Rainbow Granny Square Steering Wheel Cover Free Crochet Pattern
Rainbow Granny Square Steering Wheel Cover – Free Crochet Pattern
Introduction
This rainbow granny square steering wheel cover is the perfect project for anyone who wants to bring a little color and comfort to their daily drive. Made from a straight band of eleven plush velvet granny squares, it uses classic, familiar stitch patterns in a fresh new way. The velvet yarn gives it a soft, bohemian feel that is lovely to grip, while each square shows off its concentric rounds in bright rainbow shades. It works up quickly enough to make a wonderful early Christmas gift for a friend, family member, or yourself.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight (4) velvet yarn, 100% polyester, 3.5 oz (100 g) / 150 yds (137 m) per skein. You will need 1 skein each in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple (about 15–20 yds per square for the main color, plus small amounts for contrast rounds).
- Hook: 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook.
- Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, stitch markers (optional), measuring tape.
- Finished size: Approx. 44" (112 cm) circumference x 3.5" (9 cm) width, stretching to fit steering wheels 14–15" (35.5–38 cm) in diameter.
Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- dc – double crochet
- sc – single crochet
- sp – space
- sps – spaces
- rep – repeat
- st(s) – stitch(es)
Gauge
One granny square measures 4" (10 cm) square after round 4. To check your gauge, work one square through round 4 and measure it flat; adjust your hook size if it comes out noticeably larger or smaller.
Tips Before You Start
- Velvet yarn can shed and slip, so keep your tension relaxed and even to avoid a stiff, tight square.
- Work each square in a single color as written, or swap the contrast rounds for a scrappy look using leftover velvet.
- Count your double crochet groups at the end of each round to keep every square the same size before joining.
- Lay your finished squares flat and lightly steam or block them before assembly so the edges line up neatly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Granny Square (make 11, one in each color)
With main color, ch 4, join with sl st to form a ring.
Rnd 1: Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in ring, [ch 2, 3 dc in ring] 3 times, ch 2, join with sl st to top of ch-3 (12 dc, 4 ch-2 sps).
Rnd 2: Ch 3, 2 dc in same sp, ch 2, 3 dc in same sp (corner), *[3 dc in next ch-2 sp, ch 2, 3 dc in same sp] rep from * 3 times, join with sl st to top of ch-3 (24 dc, 4 ch-2 sps).
Rnd 3: Ch 3, 2 dc in same sp, ch 2, 3 dc in same sp, *3 dc in next sp, [3 dc in next sp, ch 2, 3 dc in same sp] rep from * 3 times, join with sl st to top of ch-3 (36 dc, 4 ch-2 sps).
Rnd 4: Ch 3, 2 dc in same sp, ch 2, 3 dc in same sp, *3 dc in each of next 2 sps, [3 dc in next sp, ch 2, 3 dc in same sp] rep from * 3 times, join with sl st to top of ch-3 (48 dc, 4 ch-2 sps). Fasten off.
Work 11 squares total, one in each color in this order: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, red, orange, yellow, green, blue.
Assembly
Join squares in a straight row by sewing or crocheting through back loops with matching yarn, aligning edges.
Border
With right side facing, join yarn in any corner sp.
Rnd 1: Ch 1, sc evenly around entire outer edge, working 3 sc in each corner and approx. 1 sc per dc along sides, join with sl st to first sc.
Rnd 2: Ch 3, dc in each sc around, working 3 dc in each corner, join with sl st to top of ch-3. Fasten off.
Assembly and Finishing
Seam the eleven squares into a single straight band, matching edges and using matching yarn for an invisible join. Weave in all ends securely on the wrong side. Block lightly to measurements, then stretch the cover over your steering wheel, aligning the seam at the bottom.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Use a contrasting border color to frame the rainbow squares and make the cover pop.
- Add a second row of sc around the border for extra durability on a high-use item.
- Mix velvet with a smooth worsted yarn for a textured, budget-friendly version.
