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Smiley Face Steering Wheel Cover Pattern

Smiley Face Steering Wheel Cover Pattern
4.1★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
1.5K Made This
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Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic crochet experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

⏱️

Weekend Treat

Takes 5-7 hours, making it an enjoyable project to finish over a couple of days.

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Stylish Touch

An elegant detail to elevate any look, combining traditional techniques with contemporary design sensibilities.

About This Smiley Face Steering Wheel Cover Pattern

This pattern creates a playful daisy-themed steering wheel cover with embroidered smiley faces and a matching seat belt cover option. Youll work ten flower squares, join-as-you-go, and add a ruffled trim to finish. The pattern uses basic and intermediate stitches including clusters, HDC, and DCs.

Smiley Face Steering Wheel Cover Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Clear step-by-step instructions and photos guide you through making each square, joining them, and adding facial embroidery. The finished cover is tailored to fit a 14.5–15 inch steering wheel and is easy to customize with colors.

Why You'll Love This Smiley Face Steering Wheel Cover Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it turns a simple, everyday object into a cheerful, handmade statement piece. I enjoyed designing the daisy motif to be both charming and modular, so you can change colors easily. The join-as-you-go method creates a flexible fit that hugs the wheel perfectly, which I find so satisfying. I also love that the smiley faces let you add personality with simple embroidery — it always brings a smile when I see the finished cover.

Smiley Face Steering Wheel Cover Pattern step 1 - construction progress Smiley Face Steering Wheel Cover Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Smiley Face Steering Wheel Cover Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Smiley Face Steering Wheel Cover Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love how easy it is to change the entire look by switching yarn colors for each square — try pastels for a soft, vintage feel or neon brights for a bold, modern vibe.

You can make the cover bigger or smaller by adjusting your hook size and yarn weight; a bulkier yarn and larger hook creates a chunky cozy version, while lighter yarn with a smaller hook gives a delicate mini version.

If you want a more subtle design, use tone-on-tone colors for the daisies and trim so the texture becomes the focus rather than bright color contrasts.

Try adding a thin strip of elastic inside the trim before finishing to help the cover hug the wheel snugger if you prefer a tighter fit.

Replace the embroidered smiley faces with small felt appliques or safety eyes for a different style — just be sure to attach them securely for safety.

Swap the ruffle trim for a simple crab stitch or reverse single crochet for a neater, more finished edge if you want a sleeker look.

I sometimes add a contrasting color round between the square join and the trim to create a framed look around each daisy — it makes the daisies pop beautifully.

For a seasonal twist, use autumnal shades for fall or icy blues and whites for winter; the pattern adapts easily to holiday color schemes.

If you prefer fewer seams, you could join squares with whipstitch or mattress stitch for a flatter seam rather than the join-as-you-go method.

I also enjoy making matching accessories — a set of coasters or a small bag using the same daisy squares creates a coordinated handmade gift set.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Joining squares without checking orientation can lead to mismatched edges; lay out your squares in the intended order and orientation before joining to ensure consistent placement. ✗ Not counting stitches after a round causes uneven sides and gaps; count your stitches at the end of R2 and R4 of each square to confirm you have the correct totals. ✗ Skipping the slip stitch when finishing rounds can make corners unstable; always slip stitch into the top of the ch-3 or top of the first cluster to secure your rounds properly. ✗ Sewing buttons on weakly can cause them to fall off the seat belt cover; use a strong thread and loop through each button multiple times (about 10 loops) for extra security.

Smiley Face Steering Wheel Cover Pattern

Make a cheerful, colorful steering wheel cover featuring daisy motifs and embroidered smiley faces. This pattern uses join-as-you-go granny-style squares so the cover fits a 14.5–15" steering wheel and can be customized with your favorite colors. Youll also find an optional seat belt cover tutorial and detailed step-by-step photos to guide you. Perfect for making a fun, handmade car accessory to brighten every drive.

Intermediate 5-7 Hours

Materials Needed for Smiley Face Steering Wheel Cover Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Medium weight yarn (4/Worsted) - approximately 275 yards total in multiple colors (use yellow for centers, white for petals, plus assorted accent colors for square backgrounds and trim).

— Tools Required

  • 01
    US 3.5mm crochet hook
  • 02
    US 5mm crochet hook
  • 03
    Tapestry needle
  • 04
    Sewing needle
  • 05
    Thread
  • 06
    3, 3/4 Inch buttons (optional, 3 buttons per seatbelt cover)

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— First Square :

Info :

Note: This part is worked in the round. After the first square, we will start joining as we go so it will be slightly different.

Info :

To make the steering wheel cover you will make a total of 10 flowers.

Round 1 (R1) :

(starting with the color you would like the smiley faces) - With a 3.5 mm hook (or whatever size you need to meet the gauge size), start a magic circle. From the circle Ch up 3, this will count as your first DC. Then in the circle work 11 DC. Leaving you with a total of 12 DC including your first ch 3. Finish the circle by slip stitching on to the top of the ch 3.

