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Smiley Face Steering Wheel Cover Pattern

Smiley Face Steering Wheel Cover Pattern
4.5β˜… Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
2.0K Made This
βœ‚οΈ

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.

🏑

Cozy Accent

A warm touch for your space that transforms ordinary corners into inviting nooks filled with handmade charm.

About This Smiley Face Steering Wheel Cover Pattern

This pattern creates a colorful, daisy-themed steering wheel cover with matching seat belt cover using small floral squares joined as you go. It features cluster stitches, join-as-you-go assembly, and an optional ruffled trim for a playful edge. The pattern also shows how to embroider cute smiley faces on each daisy and how to secure the cover with buttons.

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

Designed for a 14.5-15 inch steering wheel, the pattern uses medium weight (#4) yarn and two hook sizes to achieve gauge and a comfortable fit. Full step-by-step instructions and photos guide you through making 10 daisy squares, joining them, trimming, and finishing the seat belt cover.

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

I absolutely love this pattern because it turns a simple car accessory into a joyful handmade statement. I enjoy the mix of basic squares and the cluster stitch daisy detail that give the cover lots of texture and personality. I also love that the pattern uses a join-as-you-go method which makes assembly fun and seamless. Embroidering the smiley faces is my favorite part β€” it adds so much charm and always makes me 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 customize this pattern by changing yarn colors and placement β€” pick a pastel palette for a soft, vintage look or go neon for a bold statement.

You can make the cover larger or smaller by switching to a different yarn weight and adjusting the hook size; bulky yarn and a larger hook creates a chunky cozy while fingering weight makes a delicate mini version.

Try alternating the daisy colors so each square has a different petal hue for a scrappy boho effect that looks great when joined as you go.

I often add embroidered accents like tiny cheeks or freckles to each smiley face to change the personality of the daisies β€” experiment with expression placement to create sleepy, surprised, or winking faces.

For a more secure fit, sew a thin strip of non-slip fabric or felt to the inside of the completed cover where it contacts the wheel; this helps reduce slipping while driving.

Want a reversible look? Use two contrasting trims: work one ruffle in a bright color on one side and a more subtle sc border on the other, then attach buttons that are reversible to flip styles.

If you prefer less bulk, omit the ruffle and instead add a single round of sc edging in a contrasting color to keep the cover slim and neat.

Try making a whole set of matching car accessories β€” seat belt cover, mirror charm, and keychain daisies β€” to coordinate your vehicle interior in one theme.

I sometimes swap the cluster stitch daisy for a simple popcorn stitch petal to change the texture; feel free to adapt the center flower technique while keeping the same square finishing rounds.

For gifting, consider stitching a small label into the seam with the recipient's name or a short message β€” it makes the handmade present feel extra personal and special.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

βœ— Not checking gauge before starting can lead to a cover that is too large or too small; make a test square and measure to match the 3.5 x 3.5" gauge before continuing. βœ— Cutting yarn and fastening off too early can make joining difficult; leave a long tail until you are ready to attach squares or trim so you can weave and secure neatly. βœ— Attempting the cluster stitch without practicing first may lead to inconsistent petals; practice the cluster stitch steps on scrap yarn until you have consistent loops and tension. βœ— Forgetting to slip stitch into corners correctly will create uneven joins; always slip stitch into the ch2 space when joining corners and follow the sequence described to keep edges square. βœ— Pulling yarn too tightly while joining squares will distort the final shape; keep a relaxed even tension when working join-as-you-go seams so the cover stays flexible and fits the wheel.

Smiley Face Steering Wheel Cover Pattern

Make a bright, cheerful crocheted steering wheel cover and matching seat belt cover that add personality to your car. This pattern uses small daisy squares joined into a stretchy band to fit most 14.5-15" steering wheels. You will enjoy joining-as-you-go squares, a ruffled trim, and embroidered smiley faces for a playful finish. Perfect for gifting or personalizing your ride with color and texture.

Intermediate 5-7 Hours

Materials Needed for Smiley Face Steering Wheel Cover Pattern

β€” Main Fabric

  • 01
    Medium weight yarn (#4) approximately 275 yards total in multiple colors
  • 02
    Suggested colors: Yellow (for centers), White (for petals), Accent colors such as turquoise, purple, pink, green for square borders (amounts included in total 275 yards)

β€” Tools Required

  • 01
    US 3.5mm crochet hook
  • 02
    US 5mm crochet hook
  • 03
    Tapestry needle (for weaving ends and embroidery)
  • 04
    3 3/4 inch buttons (3 buttons per seatbelt cover) - optional if making seatbelt cover
  • 05
    Thread (for sewing buttons)
  • 06
    Sewing needle

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β€” Materials :

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Required - US 3.5mm crochet hook. US 5mm crochet hook. 275 yards of 4 medium weight yarn. Tapestry needle

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Optional – 3, ΒΎ Inch buttons if making a seatbelt cover (3 buttons per cover). Thread. Sewing needle

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Gauge (one square) = 3.5 x 3.5"

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**Made to fit a steering wheel with a 14.5-15 inch diameter.

