ NO CODE IS NEEDED TO SAVE! DISCOUNT IS AUTO APPLIED!

⭐ Click the Download button below – choose Ravelry or Etsy. This will take you to the the blanket on your chosen platform.

⭐ Add the Sweet Stars Baby Blanket pattern to your cart and make sure you are SIGNED IN to your account so the pattern is saved. The 50% Discount is AUTOMATICALLY APPLIED! 👇

⭐ Check out and save the pattern to your device. It will also be saved to your account on RAVELY or ETSY if you sign in before purchasing!

⭐ Enjoy and Happy Hooking friends! Make sure to check back to the Textured Stitches Blog Hop each day through 9/20/24 to find another Textured Crochet Pattern Special!

JUST CLICK THE DOWNLOAD BUTTON BELOW TO GET THE 50% OFF PATTERN!

Sweet Stars Bonding Square

Free Pattern for the Preemie Challenge

This pattern was featured in the 2021 Preemie Challenge! What is the Preemie Challenge?  In order to encourage people to make and donate needed handmade items for premature babies and their families, Helen of Sunflower Cottage Crochet has created a wonderful annual event called the Preemie Challenge that she hosts each year in August 2021! A new designer and pattern is featured each day! 

The 2021 Preemie Challenge has ended, but you can click the link below to read more about the Preemie Challenge and find all the patterns that were included!

Visit the 2021 Preemie Challenge Page –> HERE!!

What is a Bonding Square?

Bonding squares are 5 inch squares made in pairs, either knit or crochet. One is worn by the mother of a premature baby (against her skin), and the other is kept with the baby in the incubator to help with bonding during physical separation. The squares are swapped each time mother visits the baby so the baby can associate the mother’s smell and begin to form the bond we all need to thrive.

Many NICUs use these squares to help with bonding, and you can help by making squares to donate to your local NICU or to a family with a premature baby! Please check with your local NICU to find out if they are accepting donations, and any specific rules or regulations they have in place regarding donated items. Most hospitals request that the yarns used for baby items be of a DK/Baby/Weight 3 or smaller and that they are very soft, washable yarns usually acrylic for ease of care.

SWEET STARS BONDING SQUARE:

Pattern Directions:

USING K/10.5 6.5 MM HOOK

BONDING SQUARE: (make 2)

• Pre-border: 3.5” wide x 3.5” long.
• With Border: 5” wide x 5” long.

Row 1: Loosely ch 13, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across, turn, (12 sc).

Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as hdc), beginning star st, 4 star st, hdc2tog same st and last st, turn, (2 hdc, 5 star sts).

Row 3: Ch 1, hdc in same st, [2 hdc in center of star st, skip next st,] 5 times, hdc in last st, turn, (12 hdc).

Rows 4-5: Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn, (12 sc).

Rows 6-8: Repeat Rows 2 – 4, turn, continue with border below.

BONDING SQUARE BORDER: 

You will place 3 sts in each corner – 2 count as 1st and last st of each side, and 1 counts as an increase, on Round 1.

Round 1: 

Step 1: Ch 1, sc in next 11 sts, 2 sc in last st, (13 sc).

Step 2: Turn, working down side of square, 1 sc in corner, 10 sc evenly spaced down side, 2 sc in corner, (13 sc).

Step 3: Turn, working along bottom of square, 1 sc in corner, sc in next 10 sts, 2 sc in corner, (13 sc).

Step 4: Turn, working up side of square, 1 sc in corner, 10 sc evenly spaced up the side, 2 sc in corner, sl st to join, (13 sc). Total R1 (52 sc).

Round 2: Ch 1, {[sc, puff st, sc,] 4 times, 2 sc in corner st,} repeat for each side (4 times total), sl st to join, (40 sc, 16 puff sts). 

Round 3: Ch 1, [sc in next 13 sts *skip over chs of puff sts, (2 sc, ch 2, 2 sc,) in corner st,] 4 times, sl st to join, (68 sc). FO and weave in ends! Make a pair and you have a wonderful donation to help a premature baby bond with mom!!

Please Share your Baby Blankets!

I hope you enjoy this free crochet square for hospitals pattern as much I enjoyed creating it for you! I would love to see your gorgeous projects on Ravelry and social media! Please tag me in your photos so I can see what you’ve made! I adore getting to see the beautiful projects y’all have made with my patterns! It’s the reason I do what I do!! (Plus the yarn benefits are pretty great too!! )

If you enjoyed this plant coaster mat crochet pattern and you would like to see more Free Crochet Patterns (<– like these) going forward, please help me grow by sharing Blog Post ❤️ and subscribe to my newsletter?!? You can use the social media buttons below the post to easily share! Thank you so much for your amazing support!  If you have any questions or need assistance with the pattern, feel free to contact me or leave a comment on the blog. I would love to help!

Make sure to share your pics and tag #greenfoxfarms #greenfoxfarmsdesigns @greenfoxfarms on any social media! Please share your finished creations on Ravelry too!

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