Round 2 (R2) :

Ch up 3 and in the same st work a DC. Then in the remaining 11 sts work 2 DC in each. Leaving you with 24 sts total including the ch 3. Sl st into the top of the ch 3. Cut yarn and fasten off.

Round 3 (R3) :

(this is the daisy part of the square, pictured in white) - Join the new yarn color in any st, and you are going to start a cluster st. The first cluster st will be different then the following 11. For the first cluster st, Ch 3, *yarn over, insert hook into the space, yarn over pull through, yarn over, then pull through the first 2 loops on the hook*, repeat 2 more times. There should be 4 loops on your hook. Yarn over, pull through all 4 loops, then ch 2. For every cluster st after the first one you will do the same process until you have 5 loops on your hook instead of 4.

Round 3 Continued :

Skip the next st, then in the following st place another cluster st. You will continue by working a cluster stitch in every other st around the circle and chaining 2 in between each one. (12 Cluster sts in total). Sl into the top of the first cluster st, cut yarn, and fasten off. You will make 10 of these total.

Round 4 (R4) :

(This will be the base color of the square) - Join new color yarn In a ch 2 space in between cluster sts, ch up 3, then work 2 DC in the same space. This will be the start of the corner of the square. *Moving on to the next space work 3 HDC. In the following space you work 3 more HDC. In the next space you will start the second corner by working 3 DC, ch 2, and work 3 more DC, leaving you with 6 DC total in the corner.* Repeat until you reach the final space where you placed the first 3 DC. In that space add 3 more DC, ch 2, and sl st into the top of the ch 3. Cut yarn and fasten off.

Round 4 Summary :

Each square follows the pattern of 3DC, 3HDC, 3HDC, 3DC, ch 2, 3DC in the same space, 3HDC, 3HDC, 3DC, ch 2, 3DC in the same space, 3HDC, 3HDC, 3DC, ch 2, sl st into first DC.

— Steering Wheel Cover :

Info :

I like to draw out the order of the colors I want to use before I start so that I do not get confused with the order. So for example, this is the color pattern I will be following for the steering wheel cover in this pattern.

— Attaching the Squares :

Info :

Note: Alternatively, instead of using the "join as you go" method of attaching the squares you can sl st your squares together, sc them together, or use any method you prefer for joining squares. The reason I like to use the "join as you go" method is because not every stitch is attached, it gives some stretch at the end to the steering wheel cover, making it fit easier.

Adding New Squares :

In the top left corner of your first finished square join your yarn and pull up a loop. Grab one of the completed daisies. You will then place 3 DC in between 2 of the cluster sts on the new daisy.

Joining Step :

Then going back to your finished square, you will sl st on to the space inbetween the corner and the set of 3 HDC. This is how you will connect the 2 squares.

Joining Continued :

HDC 3 in the next space on the new daisy, then sl st into the next space of the original square. Repeat once more by working 3 HDC in between the next 2 cluster sts, then sl st into the next space of your original square.

Finishing Side :

Finish the side by working 3 DC in between the next cluster sts, then slip st into the ch 2 space in the corner of the original square.

Work Around New Daisy :

Continue on working around the new daisy as normal by following the order of the first square - 3DC, 3 HDC, 3HDC, 3DC, ch2, then 3 DC in the same place, 3 HDC, 3 HDC, 3DC, ch 2, then 3 DC in the same space, 3 HDC, 3HDC, 3 DC.

Corner Note :

Once you are back where you started, sl st into corner or the original square. You do not need to ch 2 when you are sl stitching into the corners. The sl st replaces the ch 2.

Finish and Repeat :

Cut yarn, then fasten off. * Repeat this process until you get to the last square (the 10th square).

— Trim :

Trim Start :

Note - You can choose to do this one solid color or match the color of each of your squares. I decided to change colors each square to match, but you could do just one color all the way around if you would like. With a 5mm hook, Starting anywhere on one of the sides of the wheel cover you will attach your yarn then ch 3.

Trim Rounds :

In every st all the way around place a DC. When you get to the corners/ch 2 space of every square place 1 DC. After you return to your start, sl st into the top of the ch 2.

Changing Colors :

If you are wanting to change the color for each square you will DC in each st as normal, then when you get to the end of the square/ch2 space you will START a DC by yarning over, inserting your hook into the ch 2 space, yarning over and pulling through, yarn over and pull through the first 2 loops on your hook. Then you will not finish it as normal, but you will pick up the color of the next square over and pull through. Then place a DC with the new color.

— Ruffle :

Ruffle Start :

Join new yarn color (or continue up from your trim color), ch 1, sc in the same st, *skip 1 st, then in the following st work 3 dc.

Ruffle Repeat :

Then skip a st, in the next st work a sc.* You will repeat all the way around by skipping a st, working 3 DC in the same st, skipping a st, then in the next st placing a sc.

Ruffle Finish :

Once you return to the start, sl st into the first ch you made, cut yarn, and fasten off. Repeat for the opposite side. Weave in any loose ends to finish.

— Seat Belt Cover :

Step 1 :

With your 3.5mm hook, make 2 daisies (yellow center + petals), then attach them together just like you did previously in step of 'attaching the squares'.