β€” Stitches and Abbreviations Used :

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*Pattern is written in US terms Chain – Ch Stitch or Stitches – st or sts Single Crochet – SC Half Double Crochet - HDC

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Double Crochet – DC Slip Stitch – Sl or Sl st Cluster Stitch – Cluster Magic Circle

β€” Special Stitches :

Infos :

Cluster Stitch: It will start like you are going to work a DC into a stitch. Yarn over, insert hook into the stitch, yarn over, pull through, yarn over, pull through the first 2 loops on your hook. Instead of yarning over again and pulling through the last two loops like a normal DC, you will yarn over again and insert your hook into the stitch. Yarn over, pull through. Then you will yarn over again and pull through the first two loops on your hook. Leaving you with 3 loops on your hook. You will repeat this again 2 more times until there are 5 loops total on your hook. When you have 5 loops on your hook, yarn over and pull through all 5 loops. Ch 1 to secure the cluster st. Further explained:

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1. Yarn over, insert hook into st, yarn over, pull through, yarn over pull through first two loops on your hook (2 loops left on hook)

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2. Yarn over, insert hook into st, yarn over, pull through, yarn over pull through first two loops on your hook (3 loops left on hook)

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3. Yarn over, insert hook into st, yarn over, pull through, yarn over pull through first two loops on your hook (4 loops left on hook)

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4. Yarn over, insert hook into st, yarn over, pull through, yarn over pull through first two loops on your hook (5 loops left on hook)

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5. Yarn over and pull through all 5 loops on hook

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6. Ch 1 to secure the cluster st.

β€” Steering Wheel Cover :

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I like to draw out the order or 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.

β€” First Square :

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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.

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

Round R1 :

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 R2 :

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 R3 :

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.

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Skip the next st, then in the following st place another cluster st.

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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.

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You will make 10 of these total.

Round R4 :

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.

Info :

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.

β€” Attaching the Squares :

Info :

Note: Alternatively, instead of using the β€œjoin 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 β€œjoin 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.

Info :

Adding New Squares:* In the top left corner of your first finished square join your yarn and pull up a loop.

Instruction :

Grab one of the completed daisies. You will then place 3 DC in between 2 of the cluster sts on the new daisy.

Instruction :

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.

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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.

Instruction :

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.

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* Repeat this process until you get to the last square (the 10th square).

β€” Joining the Final Square :

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Joining the Final Square: You will start the exact same way as all the other squares.

Instruction :

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

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Then going back to your finished square, you will sl st on to the space inbetween the corner and the set of 3 HDC.

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Place 3 HDC 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.

Instruction :

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.

Instruction :

Continue with the next side as normal - 3DC, 3HDC, 3HDC, 3DC. Once you are on the top side of the square it will be the same process you have been doing to join the squares, but you will be joining the top of your new square to the bottom of your very first square.

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Finish the final side as normal: 3DC, 3HDC, 3HDC, 3DC, then sl st into the corner of the square to the left. Now all your squares should be a continuous circle!

β€” Trim :

Info :

Trim: 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.

Instruction :

With a 5mm hook, Starting anywhere on one of the sides of the wheel cover you will attach your yarn then ch 3.

Instruction :

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.

Info :

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.

β€” Ruffle :

Instruction :

Ruffle: 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.

Instruction :

Then skip a st, in the next st work a sc.*

Instruction :

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.

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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.

β€” Seat Belt Cover :

Instruction :

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 β€˜attaching the squares’.

Instruction :

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.

Instruction :

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.

Instruction :

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.

Instruction :

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.

Instruction :

Step 5: Weave in any loose ends and you are done!

β€” Adding the Smiley Faces :

Info :

Adding the Smiley Faces: 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.

Instruction :

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.

Instruction :

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.

Instruction :

Start the second smile line the same way as the first by mirroring it. Starting a centimeter down from the eye, half way through the middle circle. Then across to half way through the outside dc.

Instruction :

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.

Instruction :

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.

Instruction :

Start the second smile line the same way as the first by mirroring it. Starting a centimeter down from the eye, half way through the middle circle. Then across to half way through the outside dc. Cover the gaps by going in and out following the line inbetween the rows of DCs.

Instruction :

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.

β€” Final Reinforcement :

Info :

You are now done! Woohoo! 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 below. 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 the 10 daisy squares using the join-as-you-go method: in the top left corner of your finished square join your yarn, place 3 DC into the new daisy corner, then slip stitch into the space between the corner and the set of 3 HDC on the finished square; continue across each side and finish corner with ch2 slip stitch.
  • When joining the final square, join the top of the new square to the bottom of the first square using the same join sequence so that all squares form a continuous circle.
  • Attach trim and ruffle: with a 5mm hook work 1 DC in every stitch around (2 DC,ch2,2DC in corners) then join a ruffle round (sc, skip, 3 DC repeat) and finish by slip stitching to the starting ch.
  • Reinforce the cover by sewing through both sides with a tapestry needle: thread yarn through front and back, tie a knot, weave back and forth around the wheel and tie off to secure the cover for safe use.
  • Sew three buttons onto the seat belt cover at the recommended positions (top left corner of top square, between the two center squares on the left side, and bottom left corner of the lower square) and weave in all loose ends.

Important Notes

  • πŸ’‘This pattern is made to fit a 14.5-15 inch steering wheel; check your wheel diameter and adjust yarn/hook if necessary.
  • πŸ’‘The pattern uses a join-as-you-go method which provides some stretch and makes fitting the wheel easier; alternatively you may sew or slip stitch squares together.
  • πŸ’‘Practice the cluster stitch before beginning if you are unfamiliar with it; consistent clusters are key to neat petals.

This colorful Smiley Face Steering Wheel Cover pattern brings sunshine to every drive with cheerful daisies and playful ruffled edges. Create a matching seat belt cover and add button closures for a practical, handmade touch. Perfect for gifting or brightening your own carβ€”happy crocheting! 🧢😊

You ask,

we answer.

FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The steering wheel cover is designed to fit a steering wheel with a 14.5-15 inch diameter 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 affect the final size and drape; adjust your hook size to match gauge and make a test square to ensure proper fit.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated intermediate; familiarity with double crochet, half double crochet, slip stitch, and cluster stitches is recommended for best results.

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 level, color changes, and embroidery details.