Brighten up your day with this adorably cheerful smiley face granny square!
Perfect for beginners who've mastered basic crochet stitches, this 2.8-inch square brings a burst of happiness to any project. The classic yellow smiley face on a crisp white background is simple yet iconic - perfect for blankets, cushions, or even a quirky bag when joined with other squares.
Ready to spread some joy through your crochet? I'll guide you through each round with detailed instructions and photos, making it super easy to create your own piece of retro-inspired happiness. Let's get started!
Pin for later
Pin this pattern for a rainy day - because nothing beats the smile on your face when you finish this adorable granny square!
Recommended Yarn and Crochet Hooks
I absolutely love using Loopara Milk Cotton Yarn for this pattern because it gives you the sweetest and crispest stitches. The yarn not only offers perfect stitch definition that makes your smiley face pop, but it's also super soft and gentle to work with. Its durability means your creation will stand up to regular use and washing, while the beautiful matte finish gives such a professional look to your finished square.
For this cheerful design, you'll want to pick three colors that make you happy! While I've used white for the background, yellow for the smiley face, and black for the outlines in my version, feel free to play around with your favorite color combinations to make it uniquely yours. The possibilities are endless - imagine a pastel rainbow smile or even a bold neon face!
As for the hook, I've found that a 2.0mm size creates the perfect fabric for this design. This smaller hook works beautifully with the milk cotton yarn to create clean, defined edges and secure stitches. Your finished square will hold its shape beautifully, with a firm fabric and that professional-looking finish we all love.
The magic of granny squares lies in their endless possibilities. Not only can you whip up this little piece of happiness in one sitting, but each square also becomes a building block for something more amazing. Start with one smiley face, then watch your project grow into a cozy blanket that radiates joy, a playful cushion that brightens any room, or even a conversation-starting tote bag.
Materials needed for Smiley Face Granny Square (Style II)
- Yarn – Loopara 4ply combed cotton (Beige 03, Yellow 44, and Black 90)
- Hook – 2.0mm
- Scissors
- Yarn Needle
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch - chain
- sc - single crochet
- dc - double crochet
- sl st - slip stitch
- hdc - half double crochet
- inc - increase
- magic ring - also known as magic circle or adjustable ring
How to Crochet a Smiley Face Granny Square (Style II) – Step by Step
Round 1: Make a magic ring, chain 3, work 12 double crochet into the ring, slip stitch into the top of chain-3 to join.
Round 2: Chain 3 (counts as double crochet), double crochet in same stitch, 12 double crochet increase, slip stitch into the top of chain-3.
Round 3: Chain 3 (counts as double crochet), double crochet in same stitch, double crochet, (double crochet increase, double crochet) 12 times, slip stitch into the top of chain-3.
Round 4: Chain 3 (counts as double crochet), double crochet, (double crochet increase, 2 double crochet) 12 times, double crochet increase, slip stitch into the top of chain-3.
Round 5: Change color, chain 1, [8 single crochet, 2 half double crochet, (double crochet, chain 2, double crochet), 2 half double crochet] 4 times, slip stitch into the first single crochet to join.
Round 6: Chain 2, 10 half double crochet, (3 half double crochet in the next stitch), [14 half double crochet, (3 half double crochet in the next stitch)] 3 times, 3 half double crochet, slip stitch into the first half double crochet.
Round 7: Work a round of slip stitch in Round 4.
Round 8: Work 19 slip stitch in Round 3, use a yarn needle to embroider eyes on Rounds 1-3.
Tips: When working the magic ring, pull it tight before starting your stitches to avoid any holes in the center of your square. Try to keep your slip stitches loose when joining rounds - tight slip stitches can make your square curl at the edges.
How to Join Granny Squares
Granny squares are perfect for bags, clothing, and blankets. If you’re thinking of making one with those squares, I’m excited to share my comprehensive guide on 11 Ways to Join Granny Squares with you! I’ve detailed every method I know and love – each brings its own special touch to your finished piece. Let me help you discover which one works best for you!
How to Change Colors in a Granny Square
Are you looking for a different color palette? I totally get it—it’s why I love crochet! If you’re not crazy about our color palette, I put together two color-changing techniques that I use for all of my projects. Let me show you how to make these color transitions smooth and professional so you can bring your unique, creative vision to life.
How to Weave in Ends Crochet Granny Square
The secret for professional-looking granny squares is all about how you weave in those ends. I’m sharing 3 ways to weave in ends with you! These are techniques I’ve perfected over years of crocheting and use in all my projects. I’ll show you exactly how I secure my ends to make sturdy, polished pieces that last. Trust me, once you master these finishing methods, your granny squares will look absolutely stunning!
Care instructions
Let's make sure your cheerful creation stays smiling for years to come! While our Loopara Milk Cotton yarn is quite hardy, treating your square with a little extra love will keep it looking its best.
When it comes to washing, gentle is the way to go. Hand wash your square in cool water with a mild detergent - just like you're giving it a relaxing spa day! Avoid wringing or twisting, as this can distort those perfect stitches we worked so hard to create. Instead, gently squeeze out excess water and lay it flat to dry. If you're washing a finished project made from multiple squares, always wash it as a whole piece to maintain consistent shrinkage.
To keep those colors bright and happy, try to avoid direct sunlight during drying and storage. Trust me, nobody wants a faded smile! After your square is completely dry, store it in a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. If you're storing multiple squares before joining them, stack them flat rather than rolling or folding to maintain their shape.
Here's my favorite tip for maintaining the square's perfect shape over time: every few washes, you can lightly block your work by pinning it to shape while damp. This helps keep those corners crisp and your smiley face looking fresh and perky. Just remember to use rust-proof pins and a flat surface that won't be damaged by moisture.
What’s Next?
Share your finished smiley square and brighten someone's day! Tag your creation with #SmileyGrannySquare on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or pin it to your crochet inspiration board on Pinterest - I'd love to see your unique color combinations!
