How To Make A NICU Bonding Heart {Free Pattern}
This NICU bonding heart with a free pattern is a meaningful beginner sewing project.
And, the accompanying step-by-step tutorial will allow you to get better at sewing curves.
If you haven’t heard of a flannel bonding heart, maybe you’ve heard of them called baby bonding squares, bonding scent hearts, or flannel hearts for preemies instead.
Many years ago, I was introduced to Preemies of the Carolinas and their need for flannel hearts for the NICUs they serve.
So I created a tutorial on how to sew flannel hearts for preemies.
In fact, it was one of the initial tutorials I offered on the blog and so it’s about as basic as they come.
But the continued need for these hearts makes it one of the most popular posts on Create To Donate.
And I really hope it means that NICU families across the United States (and beyond) are benefiting from flannel heart donations.
NICU Bonding Hearts Made Easy
Over the years, I have also tried to provide additional ideas for things people can make and donate to NICUs and organizations that serve preemies.
Along with new handmade projects, improving the process for how things are made is another one of my goals.
So when I learned a new-to-me sewing technique a while back, I realized these preemie bonding hearts are perfect for this alternative approach.
The original pattern isn’t all that forgiving because it requires you to be good at sewing curves (and a little divot) with a very small sewing allowance.
How To Sew A Flannel Heart For Preemies
This means that beginner sewers who would love to make and donate these flannel hearts might get frustrated and turn to something else instead.
The new approach, however, is simply sewing by following a line!
So let’s get started.
Free Pattern: NICU Bonding Heart
Free Pattern: NICU Bonding Heart Canva Link
If you’re a Canva user, you can click here for the Free NICU Bonding Heart Template.
How To Sew A NICU Bonding Heart
Making this NICU bonding heart is the perfect beginner sewing project for anyone who want to support families with preemies and other babies in the NICU.
Materials
- 1/4 yard of flannel or flannel scraps that measure at least 8" square
- Fabric marking pencil or pen
- Create To Donate's free NICU bonding heart pattern
- Lightweight cardboard (from a cereal box or something of that sort)
Tools
- Rotary cutter and mat or scissors
- Sewing machine (that's a given, right?)
Instructions
- Gather yor materials and download and cut out the free bonding heart pattern .
- Cut out the pattern.
- Cut two 8" squares of flannel.
- Place the fabric squares right side together and clip around all sides
- Trace the heart on the fabric using the fabric pencil or marker.
- Sew along the traced line to make the heart shape.
- Make sure to leave a 1.5"-2" turning hole in the middle of one of the longer edges.
- Trim the excess fabric around the heart.
- Turn the heart right sides out.
- Optional: Press around the edges to prepare for top stitching. This can be a finger pressing or you can use an iron.
- Top stitch around the heart to finish and close the turning hole.
Notes
- You can just use the paper pattern if you prefer, but having a pattern cut from a cereal box (or cardboard of a similar weight) makes it easily reusable.
- If you're new to this approach to tracing and sewing, you an cut the flannel squares at 9" instead.
Recommended Products
As an member of certain affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
NICU Bonding Heart Video Tutorial
Where Do You Donate NICU Bonding Hearts?
If you are looking for organizations that serve families with babies in the NICU, in addition to Preemies of the Carolinas, you can check out Project NICU or Little Giraffe Foundation to see if they have a current need.
The best first step is to contact your local hospital to see if they are accepting handmade flannel heart donations. This NICU directory can help you locate one in your area.
If you belong to or know of an organization that needs bonding scent hearts, please leave a comment below so that I can include them in a future blog post.