Step 2 :

Switch to your 5mm hook and work one DC in every st around the steering wheel cover. For every corner/ch 2 spaces you will place 2 DC, ch 2, then place 2 DC in the same space.

Step 3 :

With the seatbelt cover laying horizontally, start in the top right corner of the right square and work a row of ruffles, just like on the steering wheel cover. Do so by chaining 1 in the corner, sc in the same space, skip a st, then place 3 DC in the same st. Repeat until you get to the end of the side.

Seat Belt Ruffle Finish :

Once you reach the end of the side, finish off your ruffle by placing your sc in the corner. Continue on by placing a sc in each st around the seat belt cover. In each corner/ch 2 place 2 scs. When you return to the corner that you started in, place 1 sc then sl st into your first sc.

Step 4 :

Sew on your 3 buttons with a sewing needle and thread. Make sure they are very secure. I typically loop my thread through my button about 10 times just to be safe. You will sew on a button on the top left corner of your top square, a button in between the 2 squares on the left side, and then one on the bottom left corner of the bottom square. The buttons are able to fit through the gaps of the ruffles on the opposite side to put on your Seatbelt.

Step 5 :

Weave in any loose ends and you are done!

— Adding the Smiley Faces :

Info :

To add the smiley faces you will need a tapestry needle. I like to add them as the very last step, but it is totally up to you.

Smiley Eyes :

To start the face, you will insert the tapestry needle with black yarn from the back side of the circle through the front. You will do so in between the cluster sts pictured, about half way down the outside row of DCs. Then insert your needle back through to the other side just below the top of the middle circle. This is your first eye.

Smile Lines :

To then start the smile lines, insert your needle about a centimeter down from the eye, half way through the middle circle. Then st across to half way through the outside dc. Moving on you will start stitching the mouth. The mouth will follow the line in between the rows of double crochets. Going in and out around each DC. You will come back later with a pass to cover the gaps.

Mirror and Finish :

Once your mouth has reached half way through the middle circle on the other side, you will move up to start the second eye. Mirror the first side by starting in between the opposite cluster sts, about half way down the second row of DCs Then insert your needle back through to the other side just below the top of the middle circle. Follow back through the mouth line, stitching over the gaps, until you return to the side of the mouth you started with. Once the face is complete you will weave in the loose ends with the tapestry needle.

— Finishing & Reinforcement :

Final Tips :

You are now done! It is strongly recommended to reinforce the steering wheel cover by sewing it on in some way. You can do so by sewing it all the way around in every st which can look somewhat like the picture in the PDF. To do sew you simply thread your yarn through the steering wheel cover on both sides with a tapestry needle and tie a knot. Then you weave your yarn back and forth through stitches. When you get to the sides where you cannot go through both the front and the back (sides and bottom of the wheel) carry your yarn through on the backside then continue. When you are done tie it off and weave in your end.

Assembly Instructions

  • Join each daisy square using the join-as-you-go method by placing 3 DC into the new daisy and slip stitching into the corresponding space on the finished square to connect them firmly.
  • Work the trim with a 5mm hook: place 1 DC in every stitch around the assembled ring, placing 1 DC in each corner/ch-2 space to keep corners neat, then slip stitch to finish.
  • Add the ruffle by joining a new color, ch1, sc in same st, then *skip 1 st, work 3 DC in next st* around; repeat on opposite side for a balanced ruffle finish.
  • Sew the seatbelt cover buttons in place using a sewing needle and thread, looping thread through each button multiple times (about 10 loops) for security and placing buttons where ruffle gaps allow fastening.
  • Embroider the smiley faces with black yarn and a tapestry needle by stitching eyes between cluster sts and stitching the mouth by following the in-between rows of DCs, then weave in ends.

Important Notes

  • 💡Gauge: One finished square should measure approximately 3.5 x 3.5 inches to fit the intended steering wheel size.
  • 💡This pattern is written in US terms and uses cluster stitches which are described in detail in the Special Stitches section.
  • 💡The pattern uses a join-as-you-go method which gives the final cover some stretch; alternatively you may sew or slip stitch squares together if preferred.
  • 💡It is strongly recommended to reinforce the finished cover by sewing it onto the steering wheel using a tapestry needle for added security.

This bright and happy Smiley Face Steering Wheel Cover is designed to make your car feel uniquely yours with cheerful daisies and smiley faces. Customize the colors to match your mood, switch the trim for a bold edge, and add the optional seat belt cover for a coordinated set. Handmade details and a secure join-as-you-go construction give a snug, smile-inducing fit every time you get behind the wheel. 🧶😊✨

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The finished steering wheel cover is made to fit a steering wheel with a 14.5–15 inch diameter when using the recommended yarn and hook sizes.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can use different yarn weights but this will change the finished size and drape; make sure to adjust hook size to meet gauge and measure a test square before continuing.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated intermediate and uses cluster stitches and join-as-you-go techniques, so basic crochet experience and familiarity with DC, HDC, and slip stitch are recommended.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters complete this project in 5-7 hours, though time may vary based on experience, color changes, and how quickly you sew on buttons or embroider faces.